The National Bird Conservation Social Science Coordinator will serve as the Social Science Coordinator for the Road to Recovery of North America’s Birds initiative, providing support to bird species working groups and advising three pilot projects. They will also co-chair of the North American Bird Conservation Initiative’s (NABCI) Human Dimensions Subcommittee and coordinate relevant priorities as identified in NABCI’s Strategic Plan and the subcommittee’s work plan—both will be centered on “bringing back three billion birds”. They will work closely with the Road to Recovery Organizing Committee and NABCI partners. Additionally, the Coordinator will regularly engage with other human dimensions and communications groups within the bird conservation community including the North American Waterfowl Management Plan’s Human Dimensions Working Group/Public Engagement Team and other agencies’ human dimensions specialists (e.g., the USFWS National Wildlife Refuge System’s Human Dimensions Branch, state agency HD specialists).

The National Bird Conservation Social Science Coordinator will:
1) advise and better connect bird conservation efforts with necessary social science expertise and collaborators; 2) conduct research to identify social science needs of bird conservation efforts and a framework for how to support them; 3) conduct trainings and contribute to workshops for bird conservation professionals; 4) co-chair the NABCI Human Dimensions Subcommittee and participate in R2R Committees and other bird conservation and social science committees; 5) mentor undergraduate and graduate student interns; 6) conduct research to identify needs for social science research related to diversity, equity, and inclusion of private lands conservation; and 7) publish peer-reviewed articles.

The position requires travel throughout Virginia and the US.

Both position levels require the following: 1) Knowledge of social science (e.g., psychology, sociology) concepts, principles, and methods as applied to wildlife or other natural resource management sufficient to identify research needs, provide technical support, connect initiatives with other social scientists, and conduct trainings.; 2) Experience communicating scientific results and methods to conservation professionals through trainings and web-based materials. 3) Demonstrated skills in collaborating with others on teams to accomplish shared objectives. 4) Excellent communication and organizational skills. 5) Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. 6) Experience conducting and publishing conservation social science (or related research).

For the rank of Sr. Research Associate: Ph.D. degree in human dimensions, conservation social science, environmental social science, natural resources, wildlife management, or a related discipline; or MS with significant professional experience in a related discipline may be considered in lieu of PhD.

For the rank of Research Scientists: 1) Ph.D. degree in human dimensions, conservation social science, environmental social science, natural resources, wildlife management, or a related discipline. 2) Demonstrated excellence in developing and executing research. 3) Experience in leading research and project management.

1) Demonstrated experience ensuring social science results are applied to conservation planning, program development, and policy. 2) Experience in management of complex projects involving multiple stakeholders or partners. 3) Knowledge of bird conservation partnerships and initiatives. 4) Familiarity with science co-production approaches. 5) Experience in aiding conservation professional or stakeholders in identifying shared priorities or research needs. 6) Research experience related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice.

Restricted

$65,000-$75,000

4/22/2022

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous Extension offices and research centers. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.