AERC Field Lead Environmental Research Specialist

Overview

As our Field Lead Environmental Research Specialist, you will help the Applied Environmental Research Center (AERC) and Center for Strategic Partnerships and Research (CSPR) provide a platform for high-level consultancy between industry and the University of Alaska (UA), serving as a bridge to resources, expertise and talents across the entire UA system. The Project Specialist supports the AERC mission to collect, analyze and apply environmental, natural and cultural resource data for optimal management of public lands.

Projects span Alaska, Hawai’i, Japan, Korea and the Pacific Islands, with potential to expand to other strategic locations and public land-owners in the future.

Location details:
This position is located in Hawaii on Bellows Air Force Station and is not an Alaska-based role. It is a full-time, term-funded, exempt staff position with a competitive salary and a benefits package. UA provides a generous compensation package including retirement options, annual leave, holidays, tuition waivers for employees and family members, and medical/dental/vision coverage. New hires are placed on the UA Staff Salary Schedule, Grade 79, based on education and experience.

The successful candidate is a key team member who will address performance and operational needs of the project. You will act as a specialist and critical thinker, problem-solver, and decision-maker under administrative supervision. The project is complex and requires strong data analytics, fiscal awareness of research funding, and strong writing and oral communication skills. You will work effectively both independently and in collaboration, and you must be appropriately State-licensed in pesticide certification or able to obtain certification within 30 days of hire.

Preference will be given to individuals with:

• Project Management certification
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification
• ESRI ArcGIS certification (cartography, Geo Apps, Spatial Analysis) and experience leading projects for DoD and other federal entities
• Knowledge of military culture, families, and/or prior military service
• Experience with Bellows AFS, dune and coastal restoration, permitting and tree felling

The candidate should demonstrate:

• K limits of federal contract compliance and project performance management
• DoD contracting as a civilian, with knowledge of related regulations and policies
• Aptitude for problem solving and ability to relate well to support staff, faculty, senior executives, and contracting professionals
• Good judgment, tact, and discretion with sensitive matters
• Excellent organizational and leadership skills; ability to work under time pressures and multiple demands
• Familiarity with higher education institutions, ideally via a self-support unit
• Excellent written communications and intermediate to advanced computer skills (MS Office Suite and Internet applications)

A Bachelor’s of Science in environmental, biology, resource management or related field and one year of relevant research experience. Alternatively, combined education and work experience that aligns with the position will be substituted and considered.

This position is located in Hawaii on Bellows Air Force Station and is not an Alaska-based position. This is a full-time, term-funded, exempt staff position with a competitive salary and benefits package. Review of applications will be on a rolling basis until a suitable candidate is identified. The position is term-funded and reviewed annually for contract renewal at the University's discretion.

The UA system provides relocation considerations where applicable.

The primary client of the AERC is the US Army Corps of Engineers, Alaska District. Core to AERC’s mission is to tap talent across the UA system and provide opportunities for applied research via coordination of environmental work funded primarily by federal and state sources.

Eligibility and compliance information:
To be eligible, applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without restriction. UA is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination. The successful applicant will complete a background check; any offer is contingent on the background check. The UA system adheres to its safety and security reporting as part of campus obligations. Questions regarding this position should be directed to the HR Coordinator at the contact provided in the posting.