Research Scientist III - Human Dimensions of Conservation Practice Implementation

Position Title:

Research Scientist III - Human Dimensions of Conservation Practice Implementation

Job Group:

Professional & Scientific

Required Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of related experience

Preferred Qualifications:

M.S. or Ph.D. in sociology, natural resource management or planning, environmental science or policy, sustainable agriculture, or a related field.

Experience and background in conservation practice technical assistance and implementation and agricultural systems in the Upper Mississippi Basin.

Proficiency in qualitative data collection and analysis.

Experience leading interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research teams.

Experience in science communication and development of outreach materials directed at stakeholders.

Job Description:

The Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management (NREM) in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Iowa State University seeks a Research Scientist III to support an interdisciplinary project aimed at improving conservation implementation strategies in the Upper Mississippi River Basin. The successful candidate will lead efforts in conservation process modeling, qualitative data analysis, and the coordination and dissemination of results related to edge-of-field conservation practices.

Responsibilities include:

• Compile, evaluate, and summarize methods, tools, and resources used to implement conservation practices in the Upper Mississippi River Basin.

• Develop process models and user-friendly toolkits to support conservation practitioners.

• Refine geospatial data and GIS-based decision support tools to aid conservation efforts.

• Design and conduct semi-structured interviews and/or focus groups with stakeholders.

• Manage and analyze qualitative data and compile engagement strategies tailored to local needs.

• Coordinate the Achieving Conservation through Targeting Information, Outreach and Networking  Project.

• Lead experimental design and analysis in collaboration with project partners.

• Prepare scientific manuscripts and present findings at conferences and professional workshops.

• Create Extension and outreach materials for stakeholders.

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.

This is a 1-year term position.

Level Guidelines
• Senior-level position possessing high-level professional and/or technical skills working independently under minimal supervision to support ISU’s mission and department or work unit goals
• Applies senior-level professional knowledge and expertise to work requiring greater latitude
• Solves moderately complex problems and regularly exercises judgment to determine appropriate action
• Regularly exercises judgment to resolve problems and determine appropriate action on a broad set of issue and problems. May provide recommendations regarding problems/issues outside the bounds of defined procedures and practices
• Responds to complicated inquiries, provides training, and provides direction to lower-level staff
• May provide supervision for one to two other staff (i.e., leads a small work team)
• May lead projects for which well-defined practices and procedures may not exist
• Provides guidance to students

Appointment Type:

Regular with Term Appointment (Fixed Term)

Proposed End Date or Length of Term:

August 10, 2026

Number of Months Employed Per Year:

12 Month Work Period

Time Type:

Full time

Pay Grade:

PS810

Application Instructions:

To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:

1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae
2) Letter of Application/Cover Letter

If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.

Why Choose ISU?

Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:
• Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
• Generous vacation, holiday and sick time and leave plans
• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
• Life insurance and long-term disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Various voluntary benefits and discounts
• Employee Assista