Utah State University invites applications for the position of Assistant Director of Research and Operations (Researcher II) in the Institute of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism. The successful candidate to fill this position will play a leadership role in initiating, coordinating, and conducting research within the Institute (http://extension.usu.edu/iort/.). The Institute provides resource management personnel, elected officials, private industries, and the general public throughout Utah with a better understanding of the social and economic trade-offs faced by communities who manage outdoor recreation resources and tourism destinations. 
 
Through this position, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to play an integral role in shaping the research that informs the management of outdoor recreation resources throughout the state of Utah. This position is telework eligible within the state of Utah. 

1. Leading and assisting in writing research grants and peer-reviewed publications
2. Leading and assisting in on-going research projects managed by the Institute and the Institute’s Faculty Fellows
3. Managing logistical operations of the Institute (e.g., coordinating visiting speakers, weekly research forums, submitting travel authorizations and reimbursements, managing project budgets, etc.)

The anticipated time distribution among these duties is 50% grant writing, 30% research, and 20% project management.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master's degree in outdoor recreation management, geospatial sciences, nature-based tourism, park and protected area management, or a related field and 2 years of experience OR an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Demonstrated ability to obtain funding through competitive external grants
• Evidence of the ability to develop, and contribute to, an active and focused research program of research
• An interest in working with local, state, and federal agencies and other organizations throughout Utah in the management of outdoor recreation on public and private lands

Preferred Qualifications:

• Earned Ph.D. at date of hire in outdoor recreation management, geospatial sciences, nature-based tourism, park and protected area management, or a related field
• Experience with advanced geospatial analysis (e.g., geoprocessor programming, spatial statistics, etc.) and programming (Python and R)
• The ability to collect, manage, and analyze large spatial datasets
• An interest in, or experience with, participatory modeling approaches
• While there are no teaching expectations with the position, the successful candidate would also have the ability to contribute to the graduate and undergraduate Recreation Resource Management curriculum, so demonstrated teaching experience would be viewed favorably
• Preference will be given to applicants who have: obtained research funding through competitive external competitions; an impressive publication record (i.e., lead author publications in high-quality peer review journals); and involvement in large interdisciplinary projects

Along with the online application, please attach:

1. Resume to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Resume/CV” 
2. Cover letter to be typed/pasted at the end of your application 

**Document size may not exceed 10 MB.**

The environment and physical requirements may change depending on the specific function of the work each department performs. Incumbents may be in both indoor and outdoor environments. Indoors, in an office space, event space, or public space are protected from weather conditions, but not necessarily from temperature changes. Incumbents may nearly continuously sit and often use repetitive hand motion (such as typing).  

Outdoors, incumbents may not be protected from weather conditions and may be exposed to extreme heat and extreme cold. Bending, crawling, and crouching may be required. Incumbents may be required to lift, push, and/or pull objects up to 25 pounds and be required to walk and/or stand for long periods of time.  

The S. J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Natural Resources is nationally and internationally recognized for its research, extension, and teaching on natural and socio-environmental ecosystems. It is a high-impact college at Utah State University with almost $11M in research funding annually, 61 tenure-track faculty in three departments, and close partnerships with federal and state natural resource agencies.  

The Department of Environment and Society uses the social, environmental, and interdisciplinary sciences to understand human-environment interactions at a range of spatial scales and to bring human considerations into natural resource and environmental management. Faculty promote people-centered solutions for sustainability transitions and climate change adaptations and deliver graduate and undergraduate education in environmental studies and social sciences, recreation resource management, and geography. Together we value inclusive practices, center socio-environmental justice, and work towards greater diversity of community. 

Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah’s premier land-grant and space-grant university, with a strong commitment to excellence, access, and inclusion. USU serves approximately 27,500 students throughout the state at three residential campuses, eight statewide campuses, and 23 education centers. USU Online has served students from all 50 states and 55 countries for over 25 years, and USU Extension provides outreach and service to all counties in Utah.  

As a land-grant university, USU engages communities and empowers people to lead successful lives of involvement, innovation, and impact. As an R1 research institution, USU provides a high-quality undergraduate and graduate education at an affordable price. Washington Monthly has consistently ranked USU in the top 10 among public universities for contribution to social mobility, research, and public service.  

Utah State is committed to cultivating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where different perspectives, values, cultures, and identities are acknowledged, welcomed, and valued. We seek to recruit, hire, and retain people from all walks of life who will champion excellence in education, research, discovery, outreach, and service. We believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be successful. Learn more about USU. 

The university provides a Dual Career Assistance Program to support careers for partners who are also seeking employment. Additionally, USU is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, contact the university’s ADA Coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at (435) 797-0122 or hr@usu.edu. 

About the Region

U.S. News and World Report ranked Utah first for its strong economy, fiscal stability, education, and health care. Outstanding outdoor recreational opportunities abound throughout the state, including five national parks, 43 state parks and recreation areas, and 15 alpine ski resorts. The home of USU’s main campus, Logan, is a city of 54,000-plus people in a picturesque mountain valley 80 miles north of Salt Lake City. The Logan metro area claimed the top spot in the Milken Institute’s 2022 ranking for best-performing small cities in the nation. 

* updated 7/2023

In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.

The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USU’s non-discrimination policies:

Executive Director of the Office of Equity Matthew Pinner, discrimination@usu.edu, Distance Education Rm. 401, 435-797-1266

Title IX Coordinator Cody Carmichael, titleix@usu.edu, Distance Education Rm. 404, 435-797-1266

Mailing address: 5100 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322

For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit https://equity.usu.edu/, or contact:

U.S. Department of Education, Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 800-421-3481, OCR@ed.gov