Research Specialist II - Senior Research Specialist

Oklahoma-State-University; Stillwater (OK); On-site; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Oklahoma State University seeks a Research Specialist to join the Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management. You will work with faculty and a PhD student on fish ecology, conducting field and lab work, age estimation, gut content analysis, and isotope prep.

The role includes creel surveys and data quality checks, contributing to understanding stocked Channel Catfish in river systems, funded for 24 months.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s in ecology, biology, natural resources, fisheries, marine sciences, or related field (degree conferred on or before start).
• Two years’ experience conducting field and/or laboratory procedures on aquatic organisms, particularly fish.
• Master’s in ecology, biology, natural resources, fisheries, marine sciences, or related field (preferred).

Responsibilities

• Assist with field work capturing Channel Catfish and other aquatic organisms.
• Assist with laboratory work: removing, preparing, and estimating age from otoliths; gut content analysis; prepare samples for stable isotope analysis.
• Travel to Blue River area to conduct creel surveys and data collection; enter data and perform quality checks.

Skills

Fieldwork

Laboratory procedures

Data entry

Education

Bachelor’s in ecology / biology / natural resources / fisheries

Master’s in ecology / biology / natural resources (preferred)

Job description

Campus

OSU-Stillwater

Contact Name & Email

Jim Long, [e-mail]

Work Schedule

Monday through Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm with occasional evenings and weekends.

Appointment Length

Regular Continuous/Until Further Notice

Hiring Range

$42,120 - $65,000Salary

About this Position

The Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management at Oklahoma State University is looking for a Research Specialist to work with Dr. James Long. This position is funded through a grant and funding is secured for the next 24 months.

Research on the fate of stocked Channel Catfish in river systems is sparse, but current studies suggest that stocked fish emigrate far downstream, up to 100 km, soon after stocking. At the Blue River Public Fishing and Hunting Area, a 10-km stretch of river is managed partially by stocking catchable-size Channel Catfish, but their contribution to the resident population and angler creels are unknown. This study will utilize a variety of methods to identify stocked from wild fish and determine their effects on the food web and fate after stocking. This study will also survey anglers to determine catch, harvest, effort, and opinions regarding the utilization of Channel Catfish in the Blue River fishery.

The selected candidate will work with faculty and a PhD student to capture Channel Catfish and other aquatic organisms inhabiting the Blue River. The selected candidate will assist with field work and laboratory work, such as removing, preparing, and estimating age from otoliths, conducting gut content analysis, and preparing samples for stable isotope analysis. The selected candidate will also travel to the Blue River Public Hunting and Fishing Area to conduct creel surveys by counting vehicles at parking lots and placing pre-made surveys on vehicle windshields. The selected candidate will be expected to enter data and perform checks for data quality.

The Cooperative Units Program of the U.S. Geological Survey has been an integral part of Oklahoma State University since 1948. With direction from our Coordinating Committee, our research is conducted on a wide variety of fisheries and wildlife topics in cooperation with federal agencies, the University, the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, and various private concerns. Most of our research projects are problem-oriented and designed to provide cooperators with useful information on resource issues.

The majority of the research through the Oklahoma Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit is conducted by M.S. and Ph.D. candidates in the Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management. These students are advised by Unit Leaders and Cooperating Faculty at OSU. Since 1948, more than 400 theses and dissertations have resulted from their collective scholarship. Unit-affiliated students are currently conducting research on fisheries management in reservoirs and rivers; stream ecology; endangered, threatened, and species-at-risk including Ozark big-eared bats and various grassland birds; management of black bears, long nose darters, and bobwhite quail; and fisheries economics. As we begin to celebrate our 8th decade and our new association with OSU’s Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management that began in 2006, future projects will continue to emphasize applied research on the biological resources of Oklahoma and the nation. For more information, visit: https://agriculture.okstate.edu/departments-programs/natural-resource/research/oklahoma-cooperative-fish-and-wildlife-research-unit

There are lots of great reasons to work at OSU, check out our great benefits and eligibility at https://hr.okstate.edu/prospective-ee.html

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's in ecology, biology, natural resources, fisheries, marine sciences, or related field.
  (degree must be conferred on or before agreed upon start date)

• Research Specialist II - two years' experience conducting field and/or laboratory procedures on aquatic organisms, particularly fish.

  Senior Research Specialist - Five years' laboratory research experience -or- a master's degree and two years of demonstrated laboratory experience.

Additional post-secondary education beyond requirements may substitute for years of required experience.

Certifications, Registrations, and/or Licenses:

Valid Drivers License

Skills, Proficiencies, and/or Knowledge:

Able to drive vehicles independently to the field site; and the ability to work long hours in extreme conditions (e.g., 100+ F heat) and carry heavy loads (>25 lbs).

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's in ecology, biology, natural resources, fisheries, marine sciences, or related field.

• Strong oral and written communication skills; >one year experience conducting field and/or laboratory procedures on aquatic organisms, particularly fish.

Certifications, Registrations, and/or Licenses:

Valid drivers license, water safety training (e.g., proper use of personal flotation devices), boat drivers training, first aid and CPR training.