Research Associate / Contractor position: Climate Adaption in the US Conservation Sector Timeline: Beginning as soon as possible, ending by July 2016 Hours: Flexible, full-time. Compensation: $5000 total, paid in sub-portions
Researchers from the Wildlife Conservation Society and the UC Santa Cruz Environmental Studies Department are conducting a study to assess the field of early climate adaptation projects proposed in the U.S. conservation sector. We are analyzing pre-proposals submitted to the Wildlife Conservation Society's Climate Adaptation Fund to assess the landscape of concrete, specific adaptation efforts. For each pre-proposal application, we are extracting data on the applicant and partners; the geographic, ecosystems and taxonomic focus; and the goals, strategies, resources and tools described. This unprecedented analysis can aid in strategic resource allocation and targeted capacity building to move adaptation efforts forward throughout the U.S. We are seeking a short-term research associate to help extract data from these documents. Specific duties include: - Reading pre-proposal applications - Extracting relevant text - Deciding on fit of application contents into various categorizations - Inputting data and categorizations into spreadsheet - Keeping spreadsheet organized - Learning and following instructions on specific methods and categorization rules - Online research on applicant organizations and their partners - Check-ins as needed (at least weekly), either in-person or over skype After a period of training to teach methods and ensure coder agreement and quality control, the contractor will work independently, with weekly check-ins in-person or over skype. The work schedule is flexible but will likely require full-time hours. The project is expected to take ~400 hours but this will depend on the contractor’s speed. To ensure inter-coder agreement, there will be a formalized quality-control process. Qualifications: Required - Experience collecting data as part of rigorous scientific or academic research - Extreme attention to detail - Ability to decide on categorizations based on rules and guidelines - Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Environmental Studies, Earth Systems, Ecology, Environmental Policy, or related field. - Highly skilled in Microsoft Excel - Strong interpersonal communication skills - Most have their own computer with access to Skype/Google Hangouts, Microsoft Excel, and Google Drive. Desired/Preferred - Experience in content/document analysis - Ideally located in Santa Cruz or South SF Bay Area - Skills in database design and management using Microsoft Access - Desire to contribute to and learn more about the adaptation of conservation practices in light of climate change Interested candidates should send a CV, contact information for two references, and a cover letter explaining their interest to [email protected]. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis; we are looking to fill this position by Feb. 29.
