Posting Details Position Information Position Title Research Specialist, Biology Work Location Springfield Campus Department Biology HR Home Department 020713 BIOLOGY Pay Grade 41 Proposed Salary 17.00/hr Position only available to current, regular, full-time Missouri State University employees? No, Position is available to all applicants. Appointment Type Full Time Regular Exempt/Non-Exempt Non-Exempt General Function The Research Specialist carries out specific research objectives or other projects defined by the Principal Investigator. The duties of the Research Specialist will vary in level of responsibility and complexity depending on the grant project. Description of Primary Duties The Research Specialist will focus on the collection of high-quality field data contributing to the basic natural or cultural resource inventories of a park or a monitoring program and to assess status and trends of resource conditions. They will identify target species, measure abundance or condition, environmental parameters, etc., using technical instruments, manuals, protocols, and knowledge of the resources. The Research Specialist will be responsible for learning identification and life history of a rare plant species as well as trees of SW Missouri and NW Arkansas national parks. The successful candidate will work to update databases, analyses, and the protocol for Missouri bladderpod monitoring. They will assist with vegetation field sampling. Team members travel to national parks as needed for field work. Field work includes hiking distances while carrying a pack over uneven ground and in a variety of weather conditions. Additional project duties may also include deer monitoring and fire effects sampling. Data entry using a variety of databases is another important function of the position. Successful candidates will also summarize data and contribute to report writing. There may be opportunities to investigate an area of interest that enhances the current monitoring efforts. Other work, e.g., equipment maintenance, and other duties, will be assigned as needed. Successful candidates will show a good understanding of the scientific process; knowledge of glade habitats and Missouri bladderpod, experience collecting vegetation data, experience with Arc Map Pro, and coding in R. Position may have opportunities to supervise students or interns. The research specialist may spend 40-50 days in the field per year. Must have the ability to work effectively with students, faculty, and staff, as well as to communicate effectively with off-campus collaborators. Missouri State University partners with the National Park Service’s Heartland Inventory and Monitoring Network (https://www.nps.gov/im/htln/vegetation.htm) ( HTLN ) to provide science-based information on natural resources to 15 parks in the Midwest. We are currently offering a Research Specialist position to serve as a Technician assisting the Network’s terrestrial monitoring programs. The successful candidate will assist the terrestrial team with long-term monitoring protocols (Missouri bladderpod, plant community, fire ecology, invasive plants, and deer) including but not limited to field sampling, botanical training, data entry, analysis, and contributions to report development. The technician will focus on the Missouri bladderpod monitoring protocol but will support other terrestrial projects as need. This is an excellent position for someone who has strong interest in field botany and analytical skills but enjoys a diversity of ecological applications. The monitoring team travels to National Parks throughout the region and works closely with a variety of ecologists and park staff. More information on the HTLN program can be found at Heartland Inventory & Monitoring Network (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov) (https://www.nps.gov/im/htln/index.htm) . This position is full time and carries full time benefits including vacation and holidays, retirement, and health insurance through Missouri State University. Being part of this partnership provides numerous unique opportunities for training, learning, and contributing to a better understanding of National Park resources. More information on the HTLN program can be found at: https://www.nps.gov/im/htln/index.htm Minimum Acceptable Qualifications Education: A bachelor’s degree is required; a Bachelor’s degree in a discipline of the hiring college or research center is preferred. Skills: Effective organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills are required. Must have the ability to work effectively with students, faculty, and staff, as well as to communicate effectively with off-campus collaborators. Proficiency with basic spreadsheet, graphics, and word processing software is required. The ability to develop knowledge of, respect for, and skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds is required. Other specific requirements depend upon the particular position. Other: Positions associated with this position classification may be located in facilities requiring the position to be designated “sensitive” as defined by University policy. Positions associated with this position classification may include job duties, responsibilities, or activities that are subject to export control regulations. Additional Qualifications Link to Job Description https://www.missouristate.edu/human/jobdescriptions/5970-research-specialist.htm Open Date 01/24/2025 Close Date (If Close Date is blank then the posting is considered open until filled) Special Instructions to Applicants First date of consideration will be February 6, 2025. Review of applications will continue until filled. This is a grant funded, limited term position with the possibility of extension if funding continues. Position set to start May 19, 2025. EO/AA and Diversity Statement Missouri State University is a community of people with respect for diversity. The University emphasizes the dignity and equality common to all persons and adheres to a strict non-discrimination policy regarding the treatment of individual faculty, staff, and students. In accord with federal law and applicable Missouri statutes, the University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin (including ancestry, or any other subcategory of national origin recognized by applicable law), religion, sex (including marital status, family status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other subcategory of sex recognized by applicable law), age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law in employment or in any program or activity offered or sponsored by the University. Sex discrimination encompasses sexual harassment, which includes sexual violence, and is strictly prohibited by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. This policy shall not be interpreted in a manner as to violate the legal rights of religious organizations or of military organizations associated with the Armed Forces of the United States of America. The University maintains a grievance procedure incorporating due process available to any person who believes he or she has been discriminated against. Missouri State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Minority/Female/Veterans/Disability/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity employer. Inquiries concerning the complaint/grievance procedure related to sex discrimination, including sexual harassment and sexual assault, should be addressed to the Title IX Coordinator (https://www.missouristate.edu/TitleIX/default.htm) , Carrington Hall 205, 901 S. National Ave., Springfield, Missouri 65897, TitleIX@MissouriState.edu, 417-836-4252417-836-4252 (tel:+1-417-836-4252) , or to the Office for Civil Rights. All other inquiries concerning the grievance procedure, Affirmative Action Plan, or compliance with federal and state laws and guidelines should be addressed to the Equal Opportunity Officer, Office for Institutional Equity and Compliance, (https://www.missouristate.edu/Equity/default.htm) Carrington Hall 205, 901 S. National Ave., Springfield, Missouri 65897, Equity@MissouriState.edu, 417-836-4252417-836-4252 (tel:+1-417-836-4252) , or to the Office for Civil Rights. (Res. Board Policies No. 70-11; Bd. Min. 10-28-11.) Background Check Statement Employment will require a criminal background check at University expense. Posting Detail Posting Number 20250011FTS Quicklink for Posting https://jobs.missouristate.edu/postings/79429 Supplemental Questions Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*). + * How did you hear about this vacancy? + Indeed + Linkedin + Missouri State University Website + Google + Employee Referral + Job Alerts + HigherEdJobs.com + Personal Contacts / Networking + Job Board (CareerBuilder.com, Monster, etc.) + Other + * Please specify the recruitment source where you located this posting. If you selected Employee Referral above, please list the name of the current MSU employee who referred you. (Open Ended Question) + * Do you have a Bachelor's degree? + Yes + No + * What discipline is your Bachelor degree? (Open Ended Question) + * Do you have experience using R coding for natural resource work? + Yes + No + * Do you have experience using ArcMap Pro? + Yes + No Applicant Documents Required Documents + Resume + Cover Letter + Unofficial Transcripts - 1 Optional Documents + Letter of Recommendation-1 (Non-confidential) + Letter of Recommendation-2 (Non-confidential) + Other Documents -1