Job Description
Position Requirements:
This position is interdisciplinary. We welcome candidates from diverse fields. Candidate(s) must either have earned a doctorate or be All But Dissertation (ABD) with a dissertation defense date set for early 2025, in environmental studies, environmental science, American Indian and Indigenous Studies or a related field before starting the position. Candidate(s) must also be proficient with project management and some combination of quantitative, qualitative, mixed-methods, and community-based participatory research. Candidate(s) should be committed to research transparency, disseminating and developing evidence-based practices, and treating others with respect and dignity to promote equity and cultural responsiveness.
Doctoral level English language fluency (verbal and written) is required. Preferred (not required) qualifications include lived experience working with Tribal Nations/Indigenous communities. For candidates without an earned doctorate, confirmation from the dissertation advisor regarding ABD status and defense date will be required. We prefer the candidate to be based in the Midwest with availability to attend in-person work activities on campus in Madison, WI and at Wisconsin project sites including Fond du Lac and Waupaca Counties, and other sites within the Winnebago watershed. However, for the right candidate(s), we are open to hybrid (partial in-person and partial remote) arrangements. We require some travel (including overnight and evening/weekend travel) for research, engagement, professional development, and InterTribal community and governance events.
Position Duties:
A research associate position is available for work in 2025 on the InterTribal Lake Winnebago Wild Rice Revitalization Project. Project leads are Dr. Jessie Conaway of UW Madison and the Brothertown Indian Nation Tribal Council in Fond du Lac Wisconsin. Other partners include InterTribal conservation organizations, Wisconsin Tribes, UW faculty, staff and students, federal and state agencies, non-profits, and fishing and hunting clubs. This project is funded by EPA, Fund for Lake Michigan, Daybreak Fund and US Fish and Wildlife Service.
We are seeking a sincere and knowledgeable graduate student with a focus on ecology to join our team. The role involves conducting research on and restoration of Mayom ~ wild rice (Zizania spp.) within the Winnebago Watershed. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to habitat restoration efforts, understand environmental impacts, and aid in the long-term prosperity of our relatives within the local ecosystem.
Specific duties and responsibilities include the following (and do not exclude other duties as assigned):
*Project Management
*Ongoing communications for project efforts—meeting planning for project team and project partners seasonal meetings, meeting notes summarizing, follow-up emails and calls, feedback requests from project partners.
*Plan fieldwork and data entry in February; Participate in fieldwork April through August with other assistants/Conaway
*Monthly communications with funders for outreach efforts—website, videos, podcasts, and press kits, social media
* Entering employee travel and other reimbursements
*Maintain a detailed knowledge of all assigned protocols and EPA reporting requirements; adhere to all protocol requirements to ensure validity and ethical standards of research methods and data;
*Participate in development and implementation of a wild rice monitoring program
*Interact with community partners
*Recruit research participants; verify participant eligibility for studies; consent and interview participants; and other participant data from a variety of sources;
*Assist with database creation for watershed data; enter data into the database(s); assist in implementing data validation and a data management plan; assist with analyzing study data and writing up results;
*Participate in the dissemination of study findings, including writing manuscripts, abstracts, and fact sheets;
*Conduct literature searches and synthesize the literature including identifying strengths and weaknesses, key take-home messages, and gaps in the literature;
*Maintain paper and electronic research files;
*Monitor and maintain supply of research supplies and order as needed;
*Evaluate and prepare Adverse Event reports and other regulatory documents;
*Prepare for and participate in audits of studies/monitoring visits;
*Track study progress and create quarterly reports noting progress;
*Create figures and presentations, present at meetings;
*Participate in the preparation and tracking of financial documents, such as budgets, study invoices, and annual reports;
*Coordinate logistics for virtual and in person meetings, create agendas, collect RSVPs, take meeting minutes, order refreshments, support team members in seeking expense reimbursement;
*Project work and participation must align with EPA’s terms and conditions outlined in the code of federal regulations CFR 200. This will be clarified after that hire is made.
*Other duties as assigned
Spring and summer duties include:
*Fieldwork with Tribes, other project partners
*Data entry, data verification, proofing
*Work with project partners to develop wild rice monitoring program
*Participatory mapping project with Lake Winnebago communities
*Work with project partners to implement youth outreach
*Work with Tribal natural resource interns for 5 days in July
*Seeding of wild rice in existing and new habitats, if applicable
*Serve as a liaison for UW Water Science Engineering Laboratory and the UW Soil and Forage Lab
Application Instructions: We will accept applications until the position is filled. Priority will be given to applications received prior to April 15, 2025.
The start date is negotiable, with the earliest possible start date being May 4, 2025. Applications must include:
1) a cover letter (no more than 2 single-spaced pages using 12 pt font at minimum) focused on their alignment with the position and future research and career plans;
2) curriculum vitae (CV);
3) writing sample demonstrating their contributions to research, and
4) the names/contact information for three (3) people who can serve as professional references. Send application package via email to the following people:
Denise Thomas, dthomas3@wisc.edu
Alex Mixtli, Alexander.Mixtli@protonmail.com
Jessie Conaway, jessie.conaway@wisc.edu
Website: https://wildricerevitalization.wordpress.com/
Salary: $55,000 annual salary 1.0 FTE 100% project effort
Percent Time: 100
Start Date: 05/04/2025
Contact Name: Jessie Conaway
Contact Email: jessie.conaway@wisc.edu
Contact Phone: (608) 790-7425
