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The School of Environmental and Forest Sciences is looking for a Research Scientist/Engineer 2 to serve as a Fire Ecologist specialist on Postfire Management and Pre-fire Planning.
POSITION PURPOSE
The School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, University of Washington, in collaboration with the USFS Pacific Northwest Research Station, is seeking a RESEARCH SCIENTIST with expertise in fire modeling and remotely sensed data to support innovative research and monitoring to inform postfire management and pre-fire forest planning across the West under a changing climate. This project is designed to understand the short- and long-term consequences a of active and passive management treatment effects on stand structural characteristics following large wildfires. The project is quantifying treatments effects following large wildfires across the largest wildfires. The project informs the use of postfire management treatments (e.g., prescribed fire, salvage logging) to increase forest resilience to subsequent wildfire, biotic stressors and expected changes in climate. Long-term monitoring will evaluate whether accumulation of dead woody fuels and shrub regeneration hinders the reestablishment of seedling regeneration, deflecting the trajectory for forest succession and therefore preventing the accomplishment of long-term management objectives. Results of this project will inform forest managers to plan management treatment interventions to effectively steer early seral trajectories toward desirable future conditions. The incumbent will join a research team of postdoctoral scholars, federal scientists, and university faculty with expertise on fire ecology, silviculture, forest management, statisticians, and geospatial analysts. The research team has been establishing monitoring plots across the western US that includes several National Forests and BLM Districts in Arizona, Washington, California, Idaho, and Oregon.
POSITION COMPLEXITIES
The position provides an outstanding opportunity to apply a variety of analytical skills to perform original and applied research, present the results at scientific meetings and trainings, and assist in publishing papers in peer-reviewed journals. The position also provides the opportunity to work with a wide user community involved in post-fire restoration and management, fire ecology, and wildland fire sciences, nationally and internationally. The position requires independent planning, prioritizing, and execution of projects and tasks under the general direction of a School of Environmental and Forest Sciences (SEFS) faculty member and a USFS scientist.
POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES
The successful candidate will be responsible for managing the collection of long-term quality postfire inventory data and will provide research support with statistical and geospatial analysis, wildland fire modeling, fuel and vegetation modeling, risk analysis, R or Python programming and mentorship as well as the compilation and loading routine of annual inventory collection projects. Incumbent will lead a field crew on establishment and collection of forest biometric data.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Research (70%)
Project Management (15%)
Outreach (15%)
Lead responsibilities
The incumbent will be responsible for managing the collection of long-term quality postfire inventory data and will provide research support with statistical and geospatial analysis, wildland fire modeling, fuel and vegetation modeling, risk analysis, R or Python programming and mentorship as well as the compilation and loading routine of annual inventory collection projects. Incumbent will lead a field crew on establishment and collection of forest biometric data. Selected candidate will be responsible for ensuring that research protocols are followed during the execution, data entry, and analysis of studies on fire and smoke hazards for federal, state, and tribal lands.
Supervisory responsibilities
Works effectively as a member of a team under technical guidance of seasoned staff and collaborators; Incumbent will lead a seasonal field crew during the summer composed of students and technicians as necessary to achieve specific assignments.
Working Environmental Conditions
The appointment is full time, 40 hours per week. The incumbent will be required to hike carrying at least 45-pound packs with all related field gear; pack weights can exceed 60 pounds. Crews work at elevations ranging from 3,500 to 14,000 feet when accessing permanent inventory plots and expected to hike long distances to reach plot locations both on- and off-trail, and work on steep and or rough terrain. Crews will be working in sun, rain, and snow, across the full range of temperatures which can change rapidly throughout the day.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
A Bachelor's degree in a science-related field in forestry, fire ecology, botany, natural resources, or geospatial science and two years of relevant experience, or equivalent combination and experience. Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Contacts/Interactions
Interact with faculty, other staff members, student employees, and collaborators of USDA Forest Service and other federal and state agencies on a daily to weekly basis to develop accurate and timely geospatial analysis and databases.
Application Process: The application process may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process. These assessments may include Work Authorization, Cover Letter and/or others. Any assessments that you need to complete will appear on your screen as soon as you select "Apply to this position". Once you begin an assessment, it must be completed at that time; if you do not complete the assessment, you will be prompted to do so the next time you access your "My Jobs" page. If you select to take it later, it will appear on your "My Jobs" page to take when you are ready. Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until all required assessments have been completed.
Committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff, the University of Washington will honor your experiences, perspectives and unique identity. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable and welcoming.
The University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.
To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu.
Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.
