Research Assistant (Alabama Natural Heritage Program)

at  Auburn University

JOB SUMMARY

This is a two-year limited term appointment. Continuation of employment is contingent upon availability of funds.
The Alabama Natural Heritage Program in the Department of Biological Sciences is seeking a Research Assistant to work on Geographic Information Systems projects in the areas of species conservation and conservation opportunity area modeling, and assist with management of the rare species occurrence database, Biotics.
About Auburn: Auburn was named by Forbes Magazine as one of the state of Alabama’s best employers, with employees staying an average of ten years! Learn more about Auburn’s impact, generous employee benefits, and thriving community by visiting aub.ie/working-for-auburn.
It’s a Lifestyle: The Auburn/Opelika area is a page right out of Southern Living magazine with an idyllic small-town feel, perfecting a unique balance between a close-knit community and driving consistent growth and development. Paralleling the exponential growth of Auburn University, the Auburn/Opelika area boasts services and amenities that cater to any interest. We’re proud of our top school systems, city services, award-winning restaurants, and the infectious spirit of life in a college town. You can find us nestled halfway between the beach and the mountains in a lower-cost-of-living area, two hours outside of Atlanta or Birmingham. If you’re new to Auburn, we’d love to introduce you. If you’re already acquainted with Auburn, we’ll keep it simple: it’s time to come home!
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MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Level I -Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in Biological Sciences, Ecology, Zoology, Geography, or related field with no experience.
Level II -Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in Biological Sciences, Ecology, Zoology, Geography, or related filed plus two years of experience in geographic information systems, database management, and/or field-based biological research.
Level III -Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in Biological Sciences, Ecology, Zoology, Geography, or related field with four years of experience in geographic information systems, database management, and/or field-based biological research.

SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED FOR EXPERIENCE:

When a candidate has the required education, but lacks the required experience, they may normally apply additional appropriate education toward the experience requirement, at a rate of one year relevant education per year of required experience.
Minimum Skills, License, and Certifications

MINIMUM SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Candidate must have excellent written and interpersonal communication skills.
• Broad computational and technical background with the ability to integrate innovative technologies into research.
• Ability to conduct research analyses involving spatial ecology and habitat modeling.
• Experience using GIS software for mapping and conducting spatial analysis.
• Experience with data entry.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Posting Detail Information

• Assist with large-scale mapping projects to identify conservation opportunity areas in Alabama.
• Make maps and GIS data files in support of Alabama Heritage Program projects.
• Assist with species habitat modeling and other GIS projects as needed.
• Enter rare species occurrence data into a relational database, Biotics.
• Additional duties as assigned.
  Minimum Qualifications