Virginia Tech is a public land-grant university, committed to teaching and learning, research, and outreach to the Commonwealth of Virginia, the nation, and the world. Building on its motto of Ut Prosim (that I may serve), Virginia Tech is dedicated to InclusiveVT-serving in the spirit of community, diversity, and excellence. We seek candidates who adopt and practice the Principles of Community, which are fundamental to our on-going efforts to increase access and inclusion, and to create a community that nurtures learning and growth for all of its members. Virginia Tech actively seeks a broad spectrum of candidates to join our community in preparing leaders for the world.

Position Summary:
This position will serve as the National Bird Conservation Social Science Coordinator. The Coordinator will: 1) identify social science research priorities within the bird conservation community; 2) connect those bird conservation partnerships needing social science support with appropriate social scientists and other resources
3) serve as a liaison between researchers and bird conservation professionals on high priority bird conservation social science study teams; 4) collaborate with other social scientists to develop resources and tools to increase social science knowledge and capacity within the bird conservation community; 5) interpret, synthesize, and translate results from social sciences that are relevant to bird conservation; 6) provide expert review for bird conservation-related social science surveys and other types of products; and 7) coordinate and translate social science research relevant to bird conservation on topics with broad transferability. In 2018-2020 projects will focus on 1) a study of private landowners' behaviors and participation in the Conservation Reserve Program and 2) a study of wildlife recreationists (i.e., hunters, anglers, viewers, and birdwatchers.
The Coordinator will serve as the co-chair of the North American Bird Conservation Initiative's ( NABCI ) Human Dimensions Subcommittee and coordinate relevant priorities as identified in NABCI's Strategic Plan and the subcommittee's work plan. He/she will work closely with the NABCI partners and Joint Ventures. Additionally, the Coordinator will regularly engage with other human dimensions and communications groups within the bird conservation community including the North American Waterfowl Management Plan's Human Dimensions Working Group/Public Engagement Team and other agencies' human dimensions specialists (e.g., the USFWS National Wildlife Refuge System's Human Dimensions Branch, state agency HD specialists).
The position requires frequent travel throughout Virginia and the US.

Required Qualifications:
M.S. in social sciences related to conservation, natural resources, and/or wildlife management.
Knowledge of social science (e.g., psychology, sociology) concepts, principles, and methods as applied to wildlife or other natural resource management sufficient to identify research needs, provide technical support, develop project methods, analyze data, write reports, and present technically accurate and actionable results.
Demonstrated experience building relationships with decision-makers and ensuring social science results are applied to conservation planning, program development, and policy.
Experience communicating scientific results and methods to conservation professionals through trainings and web-based materials.
Experience in project coordination and management of complex projects involving multiple stakeholders.
Expertise in qualitative and quantitative social science data collection methods (i.e., surveys, interviews, focus groups), data analysis, and statistical programs (e.g., SPSS ).
Demonstrated skills in collaborating with others on teams to accomplish shared objectives.
Excellent oral and written communication skills and organizational skills.

Preferred Qualifications:
Ph.D. in social science related to conservation, natural resources, and/or wildlife management or at least 3 years of relevant professional experience.
Knowledge of bird conservation partnerships and initiatives.
Experience conducting social science research to better understand key audiences who affect bird conservation, including recreationists, private landowners or public land managers.
Experience with social-ecological research, integrating methods and results from multiple disciplines.
Familiarity with private lands issues and Farm Bill conservation programs.
Experience designing and leading trainings about social science results and methods to conservation professionals with a biological background.
Experience in aiding conservation professional or stakeholders in identifying shared priorities or research needs.
Demonstrated experience in managing multiple projects and associated timelines



To apply please click here!