Research Biologist

See official posting (https://jobs.boisestate.edu/en-us/job/498496/intermountain-bird-observatory-research-assistant) for all details; must apply via orange "Apply now" link in job posting.

Overview: Boise State University’s Intermountain Bird Observatory (IBO) seeks a motivated and talented avian biologist to help implement various bird monitoring and research programs, primarily in Idaho and nearby states. Projects will include a combination of broad bird community monitoring programs and single/focal species research. The position starts in fall 2024, potentially as soon as September, and our hope is that in addition to fulfilling key roles in our monitoring programs, this person can increase the breadth and impact of our work by maintaining high quality relationships with partners and also aiming to increase the analytical rigor of some existing projects.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities Sought: 

• Relationship and communication skills – for work with coworkers (full-time staff and seasonal employees), project partners/collaborators, students/faculty, and the public.
• Supervisory skills – ensuring safety and accountability of all staff, accuracy/quality of data, and positive morale for the work. 
• Field ecology – able to implement and teach a variety of skills/methods/approaches in ecological sampling.
• Writing (scientific and popular), data processing, and analytical skills – including familiarity with Microsoft Office programs as well as R, GIS, etc.

Minimum Qualifications: Requires a minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree or Associate’s Degree with at least two years relevant professional experience, including field Biology.

Preferred Qualifications: Master’s degree in a related field and/or 5 years of research project management experience.

Job Duties:
90% of Time: Working with Boise State and IBO Research Staff, as well as partners in state and federal governments, to plan and coordinate biological surveys across Idaho and neighboring states; especially implementation of grant-funded projects (i.e., field season preparation, hiring and supervising field crews, logistics, administrative and budget management duties, proofing and summarizing field data, preparing final reports and maps, and sharing final products with project partners). Multiple projects are often managed across a year.

10% of Time:

• Develop/maintain funding relationships/partnerships (federal and state agencies, private foundations, corporations, and individuals).
• Explore possibilities for creating and sustaining new programs and projects to contribute to the overall impact of the Intermountain Bird Observatory, potentially including focal species research projects, bird banding work, or otherwise.
• Contribute to the long-term stability and growth of IBO via activities including maintenance of long-term databases, conducting community outreach (newsletters, events, etc.), assisting with and planning fund-raising events, and maintaining contact with IBO supporters.
• Help to disseminate important results via professional conferences and peer-reviewed journals.

Work Environment, Physical Demands, and Travel Requirements: 

Combination of office (80-90%) and field-based work.

General Office – General office work involves sitting or standing at a computer/desk most of the time, but may involve walking for brief periods of time. Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. 

Field Work minimum requirements – this position requires a certain degree of physical fitness in order to accomplish some physically challenging fieldwork.  This includes: hiking for up to 10 miles/day, hiking in steep/uneven terrain, carrying up to 35-40 pounds of gear, and sometimes camping outside at remote field sites in variable weather ranging from extreme heat to snow.

Intermittent field work-related travel (with expenses paid by IBO) – some can be accomplished with day trips but much will require overnight camping, sometimes for days at a time. Based in Idaho but likely to include travel for work in adjacent states as well.

Salary and Benefits:

Salary range starts at $48,500 and is commensurate with experience. Boise State University provides a best-in-class benefits package, including (but not limited to):

12 paid holidays AND the University is closed between Christmas and New Year's

Between 12-24 annual paid vacation days for full-time Professional and Classified staff depending on position type and years of service

9.27% University contribution to your ORP retirement fund (Professional and Faculty employees)

11.96% University contribution to your PERSI retirement fund (Classified employees)

Excellent medical, dental and other health-related insurance coverages

Tuition fee waiver benefits for employees, spouses and their dependents

See our full benefits page for more information!