Position: Research Associate

Location: Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Reports To: Senior Wildlife Biologist, Yellowstone National Park and Chief People Officer, Yellowstone Forever

Status: Full-time / Non-Exempt

Summary Description:

Yellowstone Forever (YF) is the official nonprofit partner of Yellowstone National Park. Our mission is to protect, preserve, and enhance Yellowstone National Park through education and philanthropy. YF connects people to Yellowstone through outstanding visitor experiences and educational programs and translates those experiences into lifelong support of the park and philanthropic investment in its future. Our educational programming and products help people enhance their understanding and appreciation of the wildlife, natural wonders, and cultural history of the park. YF’s operations include Park Stores in and around Yellowstone; the Yellowstone Forever Institute, which offers in-depth educational programing for people of all ages; and a supporter program which raises funds for priority park projects.

The Research Associate plays a critical role in Yellowstone Forever’s operations, gathering, processing, and analyzing data samples and information. This position is located in Yellowstone National Park and would work with Yellowstone Center for Resources Senior Wildlife Biologist with the Yellowstone Wolf, Cougar, and Elk Projects. The purpose of the position is to help design, coordinate, and execute complete conventional projects using highly complex techniques and unusual skill, participate responsibly with the unit lead scientist in various phases of the research or biological resource research and management process, and/or administratively maintain a significant function or area of responsibility on an ongoing basis. These duties involve differing and unrelated processes and methods requiring extensive familiarity with the methods and practices of the science(s) or discipline(s) supported. At this level, assignments include administrative and/or technical assignments, projects and responsibilities which are distinguishable from those less experienced scientists or specialists employed to perform routine professional work or perform standardized professional assignments. Responsibilities of this position including training a team of Biological Technicians as well as preparing and delivering in-depth educational programs for public audiences. The ability to work independently and on teams is essential. Success in this position requires high degrees of attention to detail and excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Independently develops or designs various aspects of research, inventory, monitoring, restoration projects and/or management and manipulation of biological resources on the basis of overall objectives outlined by the supervisor;
• Contributes to the planning of various steps in experiment or project and to interpretation and documentation of findings. Participates as a team member with the unit scientist or specialist in all phases of the research process and assumes full technical and operational responsibility for specific phases of the research. Provides input into the initial planning of research;
• Selects appropriate methods and procedures for carrying the project plan to completion;
• Makes field observations of natural resource conditions. Evaluates observed conditions and problems, and interprets variables, trends, correlations, and interrelationships among data and conditions. Recommends management actions based on prescribed guidelines in existing park plans, and in large part on personal knowledge of the geographic area, and historical data;
• Operates and maintains a variety of highly specialized complex equipment which must be calibrated and synchronized to achieve desired results;
• Develops various procedures for sampling, testing, evaluation, and devises new or improved methods or designs specialized equipment;
• Performs highly complex techniques with unusual skill;
• Determines the kinds and frequency of tests, observations, etc., to be made and the amount of data to be recorded. Selects site locations, sampling techniques, appropriate equipment, logistics, etc. Installs, operates, and maintains resource management equipment (e.g., tools, traps, and sampling, monitoring, photography, and laboratory equipment). Inventories equipment, evaluates quality assurance compliance, and calibrates equipment as necessary. Orders replacement parts, new equipment, and supplies;
• Provides information to other employees and visitors about natural resource management programs and may develop and present related interpretive programs to the public. Interprets and documents findings by preparing information to be included in manuscripts or preparing reports summarizing progress or results of research. Reports include literature research, descriptions of methods, data analysis, graphs, charts, etc;
• Keeps exact, detailed records of experimental data. Tabulates, statistically analyzes and summarizes data using personal computers and software packages;
• Searches for literature pertinent to area of research, monitoring or management of natural resources for new procedures or techniques to use in the laboratory, field, or greenhouse;
• Assists Project Leads and Network Data Managers with meeting data management requirements of the monitoring projects and data quality review and certification. Ensures data are complete and meet standards for distribution and archiving;
• Assists in the design and development of global positioning system (GPS) data dictionaries, spatial data inventories, and cross linkages to ensure software and data structure compatibility;
• Collects, prepares, evaluates and verifies samples and supporting records. Maintains records and locates and compiles data and other information from various sources;
• Conducts portions of data management training and orientation sessions for network parks and others as needed;
• Works closely with park resource managers, scientists, GIS specialists, and cooperating personnel to assure that information products and related metadata are input and integrated into the National I&M Program databases (e.g., IRMA, NPSpecies, NPS Data Store, NPSTORET);
• Assists with research, conservation, and management of wildlife; the control of wildlife, or the determination, establishment, and application of the biological facts, principles, methods, techniques, and procedures necessary for the conservation, management and control of wildlife;
• Utilizes a variety of computer programs to compile, store, retrieve, analyze, and report data and other resource management information, including research and long-term monitoring projects, reports and correspondence;
• Develops draft guidelines to deal with the more complex or unusual problems, or with novel, undeveloped or controversial aspects of using database systems and GIS applications;
• Keeps current on emerging technologies related to network data management needs;
• In consultation with regional, unit and cooperating scientists, identifies research needs, prepares requests for proposals or statements of work, and may provide technical oversight for research projects;
• Carries out administrative project management duties by developing work plans and schedules, scopes of work, cost estimates, and proposals and/or grants to justify funding requests. May administer and track project funds and prepare accomplishment reports;
• Provides logistical support and area orientation for contract or cooperating scientists, provides technical information, ensures quality control, and solves logistical or operational problems within the scope of incumbent’s authority;
• Serves as contact with other professional employees in the agency, inside and outside of the immediate organizations, e.g., personnel from higher level organizational units, members of conservation and education groups, local officials and members of the general public, or, occasionally, resource individuals from State or local government units, or Federal agencies;
• Function safely in an outdoor setting in inclement weather as part of a team and, as needed, as a team leader;
• The work requires regular physical exertion such as walking or climbing over wet, rough, uneven and/or rocky surfaces; bending, crouching, stooping or reaching to observe, collect and/or record field data; or in some situations the work may require physical exertion to handle wild animals. Moderately heavy items, such as equipment packs weighing up to 50 pounds, must be lifted and carried on a regular basis. May be required to hike several miles in a day;
• The work environment varies from office/laboratory settings to field sites. The work performed in the field involves regular and recurring exposure to extreme weather conditions and terrain, poisonous plants, biting insects and wild animals. The employee is required to use protective clothing such as gowns, coats, boots, goggles, gloves;
• Safely and efficiently handle wildlife species like wolves and cougars during capture operations including assessing overall health and condition, attaching radio-collar equipment, taking blood samples, estimating age, and administering care during a health issue;
• Perform duties in and around a helicopter including safe loading and unloading of crew and gear, lifting and moving animals, and moving through deep snow;
• Perform duties involving use of trained dogs, tree climbing with ropes and safety harnesses for cougar capture and handling;
• Perform field work including telemetry, necropsies, collecting biological samples, and route-finding in off-trail, rugged mountainous terrain in all weather and seasons;
• Collect data on wildlife abundance and behavior. Interpret data in order to more effectively manage and study wolves, cougars, and elk;
• Train full-time and seasonal technicians in field work including telemetry use, behavioral observations and data collection, and collecting biological samples. Develop and implement research plans. Organize and analyze long-term data, as well as perform statistical analyses. Experience applying machine learning models to solve ecological questions/problems. Proficiency with R statistical programming language, or similar statistical modeling required;
• Write scientific articles in peer-reviewed journals, popular articles for the public;
• Assist with the writing of the program’s annual report by compiling information from the entire team;
• Collect data from fixed wing aircraft on multiple species;
• Develop science communication strategies for interacting with public audiences including public speaking and training events, interviews with journalists and writers, and writing. Develop graphic and fine art designs to complement scientific results, using advanced design programs;
• Perform management actions including aversive conditioning and hazing of wildlife, human crowd and traffic control, and communicating with the public on official operations;
• Communicate with collaborating researchers and respond to requests for expert advice from other scientists, young people with an interest in similar careers, authors, and artists;
• Education and outreach through public talks, conferences, academic groups;
• Donor engagement through NPS-Yellowstone Forever partnership;
• Represent Yellowstone Forever and its mission accurately and positively in person, in writing, and during film interviews;
• Foster a collaborative, team-oriented environment with YF employees, volunteers, and partners.

