Applied Science And Engagement Specialist

About Us:Job Summary/Basic Function:

The Applied Science and Engagement Specialist is a new position focused on providing decision support to agricultural stakeholders, including farmers, ranchers, government agencies, and non-profit representatives. The Applied Science and Engagement Specialist will work as part of a team to deliver decision support tools that lead to the adoption of sustainable agriculture land management practices and will have the opportunity to contribute to meaningful conservation work in Southern Idaho and Eastern Oregon.

The Specialist will work as part of a diverse team of graduate students, post-docs, faculty, agency, and NGO scientists. Our team is developing scientific knowledge and cutting-edge decision-support tools, funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and NASA, and the main responsibility of the Specialist is to spearhead the communication and extension of scientific knowledge to people on the ground who are managing the land.

The Specialist will oversee outreach and stakeholder engagement activities for a suite of projects focused on two pressing agricultural sustainability issues:

1. Adaptation to climate change using "climate-smart" agricultural practices, including beaver rewilding and other mesic restoration strategies (for example, see https://youtu.be/I1mD5FEoRCk); and
2. Implementing systematic farmland preservation strategies to protect the highest priority agricultural lands from urban and exurban development (for example, see https://www.boisestate.edu/hes/projects/farmlandloss/).

Department Overview:

The position is based in Human-Environment Systems (https://www.boisestate.edu/hes/), which is within the School of the Environment (https://www.boisestate.edu/environment/) at Boise State University. This is a dynamic community of faculty, researchers, and students committed to trans-disciplinary, team-based, actionable research that addresses real-world environmental challenges. Dr. Jodi Brandt (https://www.boisestate.edu/hes/people/jodi-brandt/) will be the Specialist's supervisor and mentor. Boise State University, powered by creativity and innovation, stands uniquely positioned in the Northwest as a metropolitan research university of distinction. Learn more about Boise State and the City of Boise at https://www.boisestate.edu/about/boise-and-beyond/.

The Human-Environment Systems team is working to solve complex environmental problems and train a new generation of students to meet the challenges of the next century. We believe that meeting the great environmental challenges facing the planet requires understanding the interplay between the biophysical world and our societal actions. We aspire to create knowledge and capacity to address these challenges.

Level Scope:

Fully competent and productive professional contributor who applies acquired job skills, policies, and procedures to complete substantive assignments/projects/tasks of moderate scope and complexity. Works independently with general supervision. Exercises judgment within defined guidelines and practices to determine appropriate action. May provide guidance, assistance, and training to entry-level professionals, support employees, and students

Essential Functions:

Specific activities of the Specialist include:

1. 1. Gain a deep understanding of the knowledge and tools being developed by the research teams, and the sustainability issues that the research addresses, by interacting with the project team and reading scientific papers and other published literature.
   2. Ensure that the research team's work is informed by on-the-ground land management practices and perspectives by directly engaging with diverse agricultural stakeholders, via workshops, webinars, and 1-on-1 conversations and conveying those learnings to the research teams.
   3. Design creative and diverse science communication products (e.g., training and workshop content, digital services, published materials, case studies) that effectively communicate scientific knowledge and tools to agricultural stakeholders.
   4. Coordinate the activities of a CIN (Coordinated Innovation Network) to facilitate information exchange among the research team and stakeholder groups.
   5. Take a lead role in planning, organizing and implementing events that facilitate engagement with the research teams and the stakeholder groups.
   6. Respond to project-related questions and requests by stakeholders engaged in agricultural land management.
   7. Provide mentorship to graduate students working on the research teams.
   8. Provide support for budgets, management, and logistics for the research teams.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Working knowledge of scientific principles, research design, and research protocols, including analysis and collection of samples
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Ability to perform field or laboratory work, as applicable to the position
• Ability to learn new skills with an appropriate amount of training
• Ability to develop working relationships with research partners and vendors
• Experience with conducting outreach

Minimum Qualifications:

Requires a minimum of Master's or equivalent degree, or Bachelor's or equivalent degree, plus at least 2 years of post-bachelor's work experience in a role that is similar to that of a Research Assistant.

Preferred Qualifications:

Competitive candidates will have either a) a PhD, or b) an MS with 2 years of Applied Science and/or stakeholder engagement experience, in topics related to agricultural sustainability.
We are seeking a candidate with a strong foundation in applied environmental science, excellent science communications skills, and a strong desire to use their skills to influence on-the-ground environmental management decisions towards sustainable land use practices. This position would also be a good fit for an experienced science communication/outreach professional who desires to work in a dynamic, flexible environment that encourages creativity and pursuing new ideas.
Experience with GIS and spatial analysis is helpful, but not required. Salary and Benefits:

The salary for this position is $62,000 + full benefits. Funding is available for 3 years. Boise State University is committed to offering a benefits package that provides health and financial protection plans as well as resources to promote health and well-being. Our program provides flexibility so you can choose the benefits that are right for you and your family. Learn more about our benefit options at https://www.boisestate.edu/hrs/benefits/.

Required Application Materials:

Applicants should apply with a cover letter, CV, and contact information for 3 references. The cover letter should highlight previous outreach activities and community outcomes. We will review applications as they arrive, and the position can start as early as April 1, 2024.