Position: Research Associate (6-9+ months, full-time)
Human Dimensions of prescribed fire in rangelands
The Range Science Program at North Dakota State University seeks a creative, independent researcher with a strong background in the social sciences to conduct a study on human dimensions of wildland fire. Current funding from USDA-NIFA will support at least 6-9 months of full-time employment, with the potential for up to a year of funding depending on job performance and continued support from collaborators. Devan McGranahan will be the primary supervisor, and the project will be conducted in cooperation with the Hettinger Research Extension Center in Hettinger, ND. It is likely that the employee will work with the USDA Forest Service in the Dakota Prairie Grasslands.
The employee will be responsible for conducting a study of human dimensions concerning the role of wildland fire in rangeland landscapes of the Northern Great Plains, with an emphasis on North Dakota. We are interested in gaining an in-depth understanding of perspectives on prescribed fire use in rangeland management, with a particular emphasis on identifying barriers to acceptance and adoption of prescribed fire. We anticipate using a range of data collection methods including interviews and focus groups, and analytical methods such as Q methodology, although the employee will have wide latitude to apply their social science background in the design, implementation, and analysis of this study. Other topics available for study relate to the social components of local prescribed fire policy and practices, including analysis of state statues for prescribed burning and county burn ban policies.
Terms of employment are flexible to accommodate a broad range of potential applicants. The ideal candidate will have at least a Master’s degree and commensurate experience in a field relevant to natural resources management or ecology and conservation. Applications from recent doctoral graduates seeking a short-term post-doc are encouraged. Applications from outstanding candidates with a Bachelor’s degree and relevant experience will be considered. The position is based at North Dakota State University in Fargo, ND but off-campus arrangements can be considered for outstanding applicants. Applicants must hold a valid license to drive in the U.S.
Successful applicants will demonstrate an interest in the social/human dimensions of prescribed fire in rangelands, with experience in conducting social science interviews and in-person surveys preferred. Evidence of well-developed writing skills is required, and candidates should be able to demonstrate experience leading collaborative writing projects involving multiple authors. Experience with qualitative data analysis and presentation is highly valuable, with experience in the R statistical environment preferred but not required. Knowledge of rangeland ecology, management, and prescribed fire operations will be useful.
Compensation begins at $16/hour, with room to negotiate a higher pay rate based on experience. The position is available 1 September 2019 although outstanding candidates could begin earlier or later depending on availability. Individuals interested in applying for this position should send a cover letter and resume/CV via e-mail to Dr. McGranahan (devan.mcgranahan@ndsu.edu) as soon as possible, and be prepared to submit a technical writing sample and unofficial transcripts upon request.