Basic Qualifications:

• Requires a graduate level education;
• Candidates must have or obtain NPS approved animal handling and NPS aviation safety training and demonstrate prior experience with wildlife captures;
• Team player with excellent oral and written communication skills;
• Ability to multi-task and work in a fast-paced environment;
• Proven ability to quickly learn and apply new systems, processes, and applications;
• Self-motivated with a sound approach to problem solving and timely task completion;
• Ability to sometimes work a flexible schedule, which may include nights and weekends when needed;
• Ability to learn and utilize techniques used to safely perform wildlife necropsies;
• Ability to work with little supervision and as part of a team for extended periods of time;
• Ability to use GPS and topographic maps for backcountry navigation;
• Ability to use statistical programs for data analysis and publication;
• Ability to backpack with a load up to 50 pounds and be self-contained in extreme weather conditions;
• Ability to represent YF in a courteous and professional manner;
• This position involves driving YF vehicles, therefore applicants must hold and maintain a valid US driver’s license, and maintain a favorable driving record for insurance purposes;
• A satisfactory criminal background check are conditions of employment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• A doctoral degree in biological sciences or a master’s degree in a related field from an accredited institution, or equivalent experience;
• Experience working in a non-profit environment;
• Knowledge of Yellowstone National Park and northern Rocky Mountain environments;
• Experience speaking to the public about controversial wildlife issues;
• Experience working, camping, and hiking in a remote backcountry setting.

Compensation:

This is a full-time, non-exempt position, which will be based in Yellowstone national Park. Travel between the offices and throughout the park may be required. Salary is based upon experience. Benefits of this position include knowing that your efforts directly benefit Yellowstone National Park and having the opportunity to work in one of the world’s premiere wilderness areas.

Yellowstone Forever is an equal opportunity employer. It is our policy to comply with all applicable local, state, and federal laws prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, marital status, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, political beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.