Research Associate I, Fire Behavior Assessment Team

Position Details Position Information Internal Posting?Posting Number SP005187P Position Title Research Associate I, Fire Behavior Assessment Team Division/College College of Natural Resources Department Forest, Rangeland, & Fire Sciences Location Moscow, Off Campus Location - Bozeman, MT Posting Context Statement Position is a collaboration between the University of Idaho, the USDA Forest Service Northern Research Station, and National Forest System Region 5. It coordinates and leads the Fire Behavior Assessment Team (FBAT), which supports National Forest and incident command teams with pre-, active-, and post-fire monitoring on wildfires. FBAT members are on-call professionals from federal agencies and academia. Duties include office and field work, focused on 2026 fire-season monitoring in California's Sierra Nevada and Klamath Mountains. The position is full time or part time (negotiable) based in Bozeman, MT (preferred), or Moscow, ID, with travel to Redding, CA and wildfire assignments. Position Overview Performs research activities and analysis; implements and evaluates research procedures and data. Records observations and measurements then reports results. Responsible for analyzing and preparing results for publication. Works under general supervision with a certain degree of creativity and latitude. May supervise junior research personnel. Duties may include: Provide technical support in planning and/or designing of scientific projects, studies, or applications Plan and conduct research and analysis of scientific data Interpret test results and comparing with determined standards and limits Identify and evaluating scientific samples and determining need for further testing Develop recommendations and/or providing solutions, standards, and protocol to a wide range of difficult problems Plan, design, develop, monitor and/or evaluate portions of a scientific project, study, or application Provide scientific evaluations/assessments Research, implement, standardize, and evaluate new procedures Maintain detailed records of results and prepares written reports acceptable to the Principal Investigator and funding agencies Other duties as assigned Unit URLPosition Qualifications Required Experience Two years of post-bachelor's research experience related to the domain of this position Required Education Bachelor's Degree in ecology, environmental science, soils, hydrology, zoology, wildlife, resource management, forestry Required Other Previous or current NWCG Wildland Fire qualifications at FFT2 or above Valid US Driver's License Wildland fire qualifications that are either current or can be renewed Ability to travel Ability to work non-standard business hours Additional Preferred MSc (strongly preferred) in ecology, environmental science, soils, hydrology, zoology, wildlife, resource management, forestry, etc., with a field research component, or a BSc plus two years of additional experience in one of these fields Prior experience conducting statistical data analysis Prior experience developing written reports based on monitoring or research data Experience with running and developing programs in R Experience building electronic surveys using ESRI's Survey123 Experience using ArcGIS and Federal datasets and applications such as FACTs, FTEM, FVS, WFDSS, and RMA dashboard Facility with electronics, including ability to troubleshoot and repair measurement instruments and devices Experience in wildfire and/or prescribed fire operations Demonstrated oral, written, or audio-visual communication skills Demonstrated leadership experience Demonstrated ability to work well independently and within a team Familiarity with field-based vegetation and fuels measurements Ability to maintain a high level of attention to detail while performing repetitive tasks Physical Requirements & Working Conditions Ability to Safely operate motor vehicles including 4WD trucks Lift, carry or otherwise move up to 45 pounds Hike/walk in steep and uneven terrain in wildfire-affected areas in potentially inclement weather conditions Perform work in an office environment Degree Requirement Listed degree qualification is required at time of hire Posting Information FLSA Status Non-Exempt Employee Category Classified Pay Range $20.30 per hour or higher depending on experience Type of Appointment Fiscal Year FTE .50 or 1.0 Full Time/Part Time Part Time Funding This position is contingent upon the continuation of work and/or funding. A visa sponsorship is available for the position listed in this vacancy. Uncertain Posting Date 03/03/2026 Closing DateOpen Until Filled Yes Special Instructions to Applicants This position is open until filled. Priority will be given to applicants who have submitted their materials by March 17th, 2026. Applicant Resources Background Check Statement Applicants who are selected as final possible candidates must be able to pass a criminal background check. EEO Statement The University of Idaho is an equal employment opportunity employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

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