Social Science Pro Tem Research Assistant

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 program built on the interconnections of ecology, economy, and governance.

Position Summary

This position with the Ecosystem Workforce Program supports a wide variety of quantitative and qualitative social science research and outreach. This work will support sustainable rural development and resilience in forest-based communities, and inform national forest management, community-based forestry, and sustainable rural development in the American West. This position will include significant travel and fieldwork (up to 50% of job duties) in rural areas across the western US.

Minimum Qualifications

MA/MS (or BA/BS with at least 2 years of 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 qualitative research, such as conducting semi-structured interviews, and some combination of experience in or expertise in natural resource policy and management, community- government relations, collaboration, climate change, sustainable rural development, forestry or ecology, or a related field.

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 ArcGIS or other GIS software.
• Experience using Adobe Illustrator/Photoshop/InDesign.
• Experience and knowledge of SPSS, R or other statistical applications.

Professional Competencies:

• Knowledge/experience with a variety of quantitative and qualitative social or natural science research methods, and ability to learn new methods as needs arise.
• Interest, ability, and willingness to travel regionally and nationally, including to remote rural communities (up to 50% of job duties).
• 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.

Addition 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 will be reviewed until the position is filled
• Application review will begin April 1, 2024
• Expected start date: April/May 2024, but potentially negotiable