AERC Field Lead Environmental Research Specialist (Bellows AFS, Hawaii)

The Applied Environmental Research Center (AERC), a unit within the Office of Research at the University of Alaska Anchorage, is currently hiring for multiple remote positions based at Bellows Airforce Station in Oahu, Hawaii. The AERC serves as a platform for high-level environmental consultancy between industry and the University of Alaska (UA), acting as a bridge to resources, expertise, and talent across the entire UA system. The center offers research and technical assistance, high-level professional education, and youth entrepreneurship programming. Through its work, the AERC not only connects UA research programs but also supports and enhances environmental capacities across Alaska.

As a Field Lead Environmental Research Specialist you will play a pivotal role in addressing the performance and operational needs of the AERC's project goals and serve as a specialist and critical thinker, equipped to solve problems and make decisions under administrative supervision. The role demands a combination of strong analytical, data management, and business skills, as well as knowledge of statistical and fiscal methods. The successful candidate will be adept at understanding and navigating fiscal restrictions associated with research funding. Successful candidates must be appropriately State licensed in pesticide certification or must be able to obtain such certification within 30 days of hire.

Prior experience with dune and coastal restoration projects as well as permitting and tree felling is preferred as is ESRI ArcGIS certification to include cartography, Geo Apps, and Spatial Analysis as well as knowledge of military culture, military families, and/or prior military service or background.

To thrive in this role, candidates should possess a strong understanding of federal contract compliance and project performance management, with experience in Department of Defense (DoD) contracting and familiarity with relevant regulations, policies, and expectations as well as a shared enthusiasm for wetland and dune restoration projects. The ideal candidate will have a demonstrated aptitude for problem-solving, excellent interpersonal skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively with support staff, faculty, senior executives, and contracting professionals. Additionally, the role requires sound judgment, discretion in handling sensitive matters, the ability to work under pressure, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines. Experience within higher education, particularly in a self-supporting unit, is highly desirable. Strong organizational, leadership, and written communication skills, along with advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and internet applications, are essential for success in this position.

Minimum Qualifications:

A Bachelor’s of Science in environmental, biology, resource management or related degree and one year’s research experience in a field relevant to the research. Alternatively, combined education and work experience that aligns with the position will be substituted and considered.

Position Details:

This position is located at Bellows Airforce Station on Oahu, Hawaii. This is a term-funded, full-time, exempt staff position complete with both a competitive salary and full employee benefits package. UA provides a generous compensation package that includes retirement options, annual leave, 12 paid holidays per year, tuition waivers for employees and family members, and affordable medical, dental and vision care coverage. New hires will be placed on the UA Staff Salary Schedule, Grade 79, based on education and experience.

The primary client of the AERC is the US Army Corps of Engineers, Alaska District. Core to the mission of AERC is to tap talent across the entire UA system. In short, the AERC seeks to provide new opportunities for the UA community in applied research via coordination of environmental work supported primarily via federal and state funding.

Valid driver's license and clean driving record in compliance with UA Safe Driving Criteria.

*This position is located on Oahu, Hawaii; relocation assistance may be provided.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until a successful candidate is identified. Review of application materials will begin immediately. Search and selection procedures will be closed when a sufficient and viable number of qualified candidates have been identified.

📃To view the full list of job responsibilities, please click HERE.

☎️If you have any questions regarding this position, please contact Kelsie Kingston at kakingston@alaska.edu.

*To be eligible for this position, applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without restriction.  Applicants who now or may in the future require visa sponsorship to work in the United States are not eligible.

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This position is a term-funded position and is reviewed annually for contract renewal at the University's discretion.

The University of Alaska (UA) is responsible for providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities throughout the applicant screening process. If you need assistance in completing this application or during any phase of the interview process, please contact UA Human Resources by phone at 907-450-8200.

The University of Alaska (www.alaska.edu) is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access Employer and Educational Institution.  The University is committed to a policy of non-discrimination (www.alaska.edu/nondiscrimination) against individuals on the basis of any legally protected status.

The successful applicant is required to complete a background check. Any offer of employment is contingent on the background check.

Your application for employment with the University of Alaska is subject to public disclosure under the Alaska Public Records Act.

All employees at the University of Alaska are expected to uphold the highest standards of ethics and professionalism when conducting or engaged in university business.

*Each university within the University of Alaska system publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report which contains information regarding campus safety and security including topics such as: campus law enforcement authority; crime reporting policies; campus alerts (Timely Warnings and Emergency Notifications); fire safety policies and procedures; programs to prevent dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking; the procedures the University will follow when one of these crimes is reported; and other matters of importance related to security on campus. The report also contains information about crime statistics for the three most recent calendar years concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus; in On-Campus Student Housing Facilities; in Noncampus buildings or property owned or controlled by the University or a recognized student organization; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus.  The report also contains fire statistics for any fires occurring in an On-Campus Student Housing Facility during the three most recent calendar years.  

Access to the reports is available at:

UAA: (Addresses Anchorage campus, Aviation Technology Complex, JBER - Elmendorf Extension, JBER - Richardson Extension, Kenai Peninsula College - Kachemak Bay campus, Kenai Peninsula College - Kenai River campus, Kodiak College, Kodiak High School Extension, Matanuska-Susitna College, Prince William Sound College, and Prince William Sound College - Cordova Extension) Online: https://www.uaa.alaska.edu/students/safety. Request a paper copy in person: UAA Police Department Office at Room 114 of Eugene Short Hall on the Anchorage campus / UAA Dean of Students Office at Room 122 of Rasmuson Hall on the Anchorage campus. Request a paper copy by mail: 907-786-1120 or police@uaa.alaska.edu / 907-786-1214 or uaa_deanofstudents@alaska.edu. 

UAF: (Addresses Fairbanks Campus, Bristol Bay Campus, Chukchi Campus, Community and Technical College, Kasitsna Bay Campus, Seward Marine Center, Tok Campus, Kuskokwim Campus, and Northwest Campus) Online: https://www.uaf.edu/orca/files/ASFSR.pdf. Request a paper copy in person: UAF Office of Rights, Compliance and Accountability on the 3rd Floor of Constitution Hall. Request a paper copy by mail: 907-474-7300 or uaf-orca@alaska.edu.

UAS: (Addresses the Juneau Auke Bay Campus, Juneau Technical Education Center, Sitka Campus, & Ketchikan Campus) Online: https://uas.alaska.edu/equity-and-compliance/docs/clery/UAS_ASFSR.pdf. Request a paper copy in person: Hendrickson Building, Suite 202 on the Juneau campus. Request a paper copy by mail: 907-796-6371 or emailing uas.clery@alaska.edu.