Research Associate I, Watershed Science

Position Information

Internal Posting? Posting Number SP005439P Position Title Research Associate I, Watershed Science Division/College College of Natural Resources Department Forest, Rangeland, & Fire Sciences Location Moscow Posting Context Statement Position Overview

Performs research activities and analysis; implements and evaluates research procedures and data. Records observations and measurements then reports results. Responsible for analyzing and preparing results for publication. Works under general supervision with a certain degree of creativity and latitude. May supervise junior research personnel.

Duties may include:

• Provide technical support in planning and/or designing of scientific projects, studies, or applications
• Plan and conduct research and analysis of scientific data
• Interpret test results and comparing with determined standards and limits
• Identify and evaluating scientific samples and determining need for further testing
• Develop recommendations and/or providing solutions, standards, and protocol to a wide range of difficult problems
• Plan, design, develop, monitor and/or evaluate portions of a scientific project, study, or application
• Provide scientific evaluations/assessments
• Research, implement, standardize, and evaluate new procedures
• Maintain detailed records of results and prepares written reports acceptable to the Principal Investigator and funding agencies
• Other duties as assigned

Unit URL

https://www.uidaho.edu/natural-resources/academics/forest-rangeland-fire-science

Position Qualifications

Required Experience

• Two years of post-bachelor’s research experience related to the domain of this position

Required Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in Water Resources, Environmental Sciences, or Natural Science or Engineering discipline or a closely related field

Required Other

• Possess a valid driver’s license and be able to meet policy requirements for driving university-owned vehicles
• Ability to travel, including extended periods up to 8 days
• Ability to work nonstandard hours

Additional Preferred

• MS Degree in Water Resources, Environmental Sciences, or Natural Science or Engineering discipline or a closely related field, or a B.S. and minimum of 2 years post-bachelor’s degree experience in natural resource research
• 5 years or more Natural Resource or environmental data collection experience
• Coursework or experience in meteorology, forest hydrology, fluvial geomorphology, forestry, geology, or natural resources or closely related field
• Familiarity with methods and results from published forest practices and riparian buffer effectiveness studies completed in Washington and Idaho, USA
• Experience with automated monitoring equipment, ideally systems comprised of Campbell Scientific, Inc. (CSI) and/or Forest Technology Systems (FTS) components
• Ability to perform repetitive tasks while maintaining accuracy and excellent organizational skills to plan field campaigns and maintain financial records
• Experience measuring streamflows using salt-dilution methods
• Experience measuring stream temperature using Onset HOBO dataloggers
• Experience using backpack electrofishing equipment to sample Salmonid species in small streams, including weighing, measuring and handling fish in the field
• Proficiency with global positioning system (GPS) equipment, hemispherical photography and digital image (HDI) analysis, and/or geographic information systems (GIS)
• Experience and familiarity with safety protocols for travel in active forest harvest areas
• Experience supervising a small team of employees
• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage project budgets
• Previous experience working in remote locations
• Experience operating tracked ATVs in winter conditions
• Strong communication skills, including experience developing and delivering scientific presentations

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

• Off-trail hiking up and down hills and in densely vegetated riparian zones
• Ability to lift, carrying or otherwise move loads up to 30 pounds over long distances and up to 80 pounds over short distances
• Ability to operate ATVs to access field sites in the winter to collect data and maintain automated sampling equipment
• Ability to camp and work in environmental conditions

Degree Requirement Listed degree qualification is required at time of hire

Posting Information

FLSA Status Exempt Employee Category Exempt Pay Range $61,000 annually or higher dependent on experience Type of Appointment Fiscal Year FTE

1.0

Full Time/Part Time Full Time Funding This position is contingent upon the continuation of work and/or funding. A visa sponsorship is available for the position listed in this vacancy. Uncertain Posting Date 09/08/2026 Closing Date Open Until Filled Yes Special Instructions to Applicants

Applications received by 09/22/2026 will receive first consideration.

Applicant Resources https://www.uidaho.edu/human-resources/careers/applicant-resources Background Check Statement

Applicants who are selected as final possible candidates must be able to pass a criminal background check.

EEO Statement

The University of Idaho is an equal employment opportunity employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.