The Department of Fisheries and Wildlife at Oregon State University (OSU) invites applications for a full-time (1.0 FTE), 12-month, fixed-term Research Associate (Post-Doc) position. Reappointment expected for a second year contingent on successful performance and availability of funding. Position will work closely with Dr. Dana Sanchez (wildlife and range ecology) and Dr. Lisa Ellsworth (range and fire ecology).
The overarching objective of this study is to quantify the responses of plant community as well as small-bodied mammals and mule deer to multiple restoration scenarios following stand-replacing wildfire in the Phillip W. Schneider wildlife management area. The field site was historically renowned as a critical wintering area for mule deer. Historic overgrazing, expansion of western juniper, loss of understory, and invasion by multiple non-native annual grasses have contributed to significant declines in habitat quality and site occupancy by multiple native wildlife species. Further, a large wildfire in 2014 has presented new challenges to ecosystem restoration as well as has spurred new questions about post-fire ecosystem response. The Research Associate (Post-Doc) will: 1) merge and analyze existing data sets of fire effects on invasive/native species dynamics; 2) lead field and lab efforts for upcoming research phases focused on testing how management alternatives pre-fire (juniper cutting, cessation of grazing) and post-fire (e.g., herbicide, herbaceous and woody seeding, seedling planting) impact ecosystem recovery and wildlife utilization following disturbance; 3) present research results in written and oral formats for scientific and management audiences, and; 4) contribute to pursuing new research questions and funding potentials within the larger project objectives. An ability to work independently and constructively as part of multi-faceted research team is critical. The Department of Fisheries and Wildlife is an academic unit that reports to the College of Agricultural Sciences. The Department is composed of approximately 300 staff - including academic faculty, research assistants, classified staff, graduate students, temporary staff and undergraduate students. The mission of the Department is to discover, integrate and disseminate knowledge about wildlife and fisheries resources, as well as ecosystems and human communities with which they interrelate. It accomplishes this through an interconnected program of 1) undergraduate and graduate education; 2) scholarly research; and 3) extended education. Postdoc will be expected to perform the following activities: 40% Conduct research and analyses on vegetation and animal responses to pre- and post-fire treatments. Merge and manage existing and new project datasets, analyze data, and present results in written and oral scientific and outreach communications. 30% Lead field data collection efforts. Hire, supervise, and train field crews, manage logistics including but not limited to scheduling trips, reserving vehicles, assigning work duties, overseeing data collection and entry, assuring quality of field efforts. Travel using University, government or agency motor vehicles and equipment (ATVs, trailers) is required to perform some of the research duties. 30% Communicate with state and federal agencies, professional groups, stakeholders, and members of the general public, including publication in scientific journals. Participate in grant-writing with PIs to fund the next stage and future expansion of project topics. The Research Associate (Post Doc) will oversee field work in a beautiful, yet remote area south of Dayville, OR. The field site was historically renowned as a critical wintering area for mule deer. Although a truly beautiful region, working on the study area involves rugged travel via ATV and hiking. Daily conditions can be challenging, including extreme hot and cold weather, high fire risk, encounters with venomous reptiles and semi-primitive living conditions at a historic ranch house that serves as the project's base camp. Applicants must be willing and able to work under difficult field conditions. Full position description and application instructions can be found on the OSU website: jobs.oregonstate.edu/applicants/Central?quickFind=69342 Posting number: 0016932 Please feel free to contact Dr. Sanchez and/or Dr. Ellsworth with any questions about the position at dana.sanc...@oregonstate.edu AND lisa.ellswo...@oregonstate.edu. Lisa M Ellsworth, Ph.D. Assistant Professor, Senior Research Department of Fisheries and Wildlife Oregon State University Nash Hall, Room #104 Corvallis, OR 97330 www.lmellsworth.com "May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds." Edward Abbey (1927 - 1989)
