The USGS Southwest Biological Science Center is recruiting for a research position to study the interactions of climate and land-use change, economics, and ecosystem ecology. This is a full time, contract position (one year with possibility of extension). Applicant will have the option of being located at the field stations in Moab UT or Flagstaff AZ.
Description of Duties: The incumbent will be responsible for preparing scientific papers describing the temporal and spatial trends in agents of change on Colorado Plateau ecosystems, with an emphasis on climate, energy development, recreation, and agriculture. Incumbent will synthesize and analyze relevant data and work as part of an interdisciplinary team that includes geographers, community ecologists, landscape ecologists, soil scientists, social scientists, and hydrologists. The goal of this research effort is to quantify how climate and land-use change have evolved over the last ~100 years, characterize how they are expected to change throughout the remainder of the 21st century, and assess the implications of those trajectories for Colorado Plateau ecosystems and human communities. The incumbent will need to compile, analyze, and synthesize data from disparate sources, think critically at large spatial scales, and communicate results effectively to a variety of audiences. Major duties consist of 1) project planning and management; 2) compiling datasets (both tabular and spatial); 3) using GIS to assemble layers, perform analysis, and prepare maps; 4) performing statistical analyses; and 5) preparation graphs, tables, and reports or scientific papers. The work is approximately 95% office and 5% field work. Qualifications: Education and/or experience in geography, economics, ecology, soil science, or related field is required (PhD is preferred). Prior experience with large-scale geographic and ecological analysis as well as familiarity with statistical analyses, GIS, and preparation of manuscripts for peer reviewed publications is also preferred. A valid US driver’s license is required. Non-US citizens may be eligible to participate, depending on their immigration status and the applicable regulations of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service. Applicant must either be a currently enrolled student or have graduated in the past year. Compensation and start date: This is a contract position. Salary is $24.94/hour (~$52,075/year). A start date of July 2015 or earlier is preferred. How to apply: To apply, please send cover letter, resume, an unofficial copy of college transcript, and contact information for 2 references to crs_j...@usgs.gov. Note: applicant will be required to provide his/her social security number before any award can be made but need not include it in their resume. Other documentation: If selected for the position, the applicant must provide an official transcript and proof of enrollment. Special Terms: For all legal purposes, applicant is regarded as an independent contractor. Payments for services are reportable and taxable as earned income. No Federal, State, or Local income taxes will be deducted. No Social Security or Medicare taxes will be deducted. Applicant is responsible for payment of all taxes as a result of income received under this order. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) will report the total amount paid under this order to the Internal Revenue Service on a Standard form 1099. The applicant is not considered an employee and will not receive a W-2 form. For payment, applicant must have a checking or savings account at a financial institution that will accept direct deposits of Federal funds. The USGS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Selection for this position will be based solely on merit, fitness, and qualifications without regard to race, sex, color, religion, age, marital status, national origin, non-disqualifying handicap conditions, sexual orientation, or any other non-merit factors. This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities.
