Mountain Studies Institute (MSI) is a 501 (c)(3) non-advocacy, mountain education and research nonprofit established in 2002. MSI was created to increase knowledge of our unique mountain environments, deepen our understanding of the issues that affect them, and develop solutions for the benefit of our vibrant mountain communities. We build partnerships to steward natural and cultural values by engaging scientists, citizens, and land managers to innovate solutions through advancing research, promoting education, and developing best practices to put science into action. 

Mountain Studies Institute (MSI) is seeking a motivated and dedicated researcher to develop applied research initiatives and restoration projects in alignment with MSI’s mission, and community and partner needs. MSI is seeking to build a preeminent applied science team focused on ecological restoration and the impact of upstream restoration on watershed resiliency across the Southwest. The research will focus on watershed restoration, including the nexus between water resources and forest management, that benefits proximate and downstream habitat and communities. The research should help bridge the gap between science and management with a focus in understanding how forest, stream, and wetland restoration impacts hydrologic function of systems.

The expectation is that this individual will be able to independently:

• Conceptualize new research initiatives
• Implement and lead all research components including experimental design, field campaigns, data analysis, and writing
• Interpret research results through publication and oral presentations
• Represent MSI in meetings with the public, partners, and at scientific conferences
• Present research findings and pitch new initiatives to potential funders
• Explore medium to large funding opportunities to leverage this position into the future beyond the first year

This position will immediately contribute to existing MSI research initiatives including:

• Snowtography
• Processed Based Restoration
• Stream and wetland Restoration
• Fen Restoration

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

The successful candidate will have a passion for applied science, restoration, and mountain communities; be adept at both field and analytical tasks; and demonstrate the ability to make sound decisions in a mountainous field setting across all seasons. They will thrive in a team atmosphere and bring a proactive approach to addressing the needs of a dynamic organization. They will competently balance multiple, diverse, overlapping project timelines and creatively find solutions. Occasionally, long days, evenings, and/or weekends are required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Education: PhD in a relevant field, including Hydrology, Ecology, Biology, Environmental Science, Geography, Geology, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Snow Science, etc.
• >5 years in a similar or related field directly relevant to ecohydrology research
• Experience with tribal, state, and federal government agencies (Southern Ute Tribe, Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, Navajo Nation, EPA, BLM, USFS, CDPHE, DRMS, USACE)
• Strong track record of relevant publishing in peer-reviewed journals, preference for five or more publications
• Expertise in geographic information systems and remote sensing (can include ESRI ArcGIS Pro, Survey 123, QGIS, Python, R, Google Earth Engine) and spatial data management
• Expertise in database management (R, Access, MatLab)
• Expertise with statistical analysis and associated software packages (R, Python, JMP, SAS, etc.)

DESIRED EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

• Experience leading independent research
• Experience planning and executing complex projects, including budgeting, contract deliverables, and reporting
• Experience building rapport with partners and navigating stakeholder relationships collaboratively
• Grant writing experience and track record of success
• Experience in snow science, including snow surveys and snow water equivalent
• Experienced with wetland and stream restoration concepts, principles, and design
• Experience with multi-mode backcountry travel in all seasons. Demonstrated ability to make situational decisions while in a field setting based on personal/group/team safety: terrain, weather, conditions, etc.
• Local knowledge of the San Juan Mountains and the Four Corners region

CERTIFICATIONS TO BE OBTAINED BEFORE OR UPON HIRING

• Wilderness First Aid or higher. Minimum AIARE Avalanche 1 or equivalent, or the ability to obtain
• A valid driver’s license, personal automotive insurance, and experience operating a four-wheel drive vehicle in mountain and winter conditions

Note that experience includes lived experience, traditional knowledge, volunteer experience, educational experience and coursework, work experience, other related qualifications, skills, and experience. No candidate will meet every requirement. If you're excited about the position and think you may be a good candidate, we encourage you to apply.

BACKGROUND CHECK

The selected candidate will be required to successfully pass a background check prior to their start date.

DIVERSITY MAKES US STRONGER 

MSI aims to build a welcoming, inclusive team that is as diverse as the many mountain communities we serve. We seek a broad range of perspectives and backgrounds to achieve our mission and maintain an environment where all staff are valued and respected. 

As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to employment practices that ensure that employees and applicants for employment are provided with equal opportunities without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, or any other factor that is not related to the position. This policy applies to all aspects of one’s employment, including hiring, transfer, promotion, compensation, benefits, and termination.