The Utah Forest Restoration Institute (UFRI) in the Department of Wildland Resources (WILD) at Utah State University (USU) is seeking up to three (3) energetic full-time (1.0 FTE) Research Associates (Researcher I) to advance UFRI's mission of reducing wildfire risk and promoting forest health across the state. Applicants should have experience in and be passionate about science-based forest management and providing stakeholder engagement and support. Applicants may have expertise in one or more of the following areas of interest: (1) Forest or fire ecology, management, and monitoring; (2) Socioeconomic/human dimensions of active forest management, fire risk or perceptions, or other related field; (3) Use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to conduct, inform, and support forest or fire research, monitoring, and adaptive management; (4) Technical communication of forest or fire ecological research and management results to land managers and natural resource policy makers through syntheses, data summaries, and other communication/data products. Additionally, Research Associates may use their expertise to assist or lead in providing planning, operational, and/or supervisory support to UFRI's growing portfolio of projects, including: establishing and maintaining robust communication with external partners to inform needs, priorities, and opportunities; establishing research or monitoring protocols; hiring, training, and supervising seasonal crews; performing QA/QC on data and generating data summaries and visuals; maintaining and servicing field and laboratory equipment and UFRI vehicle fleet; and ordering operating supplies. Working individually and as a team, UFRI's group of Research Associates will have the opportunity to help shape and advance UFRI's growing positive impact on forest health and reduction of fire risk in Utah.

• Maintain communication with UFRI leadership and external partners to identify needs and opportunities for UFRI engagement.
• Work collaboratively with external partners to develop, maintain, and adjust projects.
• Collect and prepare social or ecological data or information.
• Operate field and laboratory equipment, and write field and laboratory manuals and procedures.
• Analyze data, archive data electronically, and prepare reports and databases for internal and external audiences.
• Collaborate to publish in peer-reviewed journals, and orally communicate UFRI findings to external partners through presentations, webinars, field trips, or other avenues.
• Ensure compliance with USU rules and regulations; maintain necessary records.
• Collaborate on research and proposal development.
• Hire, train, and guide student workers.
• Perform other job-related duties as needed.

Minimum Qualification:

• Master's degree in a relevant field.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in a relevant field or two (2) years of practical experience in a research (academia or institutional) or management (state or federal agency) setting.
• Authorship on published peer-reviewed scientific journal articles relevant to the position.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Expertise in forest and fire ecology and management in Interior West conifer forests.
• Experience in designing, analyzing, and reporting on ecological, spatial, or social science data.
• Ability to maintain records and keep detailed reports, and proficiency in R or Python.
• Experience with sampling techniques and tools specific to area of expertise.
• Experience translating scientific research results to diverse audiences.

Along with the online application, please attach:

1. Resume/CV to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under "Resume/CV"

2. A cover letter not to exceed two (2) pages in length, to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under "Documents 1-10". In your cover letter, you should explicitly identify the areas of interest that--based on your background, experience, and expertise--you would be interested in pursuing at UFRI.

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

The environment and physical requirements may change depending on the specific function of the work performed. Incumbents will mostly be in indoor environments, such as an office space, event space, or public space, where they 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). Responsibilities may also include occasional work outdoors, where incumbents may not be protected from weather conditions and may be exposed to extreme heat and extreme cold. Additionally, indoor or outdoor work environments may include being confined or in narrow spaces for periods of time. The incumbent may also be exposed to loud noises or vibrations from equipment, and conditions that may affect the respiratory system, such as fumes, odors, dusts, mists, gases, and poor ventilation. Bending, crawling, and crouching may be required. Incumbents may be required to lift, push, and/or pull objects up to 50 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 over $15M in research funding annually, 55 tenure-track faculty in three departments, and close partnerships with federal and state natural resource agencies.  

 The Department of Wildland Resources in QCNR encompasses research in applied terrestrial ecology, including the ecology and management of wildlife, forests, rangelands, conservation biology, and climate change adaptation.  Award-winning faculty teach courses that prepare students for professional careers in many natural resources fields, including programs accredited by the Society of American Foresters and the Society for Range Management and aligned with the Society of Ecological Restoration. 

Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah’s premier land-grant, public service university. As an R1 research institution, Utah State is dedicated to advancing knowledge and serving the public good through innovative research and scholarly activities that are grounded in reciprocal engagement with local, regional, and global communities. USU prepares students to be active, civically engaged leaders who are prepared to address critical societal challenges. Dedicated to providing a high-quality and affordable education, USU remains a leader in research, discovery, and public impact.

USU enrolls 28,900 students, both online and in person at locations throughout the state. Utah State’s 30 locations include a main campus in Logan, Utah, residential campuses in Price and Blanding, and six additional statewide campuses, along with education centers serving every county. USU Online educates students from all 50 states and 55 countries. For over 25 years, USU Extension has served and engaged Utahns in all of Utah’s counties.

Competing at the NCAA Division I level, USU is a proud member of the Mountain West Conference and will join the Pac-12 Conference beginning in the 2026-2027 season. The Aggies’ long-standing tradition of athletic and academic excellence is exemplified by conference championships in multiple sports, reflecting USU's commitment to perseverance and achievement.

Utah State is dedicated to fostering a community where all individuals feel respected, valued, and supported. 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. Forbes recognized our commitment to employees when they named Utah State the best employer in Utah in 2023. 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. 

*updated 02/2025

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

*updated 09/2023