(Hybrid) Temporary Social Science Assistant - Natural Resources and the Environment

West Virginia University; Evansdale (WV); Hybrid; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

West Virginia University invites applications for a Temporary Hybrid Social Science Assistant in the School of Natural Resources and the Environment. The role supports multiple research projects, including work with national partners, and emphasizes project management, data handling, and scholarly writing.

Working up to 30 hours per week for about 8.5 months, the position blends independent work with collaboration via email, Zoom, and Teams.

Qualifications

• PhD in natural resources-related field or business-related field; two years PM/ accounting management experience preferred.
• MS in natural resources-related management or business-related management can substitute for education+experience.
• Equivalent combination of related education and/or experience may be considered.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day operations management and assistance for research activities (communications, writing).
• Assist with preparation of data collection and fieldwork plans for research projects.
• Write peer-reviewed manuscripts and research reports to summarize data and results.

Skills

Written communication

Oral communication

Deadline management

Team collaboration

Data analysis

Problem solving

Strategic planning

Customer service

Education

PhD in natural resources or related field

MS in natural resources or related management

Equivalent education/experience

Tools

Word processing

Job description

Job Description - (Hybrid) Temporary Social Science Assistant - Natural Resources and the Environment (30480)

(Hybrid) Temporary Social Science Assistant - Natural Resources and the Environment 30480

Description

The School of Natural Resources and the Environment at West Virginia University (WVU) is currently accepting applications for a Temporary (Hybrid) Social Science Assistant. This position will assist with different research projects such as, but not limited to, the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, partnered with the various agencies. Additional research program tasks may exist and emerge from existing programs related to existing social science and human dimensions research.

About the Opportunity

The Social Science Assistant position will be essential to the completion of research projects developed and operated in the School of Natural Resources and the Environment (SNRE). The successful applicant will work with research faculty and staff to achieve program objectives by assisting with research project tasks. Generally, project tasks associated with project management, research writing, data analyses, and reporting will be the focus. However, specific tasks may also include preparation of detailed proposal documents, basic analysis of data and report writing, visual aid preparation, and workflow management. The position will be operated as hybrid for a maximum of 30 hours per week. Collaboration via virtual methods such as email, zoom, and teams will also be an important element of the position. Potential to assist with field work is possible but not guaranteed with this support position.

What You'll Do

Responsibilities are functional in nature and not always performed under direct supervision. Ability to work independently and with team members will be essential. Specific tasks include, but are not limited to:

Project Management and Research Support work:

• Provide day to day operations management and assistance for research activities (communications, writing)
• Assist with preparation of data collection and fieldwork plans for research projects.
• Writing peer-reviewed manuscripts and research reports to summarize data and results.
• Helping with duties related to the production of academic journal publications.
• Meeting regularly with supervisor to discuss research assignments.
• Collect and process travel receipts and reimbursement forms for Primary Investigator

Pay Grade

17

Length of Assignment

8.5 Months

Qualifications

• Ph.D. degree in natural resources-related field or business-related field, with emphasis on project management plus two (2) years of project management /accounting management experience in a University system preferred
• A M.S. degree in natural resources-related management or business-related management can be substituted for the combination of education plus experience listed above
• A minimum of six months of previous in-field data collection experience on state, federal or municipal lands is preferred, but not required.
• Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience may be considered.
• All qualifications must be met by the time of employment.

Skills, Knowledge, Abilities

• Competency in written and oral communication.
• Ability to keep neat and concise notes and surveys.
• Ability to meet deadlines.
• Maintain a professional demeanor and appearance at all times.
• Skilled in effective communication.
• Skilled in strategic planning and logistics.
• Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
• Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
• Knowledge of procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.
• Skilled in critical thinking, including using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Technical skills – Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; pursues training and development opportunities; assesses strengths, weaknesses, and shares expertise with others.
• Problem solving – Gathers and analyzes information, identifies problems, develops alternatives, uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics and works well in groups and resolves matters timely.
• Internal & External Customer Service – Manages difficult or emotional matters with objectivity and openness; responds promptly to needs and requests for service and assistance; meets commitments and dates, notifies others if change occurs; provides, solicits and applies feedback; and builds goodwill through balanced contributions, positive approaches, and demonstrating respect and support of others.
• Communications – Demonstrates group presentation skills, participates in meetings, listens and gets clarification, is responsive and speaks clearly and persuasively in positive and negative situations. Writes and edits clearly and informatively, varies style to meet needs, presents numerical data effectively, and is able to read and interpret written information.
• Organizational Support – Aligns work and develops strategies to meet organizational goals; seeks to improve and promote quality;
• demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; and upholds organizational expectations and values.
• Self-Management – Responds to management direction; resourcefully adapts to changes in work environment and circumstances; responds well under pressure and manages competing demands; takes calculated risks, asks for and offers help when needed; exercises discretion and sound judgment; is tactful and responsible for own actions. Adheres to work schedule and complies with leave management responsibilities.

Requirements

• Requires the ability to stand for long periods, walk, sit, stoop, bend at waist, have manual dexterity and feel, grasp, reach, talk, and hear. Activities are predominantly non-manual. Activities require manual skill to provide and/or alter services and/or products.

About WVU

West Virginia University is a place of purpose and community. We take pride in our profound impact on the state of West Virginia and are committed to the personal and professional growth of our employees.

From the groundbreaking R1 research at our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs at WVU Potomac State in Keyser, and the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley, the contributions of WVU employees resonate across the state, touching lives and shaping futures.

At WVU, you will discover a supportive community that champions work-life balance and fosters a collaborative atmosphere. Our core values — service, curiosity, respect, accountability and appreciation — unite us as Mountaineers.

Join us at West Virginia University, where your work will make a lasting impact. To learn more about WVU, visit wvu.edu.

West Virginia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or Veteran status.