*POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT – PLEASE DISTRIBUTE WIDELY*
*Research Associate/Project Coordinator * The Eastern Tallgrass Prairie and Oak Savanna Fire Science Consortium is seeking a full-time, temporary Research Associate/Project Coordinator (RA) to conduct preliminary work that will determine specific Consortium activities. The Consortium is funded by the Joint Fire Science Program ( http://www.firescience.gov/index.cfm) for the purpose of enhancing fire science development and information exchange among researchers and land managers in southern Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Michigan, northern Illinois and Missouri, and Iowa. Consortium activities will be structured to meet the specific needs of stakeholders within this region. This position is an exciting opportunity to be involved in foundational work that will facilitate regional collaborations among fire science researchers and land managers. The final product from this position will be a grant proposal detailing the identified regional fire science needs and proposed activities to meet those needs. The RA will be supported by a part-time project assistant. Specific duties: - In collaboration with the UW Survey Center and other Consortia partners, design, implement, and analyze results from a robust survey of land management practitioners regarding existing capabilities and needs; synthesize results to guide Consortium structure and activities - Assess current regional methods and capacity for evaluating fire management effectiveness - Identify potential for developing a regional framework for adaptive fire management - Identify existing and potential demonstration sites for fire management questions - Develop guidelines for a regional fire science seed grant program including guidelines, application process and evaluation - Determine opportunities to partner with existing regional conferences - Identify existing and potential regional training opportunities for land managers - Solicit stakeholder input to design the structure and content of an online knowledge bank - Identify members of the Consortium advisory board and determine roles & responsibilities of the board - Assist with development of Wisconsin Fire Needs Assessment protocol - Synthesize results from all duties into a detailed funding proposal This position may be available as early as 20 March, 2011. Actual start date is negotiable. Funding is guaranteed for at least 6.5 months, with potential for extension. Position is contingent on the transfer of funds. This project will be housed at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. *University: *The University of Wisconsin -Madison is one of the major research universities in the United States (www.wisc.edu). It ranks 2nd in research expenditures among all U.S. universities and first among public universities. Total student enrollment is 41,500, out of which 8,800 are graduate students. Employees include 2,000 faculty. UW-Madison has a long history of excellence in land management, ecology and conservation biology. *Town:* Madison, Wisconsin consistently ranks as one of the best places in the United States to live, work, and study. It is Wisconsin's capital city, with a vibrant population of approximately 300,000 that combines small town charm with a nice variety of leisure and cultural opportunities. For more information on campus and town see http://www.wisc.edu/about/location.php *Qualifications:* Graduate degree (MS, PhD) in ecology, forestry, conservation biology, or other related discipline is required. Outstanding applicants with a BS degree will be considered if substantial relevant experience can be shown. - Excellent English writing and verbal communication skills - Knowledge of fire management and fire ecology in prairie/savanna ecosystems - Experience with prescribed fire or fire suppression tactics - Experience working with land management agencies - Ability to organize and facilitate meetings with land managers - A high level of self-motivation, including ability to set goals and accomplish tasks, is essential - Ability to work well independently and to communicate effectively with a team of PIs that includes academic, agency and NGO partners - Experience with, or interest in learning, html and website development - Successful grant-writing experience desirable - Familiarity with or willingness to learn database software such as MS Access required - Valid driver’s license A personal vehicle is required, as some travel within the consortium region will be necessary (travel expenses and mileage will be reimbursed). Use of University vehicles may be possible depending on availability. Preference will be given to candidates with a combination of fire-related land management and research experience. Salary will be offered commensurate with experience; University health benefits (medical, dental, vision) are included. *Application Process:* Applications will be reviewed upon receipt and review will continue until a suitable candidate is chosen. Applications received before March 8, 2011 are guaranteed consideration. The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. We promote excellence through diversity and encourage all qualified individuals to apply. Interested applicants are asked to e-mail the documents listed below to Prof. Paul Zedler ([email protected]) and Dr. Jessica Miesel ( [email protected]) with a subject line “Fire Consortium Position”. Please specify in your cover letter when you would be available to start. - Cover letter outlining academic and professional background - Resume/CV - Copies of transcripts (unofficial copies are acceptable at this point) - 3 samples of professional writing, preferably representing documents addressed to agency, academic, and public audiences - Names and current contact information for three references. Please ensure that your references include individuals able to discuss your capabilities in a land management setting as well as those able to address your capabilities in an academic setting. Questions about the position should be addressed to: Prof. Paul Zedler ( [email protected]) and Dr. Jessica Miesel ([email protected]). -- Jessica R. Miesel, PhD Post-Doctoral Associate Grassland Ecology Laboratory, Agronomy University of Wisconsin-Madison 1575 Linden Dr. Madison, WI 53706 Office: (608) 890-3162 Email: [email protected]
