Job Details
Advertisement Opens: Jan. 19, 2022 |
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Advertisement Closes: June 3, 2022 |
Full Time: Yes |
Salary: $45,274.00 - $45,274.00 Annually |
Minimum Education and/or Experience: The formal education equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in psychology, sociology, anthropology, human geography, human dimensions of natural resources, or conservation/environmental social science; plus two years of experience in wildlife management or a related field.
OTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE HUMAN RESOURCES CHIEF. |
Preferred Education and/or Experience: An advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in Human Dimensions of Natural Resources or other applied or classic social science field or Fisheries or Wildlife Biology with substantial conservation social science research experience, especially with survey design and research methods. |
Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills: Formal training in social sciences (either classical or applied fields) including but not limited to: psychology, sociology, anthropology, human geography, human dimensions of natural resources, or conservation/environmental social science. Experience in conducting applied conservation social science techniques. Knowledge of current human dimensions research approaches and applications. Knowledge and experience with current survey design, implementation, analysis, and reporting techniques. Knowledge and experience of program evaluation data collection, analysis, and reporting techniques. Knowledge and experience with the use of electronic survey platforms, such as Qualtrics and Google Forms. Experience analyzing complex data sets. Ability to communicate about social science with a wide range of audiences both in written and oral presentation format. Experience and ability explaining complex research to a variety of audiences including biologists, stakeholders and agency leadership. Ability to work cooperatively with a wide variety of stakeholders and partner organizations including governmental and non-governmental organizations. Ability to independently create and execute strategic work plans. Ability to simultaneously manage and prioritize a large number of projects. |
Preferred Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills: Additional skills include knowledge of the principles of biology, ecology, and related environmental sciences. Knowledge of methods and techniques of scientific testing, data collection, and analysis. Knowledge of fish/wildlife management programs. Knowledge of wildlife/fish management laboratory techniques, equipment, and procedures. Ability to conduct scientific wildlife and/or fish surveys/studies, analyze and evaluate collected data, and prepare written narrative reports of findings. Ability to direct, coordinate, and maintain wildlife and/or fish management programs. |
Position Location: City: Central Arkansas Office: Little Rock Central Office Division: Research |
Job Summary: The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) Social Science Research Specialist will be responsible for assisting the social science research program and promote the integration of social science into natural resource management and policy to the enhance the mission of AGFC. |
Typical Functions: Assist the AGFC Conservation Social Scientist in efforts to coordinate, review, and prioritize internal and external social science efforts. Provide expert guidance and technical support to AGFC and its Commissioners on the social science of conservation issues. Utilize current social science research and sampling methodologies and coordinate with AGFC staff to develop, implement, and analyze survey and program evaluation tools that help staff understand public behaviors, preferences, and trends related to conservation and management. Use valid scientific methods to examine knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and other variables that affect human behaviors related to natural resource management, managers, research, and regulations. Facilitate the incorporation of social science information into program policy decisions, operation planning and program evaluation, and ensures social science research priorities are consistent with agency needs. Aid in research projects related to the AGFC’s recruitment, retention, and reactivation (R-3) efforts to increase participation in outdoor recreation. Analyze and evaluate survey and public input data and write reports describing the results of the data and makes recommendations on game and fish populations. Performs other duties as assigned. |
Specific Duties and Responsibilities: The Social Science Research Specialist will assist the AGFC’s social science research program and promote the integration of social science into natural resource management and policy to enhance the mission of AGFC. As such, this position will provide expert guidance and technical support to AGFC and its Commissioners on the social science of conservation issues. This position will utilize current social science research and sampling methodologies and coordinate with AGFC staff to develop, implement, and analyze survey and program evaluation tools that help staff understand public behaviors, preferences, and trends related to conservation and management. This position aids in research projects related to the AGFC’s recruitment, retention, and reactivation (R-3) efforts to increase participation in outdoor recreation. The position facilitates the incorporation of social science information into program policy decisions, operation planning and program evaluation, and ensures social science research priorities are consistent with agency needs. This position will use valid scientific methods to examine knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and other variables that affect human behaviors related to natural resource management, managers, research, and regulations.
Other responsibilities include assisting the AGFC Conservation Social Scientist in efforts to coordinate, review, and prioritize internal and external social science efforts. Collaborate and coordinate with university researchers and social science consultants on relevant projects. Translate social science research findings to biological staff and help them integrate social science into resource management and planning efforts. Communicate social science information to biological staff, agency leadership, commissioners and elected officials. Ensure best available social science is used within the agency. Aid in the development of effective communication strategies to help build understanding and support for program objectives and scientific evidence-based management decisions. Create and conduct scientific studies such that the resulting human dimensions data and findings will be incorporated into natural resource management decisions. Implement or create methodologies to assess, track, and evaluate social response to implemented regulations, agency programs and activities, and identify areas of impact and success within the state. Performs other duties as assigned. |
Certificates, Licenses, or Registrations: Must possess a valid driver’s license. |
Special Job Dimensions: Frequent in-state travel and field work may be required. |
Other Specific Information: This position will be housed in the AGFC's Research Division. This division is a highly specialized unit which supports the AGFC and its divisions through exploration, evaluation and monitoring of best available science. We seek team-oriented applicants with ability and experience to engage in collaborative research, coordination and capacity building, and work across various departments, agencies, and disciplines. Individual selected should be able to serve as a leader and developer on large scale projects, but just as readily serve in a support role to fellow colleagues. Selected individual will have the opportunity to work with high level professionals through all levels of the agency on a variety of conservation issues and experience the gratitude of having their work directly applied to conservation management. This position is very applied in nature and will provide the individual selected the satisfaction of viewing their work applied in management decisions.
All applicants are subject to a criminal background check. |
As an equal opportunity employer, the Commission will make any reasonable accommodations necessary to ensure equal employment opportunities.