AERC Sr. Research Technician

The Applied Environmental Research Center (AERC), part of the Business Enterprise Institute (BEI) at the University of Alaska, bridges industry and academia through applied environmental research and technical assistance. AERC contributes to economic development across Alaska, offering expertise, resources, and collaboration with the broader UA system. BEI supports small business development, professional education, and youth entrepreneurship, fostering business and entrepreneurial growth throughout the state.

The Applied Environmental Research Center (AERC) at the University of Alaska Anchorage supports high-level environmental consultancy and research by bridging the expertise of the University of Alaska with industry needs. The work involves data collection and entry, utilizing computerized spreadsheets and databases to manage and analyze information. Key responsibilities include manipulating data to produce charts and graphs, interpreting trends, and identifying irregularities for accurate reporting.

The role requires the ability to work in remote and challenging conditions, adhering to field safety procedures, and performing data entry in systems like ArcGIS. Additionally, staff provide essential field camp maintenance and logistical support, as well as contributing to the creation of tables, graphs, and charts to effectively present data. Maintaining accurate records is a vital aspect of the work to ensure data integrity and proper documentation. The Sr. technician will also assist or lead projects, ensuring accurate data analysis for reports. Prior fieldwork experience, especially in military settings, and knowledge of military protocols is preferred.

To thrive in this role, the successful candidate should have a strong passion for both outdoor fieldwork and office-based data management, with a particular emphasis on leadership. This position requires expertise in data collection, entry, and interpretation, particularly in aerial surveys, species identification, and GPS recording. Proficiency in using ArcGIS, Excel, and Access for data manipulation and analysis is essential, as is the ability to create easy-to-read charts, graphs, and tables that highlight trends. The ideal candidate will also possess the ability to work in remote, often extreme weather conditions, while taking on a leadership role in field teams, ensuring safety and managing logistical support. Strong organizational and leadership skills are crucial for supervising assistants, guiding teams in both field and office settings, and overseeing both field operations and administrative tasks, including report writing. Additionally, familiarity with military installations, bear country protocols, and small aircraft travel is preferred. A balance of independent work, effective teamwork, and strong leadership will be key to success in this role.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelors degree in a field relevant to research (e.g. science, math, business) and four years experience in a field relevant to the research, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Preferred Experience:
• Prior Department of Defense (DoD) experience in either the military or civil servant capacity as it relates to a Wildlife
Technician and research
• Prior Range Control Training and experience to include protocols on conducting field research on an active military
installation
• Moderately to expert level proficiency in ArcGIS (prefer three years of prior GIS software use and experience)

Position Details:

This position is located on the Anchorage Campus. This is a term-funded, full-time, non-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 78, based on education and experience.

A valid driver's license and clean driving record in compliance with UA Safe Driving Criteria is required.

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 Patrick Sullivan at pjsullivan@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.