Human Dimensions Specialist

320 DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE CONSERVATION; Oklahoma City (OK); On-site; USD 51,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

320 Department of Wildlife Conservation seeks a Human Dimensions Specialist to coordinate research on public attitudes, participation, and awareness related to wildlife programs. You will design and conduct surveys, analyze data, and provide insights for policy and decision making.

Responsibilities include leading projects, managing data collection, and communicating findings to executives and stakeholders. Some travel and weekend work may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree required in Social Sciences, Recreation/Leisure Sciences, Political Science, Biological Sciences, Natural Resource Management, Sociology or equivalent degree with strong course work in social science methodology.
• Master’s degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• Serve as principal researcher in social science projects related to fish and wildlife management.
• Coordinate and conduct social science research through quantitative and qualitative methods for decision making.
• Manipulate large datasets using R, Python or SQL; analyze data for trends and insights.

Skills

R

Python

SQL

Qualtrics

NVivo

SPSS

SAS

Tableau

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

GIS

Job description

Job Posting Title

Human Dimensions Specialist Agency 320 DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE CONSERVATION

Supervisory Organization

Wildlife Conservation

Job Posting End Date

Refer to the date listed at the top of this posting, if available. Continuous if date is blank. Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the day prior to the posting end date above. Estimated Appointment End Date (Continuous if Blank) Full/Part-Time Full time Job Type Regular

Compensation

$56,576.00 plus state benefit allowance.

Location

ODWC Headquarters, 1801 N. Lincoln Blvd, OKC, OK73105

Job Description

Under the direct supervision of the Communication and Education Supervisor, is responsible for coordinating human dimensions research and surveys to foster citizen participation and public accountability in ODWC's fish and wildlife management programs. Forecasts people’s perceptions, concerns, and preferences about natural resource management to help inform agency decision making and policy processes. Plans, organizes, and directs successful completion of assessments of stake holders (constituents, citizens, licensees, employees, etc.) knowledge, opinions, attitudes, and awareness of wildlife conservation issues including obtaining data regarding participation rates, economics, social issues, and demographics. Collects data employing current human dimensions survey methodologies which may include focus groups, facilitating public meetings, database analysis, internet-based surveys, mail surveys, computer-assisted telephone interviews and in-person interviews. Provides specialized knowledge and expert advice to staff on social science methods, results, and management implications. Supervises temporary employees. Has extensive contact with a variety of public and private individuals and groups. Represents the agency on national human dimension research committees.

Job Duties

• Serves as principal researcher in social science projects related to fish and wildlife management.
• Coordinates and conducts social science research through quantitative and qualitative methods that will lead to scientifically valid information for decision makers.
• Plans, develops, budgets, coordinates, and implements human dimensions research and surveys.
• Evaluates needs and coordinates with staff, other agencies, and universities in designing and implementing social science priority inquiries.
• Assists agency personnel in establishing human dimensions project goals and participates in the development of social science inquiries.
• Conducts a full range of qualitative and quantitative research, often using multidisciplinary, interagency research teams.
• Manipulates large datasets using R, Python or SQL.
• Analyzes data to identify trends, patterns, and correlations that provide valuable insights for decision-making.
• Effectively communicates findings to executive staff and stakeholders.
• Prepares reports, technical summaries, and popular articles for relevant audiences.
• Selects, trains, and supervises temporary telephone and in-person interviewers, interns and data entry clerks.
• Coordinates contracting for professional polling or research services from universities or private firms.
• Facilitates, coordinates or represents the agency in committees, task forces or projects.
• Work will involve some weekend assignments and may travel to different areas of the state, with possible overnight stay.
• Handle and protect sensitive personally identifiable information (PII) like names, birth dates, and customer ID numbers.
• Write and edit content for both print and digital mediums including news releases, newsletters, articles, blogs, internal communications, etc.
• Provide information to the public and respond to media inquiries and requests.
• Layout and design of professional reports as needed.
• Attend, present and assist with public speaking events and education events.
• Assist the media by providing information or appearing on camera for interviews.
• May be required to perform other duties as assigned.

Must have the ability to

• Lift and carry standard office equipment and supplies up to 25 pounds and operate a vehicle.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships, work independently, and be professional and courteous with the public, employees, and other agencies.
• Communicate clearly and effectively in public speaking situations and be able to express oneself clearly and concisely in writing.
• Use personal computer and various office equipment.
• Should be proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and have an overall understanding of internet-based computer applications.
• May be required to occasionally work extended hours and weekends with occasional travel requiring overnight stays.

Requirements

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree required in Social Sciences, Recreation/Leisure Sciences, Political Science, Biological Sciences, Natural Resource Management, Sociology or equivalent degree from an accredited college or university with strong course work social science methodology, resource planning, fisheries or wildlife ecology or management, statistics or other human dimensions related courses. Master’s degree preferred.
• **Please attach an official copy of your transcript to the application. Applications without an attached transcript will not be considered.**

Experience

• One-year previous related experience preferred.

Knowledge and Skills

Must be highly proficient with various statistical programs (e.g. Qualtrics, NVivo, SPSS, R, SAS or related programs) and have familiarity with GIS/data visualization software (ESRI, Tableau, or related programs) and relational databases (e.g. SQL). Requires a comprehensive understanding of social scientific theory and methods and possess the ability to interpret, synthesize, and analyze data using social scientific or statistical techniques. Must be able to manage multiple projects and deadlines effectively. Must have knowledge in research design, survey development and implementation.

Equal Opportunity Employment

The State of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of genetic information, race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, or disability. Current active State of Oklahoma employees must apply for open positions internally through the Workday Jobs Hub.