Natural Resource Scientist 1

As the Natural Resource Scientist 1 for the Center for Sustaining Agriculture and Natural Resources, you carry out specific and limited research objectives focused on issues affecting food‑energy‑water systems in the Pacific Northwest within the agricultural and natural resources domain. You consult with your supervisor and work with a team that, informed by input from internal and external stakeholders, determines needs, goals, and objectives. You contribute to defining research projects that respond to those needs. You collaborate with research teams and other partners and contribute to research, including data collection, data management, and the synthesis of existing research results. You cultivate relationships with stakeholder clientele, respond to identified needs, and contribute to future proposal development. Your role includes conducting surveys, managing focus groups and conducting interviews; developing record‑keeping, analysis, and reporting procedures; and formulating and justifying conclusions and recommendations. You coordinate the interpretation of results, and produce project reports, scientific publications, Extension publications, curricula, and other materials in a variety of traditional and non‑traditional formats for dissemination. You conduct literature reviews, analyze and apply related research conducted by others, and support the implementation of engagement, outreach and training programs for the Center. Periodic travel within the state, region, and beyond is required.

Current projects include a survey effort to understand apple and pear growers’ perceptions on impacts of heat and cold on tree fruit, and the strategies they use to mitigate those impacts; the evaluation of a pilot academy to empower Extension professionals to lead regional climate change adaptation in specialty crops; synthesizing interviews with Extension professionals to explore the potential value of seasonal forecasts for water and crop management.

Percentage Breakdown of Job Functions:

• 70% Research and extension scholarship and outreach
• 25% Program coordination and reporting
• 5% Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications:

• Masters degree in related field, with either a programmatic or experiential emphasis on natural resources management, agriculture, or a related area.
• Knowledge of statistical theory and techniques; qualitative research methods; logic and grammar, basic methods of problem solving; research methods; the body of knowledge relating to science communications.
• Ability to: reason logically, draw valid conclusions and make appropriate recommendations; gather and analyze data; participate in conferences and interviews; speak and write effectively; establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Additional Requirements:

• Valid driver’s license.
• Ability to travel periodically, locally, regionally, and/or nationally, including overnight.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working on research, communications and extension related to agriculture, water and/or natural resource issues. PhD in relevant areas can substitute for this experience.
• Experience applying social science methods to analyze interview- and survey-based data.
• Familiarity with and experience working with the diverse agricultural production systems of the Pacific Northwest.
• Record of publications, including journal articles, extension publications, and/or popular media.
• Experience coordinating and implementing extension events, trainings or other in-person or virtual convenings and trainings to engage, disseminate and share knowledge.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively interact with peers, professionals, and the general public.
• Demonstrated interest in, and experience with, working with diverse communities on challenging and cross-cutting systems level issues.

Additional Information:

This is a full time (100% FTE), non-permanent position.

Anticipated start date: October 1, 2026.

Location: Wenatchee, WA. Remote/hybrid options may be available within Washington state.

Position Term: 12 Months

Monthly Salary: $4,866 to $6,542 | Range 52 Steps A - M | Successful candidates are typically hired at the beginning of the salary range and receive scheduled salary increment increases in accordance with WAC 357-28. Overtime eligibility will be determined based on final salary placement.

Position Sponsorship Eligibility: Not eligible for work visa sponsorship

Area/College: College of Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences (CAHNRS)

Department Name: Center for Sustaining Agriculture and Natural Resources