We are seeking an enthusiastic early career scientist to lead the Environmental Data Center (EDC) and the GIS and Remote Sensing (GIS) departments for the Toolik Field Station (TFS), which is located in the northern foothills of the Brooks Range, Alaska (68o 38’ N, 149o 36’W). The goal of the EDC is to collect and manage data on key environmental drivers and biological responders to climate change in the Toolik area. This baseline data is provided to the research community of Toolik for their use as background and context for framing specific questions and hypotheses about plant and animal adaptation to the Arctic, the structure and function of arctic ecosystems, and responses and feedback of the arctic environment to climate change. Please see https://toolik.alaska.edu/edc/index.php for more information. The TFS GIS department supports the Toolik research community through collection and analysis of spatial data and remotely sensed imagery; please see https://toolik.alaska.edu/gis/index.php for more information.
The duties of the Spatial and Environmental Data Center manager include (1) further development and production of data products for TFS researchers that are derived from EDC and GIS data; (2) leading the analysis and publication of trends in EDC data over the past 10 years; (3) managing and participating in the continued collection of data on plant phenology and arrival, departure, status and abundance of birds, and winter snow depth and density at selected observation sites in the Toolik region; (4) summarizing and analyzing EDC data, statistically providing quality assurance and quality control, and providing metadata; (5) integrating the availability of all EDC data with GIS data and working with the web-based server team to make them available to the public via the TFS website; (6) maintaining snow cameras and processing snow cover images; (7) developing and refining additional measures for monitoring diversity and phenology of key plant and animal species, including coordination with NEON; (8) ensuring that EDC and GIS data are accessible to the public through collaboration with external entities such as the Arctic Data Center; and (9) providing support to TFS GIS personnel and TFS management in site selections for new research. The Spatial and Environmental Data Center Manager will contribute to the further development of the combined Science Support Services offered by TFS, including the Biodiversity/phenology program and GIS support programs, with guidance from TFS management and the external EDC/GIS science advisory committee, and will collaborate with UAF faculty in writing grant proposals to enhance the science support mission of TFS. This position will manage core and general-use field and laboratory equipment for TFS scientists and supervise summer seasonal staff and the GIS manager. This position requires residence at TFS half to three-quarters time from mid-May through September of each year; otherwise the job location is at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Desired qualifications include: knowledge of plant ecology, ecosystem ecology, and remote sensing as applied to ecology; knowledge of QA/QC standards and procedures for ecological and spatial data analyses; knowledge of statistics as appropriate for ecological data; knowledge of the use of remote sensing data, and familiarity with GIS methods; knowledge of ecological research methods; advanced analytical skills; the ability to effectively communicate findings to the public; proven ability to get scientific work published in a refereed journal; the ability to work outdoors for extended periods in Arctic conditions, and the ability to lead and supervise a diverse staff. At least five years of experience with ecological research and field work is required; prior experience in the Arctic is preferred. A Master’s Degree in plant ecology, or ecosystem ecology, earth system science, remote sensing, or related field is required; a Ph.D. is preferred. For more information about the position, contact Dr. Syndonia Bret-Harte <msbretha...@alaska.edu>, the supervisor for this position. This is a full-time position with benefits. To apply, use the following link: http://careers.alaska.edu/cw/en-us/job/509872?lApplicationSubSourceID=. In your application, include a cover letter, c.v. or resume, and the names, email addresses, and phone numbers of three professional references. In your cover letter, explain how your experience, training, and professional goals apply to this project, and anything you think will convince us you are the right person for the job. For full consideration, please apply by August 11, 2018.
