What are the responsibilities and job description for the INR Research Associate position at Portland State University?
Position Details
Proposed Start Date
06/01/2025
Rank
J - Research Associate
Working Title
INR Research Associate
Position Number
D93401
Representation
AU - AAUP
Faculty Type
Fixed Term Research/Grant
Fixed Term End Date:
06/30/2026
Position FTE
1
Term of Service
12 month
Position Summary
Brief Description of PSU/School/Dept
The Institute for Natural Resources-Portland (INR-Portland) is part of the Oregon University System’s Institute for Natural Resources (INR),created by Oregon Legislature in 2001 to provide Oregonians with ready access to current, science-based information and methods for better understanding and making informed decisions about our natural resource management challenges. INR-Portland is part of PSU’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, and includes the Oregon Biodiversity Information Center, Oregon’s Natural Heritage Program.
Position Summary
The Wetland Ecologist is responsible for the management of projects pertaining to wetlands and associated ecosystems at the Institute for Natural Resources (INR). This person will work with INR staff and external partners to gather, collate, and disseminate information on wetlands in Oregon.
The Wetland Ecologist will conduct literature review, fieldwork, mapping, and analysis related to wetland classification, location, condition, ecosystem services, and conservation and restoration needs in Oregon. They will identify funding opportunities and initiate new research partnerships, contributing to grant proposals, budget development, project execution, and reporting. The Wetland Ecologist will also engage in education and outreach about Oregon’s wetlands.
The Wetland Ecologist will work with INR partners to encourage data generation and sharing; these partners include NatureServe, western Heritage Program staff, state and federal agencies, non-governmental agencies, and the public. The Wetland Ecologist will maintain familiarity with Oregon’s wetland data needs and availability, and will contribute to the knowledge, appreciation, and conservation of these ecosystems.
The Wetland Ecologist will conduct literature review, fieldwork, mapping, and analysis related to wetland classification, location, condition, ecosystem services, and conservation and restoration needs in Oregon. They will identify funding opportunities and initiate new research partnerships, contributing to grant proposals, budget development, project execution, and reporting. The Wetland Ecologist will also engage in education and outreach about Oregon’s wetlands.
The Wetland Ecologist will work with INR partners to encourage data generation and sharing; these partners include NatureServe, western Heritage Program staff, state and federal agencies, non-governmental agencies, and the public. The Wetland Ecologist will maintain familiarity with Oregon’s wetland data needs and availability, and will contribute to the knowledge, appreciation, and conservation of these ecosystems.
Primary Activity
R - Research
Minimum Qualifications
- Doctoral degree in biology, environmental science, natural resource management, or similar field.
- Two years’ experience conducting field research projects.
- Demonstrated understanding of environmental monitoring, data management, and ecological assessment.
- Demonstrated experience with scientific writing
- Able to work collaboratively with internal and external partners from a variety of backgrounds
- Demonstrated ability to develop funding for research, design projects, and disseminate results
- A valid driver’s license with clear driving record
- Ability to multi-task and manage time to meet project deadlines
Preferred Qualifications
- Knowledge of wetland types and classification in the Pacific Northwest
- Two years’ experience managing field research examining the biophysical properties of wetlands or
- associated ecosystems and managing resulting data
- Demonstrated experience mapping wetlands and conducting condition assessments
- Familiarity with the NatureServe Network of natural heritage programs and methodology
- Familiarity with the ecosystems and habitats of Oregon
- Experience hiring, supervising, and coordinating staff or volunteers, including remote staff
Key Cultural Competencies
- Creates an environment that acknowledges, encourages and celebrates differences.
- Functions and communicates effectively and respectfully within the context of varying beliefs, behaviors, orientations, identities and cultural backgrounds.
- Seeks opportunities to gain experience working and collaborating in diverse, multicultural, and inclusive settings with a willingness to change for continual improvement
- Adheres to all PSU’s policies including the policies on Prohibited Discrimination & Harassment and the Professional Standards of Conduct.
Environmental Stewardship
Contributes to a culture of environmental stewardship, practices resource conservation, and actively works toward achieving long-term sustainability goals.
Professional Standards of Conduct
At Portland State University, all employees are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner which maintains a safe, respectful, and productive environment for faculty, students, administrators, and staff. It is the responsibility of every member of the Portland State University community to conduct themselves in accordance with our PSU Professional Standards of Conduct which are available at https://www.pdx.edu/human-resources/professional-standards-conduct-policy.
Total Compensation Range & Benefits Statement
Salary is dependent on several factors, and new employees will typically start around the Q1 level to allow for later growth within the salary band. PSU has a structured process for determining starting compensation, taking into account years of related experience, applicable skills, knowledge and abilities, market parity, and internal equity.
The starting monthly salary for this position at .8 FTE will be $4,625.60, based on a 1.0 FTE ASR of $69,384. The salary may be negotiated above this rate dependent upon the factors above, the budget of the hiring department, and approval from HR.
An excellent benefits package includes 95% premium paid healthcare; a generous retirement and vacation package; and reduced tuition rates for employee, spouse or dependent at any of the Oregon University System schools : https://www.pdx.edu/human-resources/benefits-overview
Please visit our total compensation calculator to see the full value of our benefits package : https://www.pdx.edu/human-resources/psu-total-compensation-calculator
- This is a variable FTE position, starting at .8 FTE.
The starting monthly salary for this position at .8 FTE will be $4,625.60, based on a 1.0 FTE ASR of $69,384. The salary may be negotiated above this rate dependent upon the factors above, the budget of the hiring department, and approval from HR.
An excellent benefits package includes 95% premium paid healthcare; a generous retirement and vacation package; and reduced tuition rates for employee, spouse or dependent at any of the Oregon University System schools : https://www.pdx.edu/human-resources/benefits-overview
Please visit our total compensation calculator to see the full value of our benefits package : https://www.pdx.edu/human-resources/psu-total-compensation-calculator
Application Instructions
Additional Information
INR – Portland has small mapping and analysis group working on mapping the National Parks in the Pacific Northwest, on statewide and regional vegetation mapping and analysis, and on species distribution modeling.
Additional Application Instructions (deadlines, etc.)
Send letter of interest, CV and three professional references to PSU.
Does this position require the employee to drive a motor vehicle?
Yes
Background Check Required
No
If you have questions
Salary : $69,384
