National Bird Conservation Social Science Coordinator (Research Associate at Virginia Tech)
Ashley Dayer
Please help share this announcement so we find the best possible candidate for this important new position.
The direct link to the position is here: https://listings.jobs.vt.edu/postings/67309
The description is also below.
National Bird Conservation Social Science Coordinator – Research Associate
The National Bird Conservation Social Science Coordinator will 1) identify issues in bird conservation that are priorities for social science research; 2) connect those bird conservation partnerships needing social science support with appropriate social scientists and other resources (e.g., helping to identify social scientists for Joint Venture Technical Committees); 3) serve as a liaison between researchers and bird conservation professionals on high priority bird conservation social science study teams; 4) collaborate with other social scientists responsible for developing resources and tools including trainings for conservation professionals; 5) interpret, synthesize, and apply results from social sciences that are relevant to bird conservation; 6) provide expert review for bird conservation-related social science surveys and other types of instruments, and maintain an updated repository of bird-conservation related social science efforts; and 7) contribute to social science research relevant to bird conservation on topics with broad transferability. In 2016-18 research will focus on 1) a study of private landowners’ behaviors and participation in incentive programs and 2) an ongoing study of wildlife recreationists (i.e., hunters and bird watchers). The Coordinator will serve as the co-chair of the North American Bird Conservation Initiative’s (NABCI) Human Dimensions Subcommittee and implement relevant priorities as identified in NABCI’s Strategic Plan and the subcommittee’s work plan. He/she will work closely with the Coordinators of the Bird Conservation Partnerships, NABCI, and Joint Ventures. Additionally, the Coordinator will regularly engage with the North American Waterfowl Management Plan’s Human Dimensions Working Group, Unified Science Team (including Tri-Initiative Science Team and the North American Waterfowl Management Plan’s Science Team), bird conservation communications teams (e.g., the Joint Venture Communications, Education, and Outreach Team and NABCI’s Communications Subcommittee), and other agencies’ and organizations human dimensions specialists (e.g., the USFWS National Wildlife Refuge System’s Human Dimensions Branch).
Required Qualifications:
· M.S. in social sciences related to conservation, natural resources, and/or wildlife management and at least 5 years of professional experience in social sciences related to conservation, natural resources, or wildlife management, or Ph.D. in social science related to conservation, natural resources, and/or wildlife management and at least 2 years of relevant professional experience.
· Knowledge of social science (e.g., psychology, sociology) concepts, principles, and methods as applied to wildlife or other natural resource management sufficient to identify research needs, provide technical support, develop project methods, analyze data, write reports, and present technically accurate and actionable results.
· Demonstrated experience: building relationships with decision-makers and ensuring social science results are applied to conservation planning, program development, and policy; communicating scientific results and methods to conservation professionals through trainings and web-based materials; managing complex projects involving multiple stakeholders; and collaborating with others on teams to accomplish shared objectives.
· Skills in qualitative and quantitative social science data collection methods (i.e., surveys, interviews, focus groups), data analysis, and statistical programs (e.g., SPSS).
· Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications: Knowledge of bird conservation partnerships and initiatives. Experience conducting social science research to better understand key audiences who affect bird conservation, including recreationists, private landowners or public land managers. Experience obtaining funding through grant proposals and contracts. Experience with social-ecological research, integrating methods and results from multiple disciplines. Experience designing and leading trainings about social science results and methods to conservation professionals with a biological background. Experience in aiding conservation professional or stakeholders in identifying shared priorities or research needs.
To Apply: please complete the online application at http://www.jobs.vt.edu, posting #SR0160101 by the posting close date of July 29, 2016. If you have any questions please email Dr. Ashley Dayer at da...@vt.edu.
Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. For inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies, contact the executive director for Equity and Access at 540-231-2010 or Virginia Tech, North End Center, Suite 2300 (0318), 300 Turner St. NW, Blacksburg, VA 24061.