Job Title: Environmental Science Pro Tem Research Assistant

Department: Ecosystem Workforce Program, University of Oregon

Department Summary:

The Institute for Resilient Organizations, Communities, and Environments (IROCE) (formerly the Institute for a Sustainable Environment) is the University of Oregon’s oldest sustainability-oriented research center, and has an interdisciplinary faculty with interests in sustainable rural development, natural resource and environmental policy, biodiversity conservation, land use and management, collaboration, conservation practices, ecological restoration, geography, climate change, and related issues. The successful candidate will support and enhance a diverse learning and working environment.

The Ecosystem Workforce Program, nested within IROCE is an applied social science research and extension program built on the fundamental belief that ecology, economy, and governance are intimately interconnected. EWP is a joint program of the IROCE at the University of Oregon and the College of Forestry at Oregon State University. This unique partnership allows Oregon’s two leading universities to collectively contribute to natural resource governance that fosters prosperity and sustainability. Together, we apply scientific expertise and leadership to produce better outcomes for land and people.

Position Summary:

This position with the Ecosystem Workforce Program supports a wide variety of quantitative and qualitative social science research and outreach related to landscape conservation and management, forest restoration, policy and management of public lands, and enhancing community resilience to wildfire and wildfire smoke events. These activities are designed to inform public policy, national forest management, community-based forestry, and efforts to build residence in rural and urban communities. While most of the projects focus on Oregon, the research has broad relevance across the American West. This position will be based in Eugene, Oregon with expectation of travel for fieldwork.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master's degree (or bachelor's degree with at least 2 years of relevant professional experience) in applied natural resource social science in fields such as forestry, environmental studies, public policy, geography, political science, rural sociology, history, planning, anthropology or other related fields. Significant professional experience may substitute for a bachelor's degree for highly qualified individuals.
• Experience with some combination of natural resource policy and management, community-government relations, collaboration, climate change, sustainable rural development, forestry or ecology, land use or transportation policy, green building, health policy, or a related field.

Professional Competencies:

• Knowledge of a variety of quantitative and qualitative social or natural science research methods, and ability to learn new methods as needs arise.
• Ability and willingness to travel regionally and nationally, including to remote, rural communities.
• Effective communications skills, including ability to write publications and documents and deliver presentations for diverse audiences.
• Ability to solve problems quickly and efficiently and learn new methodological skills.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and good time management.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and maintain overall program mission.
• Ability to work cooperatively in a team environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Specific knowledge and experience related to community-level social science research and outreach in natural resources conservation, landscape/forest management, and wildfire.
• Demonstrated expertise in ethnographic fieldwork in rural community settings.
• Experience with graphic design and layout, preparation of reports and factsheets, and/or website design.
• Experience and knowledge of ArcPro or other GIS software.
• Experience using Adobe Illustrator/Photoshop/InDesign.
• Experience and knowledge of SPSS, R or other statistical applications.

Additional details

• This position is funding contingent and limited duration (potentially renewable based on programmatic need, funding, and performance)
• Position to be based in Eugene, Oregon
• Applications accepted until the position is filled
• Application review will begin March 2, 2026
• Expected start date: April/May 2026