National Bird Conservation Social Science Coordinator

The National Bird Conservation Social Science Coordinator (United States)
will:

1) identify social science research priorities within the bird conservation
community; 2) connect those bird conservation partnerships needing social
science support with appropriate social scientists and other resources; 3)
serve as a liaison between researchers and bird conservation professionals
on high priority bird conservation social science study teams; 4)
collaborate with other social scientists to develop resources and tools to
increase social science knowledge and capacity within the bird conservation
community;5) interpret, synthesize, and translate results from social
sciences that are relevant to bird conservation; 6) provide expert review
for bird conservation-related social science surveys and other types of
products; and 7) coordinate and translate social science research relevant
to bird conservation on topics with broad transferability. In 2018-2020
projects will focus on 1) a study of private landowners' behaviors and
participation in the Conservation Reser
 ve Program and 2) a study of wildlife recreationists (i.e., hunters,
anglers, viewers, and birdwatchers.

The Coordinator will serve as the co-chair of the North American Bird
Conservation Initiative's (NABCI) Human Dimensions Subcommittee and
coordinate relevant priorities as identified in NABCI's Strategic Plan and
the subcommittee's work plan.  He/she will work closely with the NABCI
partners and Joint Ventures. Additionally, the Coordinator will regularly
engage with other human dimensions and communications groups within the bird
conservation community including the North American Waterfowl Management
Plan's Human Dimensions Working Group/Public Engagement Team and other
agencies' human dimensions specialists (e.g., the USFWS National Wildlife
Refuge System's Human Dimensions Branch, state agency HD specialists).

The position requires frequent travel throughout Virginia and the US.

Required Qualifications:

M.S. in social sciences related to conservation, natural resources, and/or
wildlife management. Knowledge of social science (e.g., psychology,
sociology) concepts, principles, and methods as applied to wildlife or other
natural resource management sufficient to identify research needs, provide
technical support, develop project methods, analyze data, write reports, and
present technically accurate and actionable results. Demonstrated experience
building relationships with decision-makers and ensuring social science
results are applied to conservation planning, program development, and
policy. Experience communicating scientific results and methods to
conservation professionals through trainings and web-based materials.
Experience in project coordination and management of complex projects
involving multiple stakeholders. Expertise in qualitative and quantitative
social science data collection methods (i.e., surveys, interviews, focus
groups), data analysis, and statistical pro
 grams (e.g., SPSS).Demonstrated skills in collaborating with others on
teams to accomplish shared objectives. Excellent oral and written
communication skills and organizational skills.

Preferred Qualifications: Ph.D. in social science related to conservation,
natural resources, and/or wildlife management or at least 3 years of
relevant professional experience.
Knowledge of bird conservation partnerships and initiatives. Experience
conducting social science research to better understand key audiences who
affect bird conservation, including recreationists, private landowners or
public land managers. Experience with social-ecological research,
integrating methods and results from multiple disciplines.

Familiarity with private lands issues and Farm Bill conservation programs.
Experience designing and leading trainings about social science results and
methods to conservation professionals with a biological background.
Experience in aiding conservation professional or stakeholders in
identifying shared priorities or research needs. Demonstrated experience in
managing multiple projects and associated timelines

To apply, please complete the online application at
BlockedCaution-https://listings.jobs.vt.edu/postings/87683Blocked <
BlockedCaution-https://listings.jobs.vt.edu/postings/87683Blocked >  by the
revised
review date of August 27, 2018.  If you have any questions please email Dr.
Ashley Dayer at dayer@vt.edu < Caution-mailto:dayer@vt.edu > .

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