University of Minnesota – Indigenous Fire (Researcher 2)

Location
The position is located:

o (80%) St. Paul Campus
o (5%) Remote work at field/research sites
o (15%) Virtual/flexible

Job Duties
This position is in support of research into tribal priorities and interests in wildfire risk reduction, Indigenous cultural burning, and prescribed burning for cultural purposes to understand how such practices can be supported on public and tribal lands, while recognizing that Indigenous cultural burning has complementary but different objectives than forest fuel reduction. This position will support research to understand the need for wildfire risk reduction actions to support tribal sovereignty, consider Indigenous Knowledge and co- develop mitigation approaches, including work originating from within tribal communities. The purpose of this research is to further our understanding of Tribal priorities, research needs, and engagement around wildfire risk reduction and climate adaptation. This work supports the 10-year Forest Service Wildfire Crisis Strategy (https://www.fs.usda.gov/managing-land/wildfire-crisis).

The position will also engage with the existing national-level Adaptive Silviculture for Climate Change network. The goal would be to engage in tribal partnership building, information gathering on tribal priorities and values especially related to prescribed and Indigenous cultural fire as strategies for climate adapted forests (https://www.adaptivesilviculture.org/). These would inform future directions of the ASCC network, with a focus on fire-dependent sites. The position will use quantitative and qualitative social science methods, including leading focus groups, field tours, conducting literature reviews, secondary analysis of Tribal and environmental justice datasets, and secondary document analysis. The position will be expected to integrate social science methods with forest and fire management practices.

This position performs structured research-related work assignments requiring knowledge and experience in natural resource management and social science but able to acquire new knowledge and skills. Builds unit-specific knowledge of processes and customers. Solves a range of straightforward problems. Analyze possible solutions using standard procedures. Receives some guidance and direction.

Responsibility for performing professional field studies involving social science methods and techniques within the natural resource field.

● (30%) Assist in designing social science and ecological research projects; independently plan and perform complex, multi-step experimental analyses; record all experimental protocols and data; organize and interpret experimental results. Secondary data analyses of existing Tribal and environmental justice datasets.
● (20%) Communicate with tribal communities and tribal natural resource departments to organize field visits, focus groups, and interviews. Also communicate with the US Forest Service and Adaptive Silviculture for Climate Change project, the Intertribal Timber Council, and University of Minnesota collaborators.
● (30%) Collect, organize, and analyze social science research data. Responsible for generating, recording, and analyzing data by conducting a literature review and synthesis.
● (10%) Perform everyday tasks such as project communication, writing and editing research summaries and manuscripts, and drafting scientific figures and tables. The researcher will also
support the logistics for project meetings as well as attend the meetings.
● (10%) Provide presentations, reporting data, and scientific findings.

Required Qualifications
● BS/BA and one (1) year of related experience or equivalent combination of education and work experience to equal five (5) years.
● Experience working with American Indian communities.

Preferred Qualifications
● Demonstrated ability to work successfully with a varied mix of internal and external partners from diverse communities and cultures.
● Advanced degree in natural resources, social sciences, or American Indian Studies.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Applications must include the following: (1) detailed CV/resume that details how the applicant meets each of the required and preferred qualifications of the position; (2) optional cover letter that describes the applicant’s interest in the position (1 page); Combine all parts of the application into a single document before uploading. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Documents may be attached after application by accessing your “My Job Applications” page and uploading documents in the “My Cover Letters and Attachments” section.

In instances where the Search Committee is unable to ascertain from a candidate’s application materials whether they meet any of the qualifications, they will be evaluated as not meeting such qualifications.

Application review will begin on May 2, 2024. This position will remain open until filled; however applications received after May 2, 2024 may or may not be reviewed. Interested applicants are encouraged to contact Dr. Michael Dockry (mdockry@umn.edu) and Dr. Rebecca Montgomery (rebeccam@umn.edu). If you need assistance with the application process, please contact Amber Grupe (argrupe@umn.edu).

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-UOHR (8647).

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission.  The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.  To learn more about diversity at the U:  http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation’s most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America’s Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).