Research Assistant: National Forest Visitor Surveys(Temporary)
Req #: | 171130 |
Department: | Environment: Earthlab |
Appointing Department Web Address: | https://earthlab.uw.edu/ |
Job Location: | Other Location |
Posting Date: | 08/29/2019 |
Closing Info: | Closes On 09/30/2019 |
Salary: | $16.00/Hour |
Shift: | First Shift |
EarthLab is an initiative at the University of Washington seeking to link and apply the amazing environmental research happening at the UW with decision makers working on solutions to environmental challenges. Stewarded by the College of the Environment, EarthLab supports application-focused interdisciplinary collaboration across and beyond the University of Washington. EarthLab focuses on addressing our world’s most pressing environmental challenges – catalyzing collaborations with partners across the private, public, and non-profit sectors. By linking knowledge and action to accomplish meaningful change, EarthLab will help develop lasting solutions that are scientifically sound, technically feasible, and economically viable, while promoting equity and justice.
The College of the Environment promotes diversity and inclusivity among our students, faculty, staff, and public. Thus, we are strongly seeking candidates whose experiences have prepared them to fulfill our commitment to inclusion and have given them the confidence to fully engage audiences from a wide spectrum of backgrounds. The University of Washington (UW) is located in the greater Seattle metropolitan area, with a dynamic, multicultural community of 3.7 million people and a range of ecosystems from mountains to ocean. The UW serves a diverse population of 80,000 students, faculty and staff, including 25% first-generation college students, over 25% Pell Grant students, and faculty from over 70 countries. The UW is a recipient of a National Science Foundation ADVANCE Institutional Transformation Award to increase the advancement of women faculty in science, engineering, and math
(see http://advance.washington.edu/).
EarthLab is seeking Temporary, Part-Time Research Assistants to study recreational use in Washington National Forests (looking to fill up to 6 positions). The position involves field work collecting data on visitor use in the Olympic, Mt Baker-Snoqualmie, and Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forests. Field duties will include counting and conducting intercept surveys of visitors on front-country roads, trails, and campgrounds, documenting trail conditions, and maintaining automated trail and traffic counters. Technicians will be responsible for learning and carrying out data collection protocols with high accuracy and expressing good judgment while in the field. It is estimated that the work will require on average about 28 hours per week (three or four surveys). Salary is $16.00 per hour.
The candidate will join a larger team of researchers from the University of Washington and US Forest Service who are innovating approaches for studying outdoor recreation with data from social media platforms and on-site surveys and will be supervised by Dr. Spencer Wood. Information collected by the research assistants will provide on-the-ground measures of visitor use in National Forests, to be integrated with other existing data to predict future numbers of visitors to recreational sites. This research informs forest management and planning efforts.
Duties:
• Count and conduct intercept surveys of visitors
• Document trail conditions and deploy and maintain automated trail and traffic counters.
• Conduct data collection using proper protocols and with high accuracy
Required Qualifications:
• Friendly and willing to approach visitors in the National Forest at survey sites.
• Excellent teamwork, communication, and organizational skills.
• Detail-oriented and accurate.
• Willing to work outdoors, on weekends, sometimes after regular business hours in all weather conditions.
Desirable Qualifications:
• Coursework in natural or social sciences, such as environmental science, ecology, or economics.
• Experience conducting surveys and following detailed protocols.
• Experience reading and navigating with maps and using a GPS
• Experience driving in winter weather conditions, and on unpaved roads.
• Experience deploying and maintaining trail and/or traffic counters.
Application Process:
The application process for UW positions may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process. These assessments may include Work Authorization, Cover Letter, and/or others. Any assessments that you need to complete will appear on your screen as soon as you select “Apply to this position”. Once you begin an assessment, it must be completed at that time; if you do not complete the assessment you will be prompted to do so the next time you access your “My Jobs” page. If you select to take it later, it will appear on your "My Jobs" page to take when you are ready. Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until all required assessments have been completed.
***We will begin considering applications on September 3rd."***
Committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff, the University of Washington will honor your experiences, perspectives and unique identity. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable and welcoming.
The University of Washington is a leader in environmental stewardship & sustainability, and committed to becoming climate neutral.
The University of Washington is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 / 206-543-6452 (tty) or dso@uw.edu.