Qualifications
Required Qualifications: The candidate will have a graduate degree (Masters or PhD) in natural resources, policy and planning, social sciences, strategic foresight/futures, or in another field with a substantive focus on public engagement processes. Advanced degree with one or more years of research training.
The ideal candidate would have most of the following skills: experience conducting focus groups, facilitating public engagement processes, project management experience, experience with the National Environmental Policy Act analysis, and experience with natural resource planning (particularly as practiced in the US Forest Service or similar agencies). The candidate should also have excellent interpersonal skills, the ability to work with diverse public, and strong organizational skills. Applicants should describe their relevant experience in these areas. The successful applicant will not necessarily have all of these skills, but should explain clearly which ones they currently possess. The position will be located on the University of Minnesota’s Saint Paul campus. Alternative work locations would be considered for candidates with extensive experience.
About the Job
Duties/Responsibilities: The University of Minnesota, Department of Forest Resources, is seeking a Researcher 5 to contribute to “Incorporating Strategic Foresight into US Forest Service Environmental Analysis and Decision Making,” a US Forest Service funded project that is expected to begin in Fall 2018. This project will support the US Forest Service to develop, apply, and refine strategic foresight tools for public land management and decision making at both the national forest and regional levels. The researcher will work with Dr. Forrest Fleischman and the US Forest Service Strategic Foresight Research team to provide training, workshops, and hands-on support for: scenario planning, environmental horizon scanning, implications wheel exercises, and other strategic foresight processes. The project’s goal is to develop applied methods to incorporate the best available science and innovation within US Forest Service decision making and environmental analysis. The impact of the project will improve Environmental Analysis and Decision Making, support forest plan revisions, and develop practical tools for incorporating strategic foresight into US Forest Service decision making. The researcher will be expected to facilitate meetings, conduct trainings, collect and analyze data, give research presentations, and coauthor academic articles. The researcher will be funded to participate in professional development activities to develop strategic foresight knowledge (e.g. attend the University of Houston Strategic Foresight Certificate five-day course). The researcher will be supervised by Dr. Forrest Fleischman within the department of forest resources at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities and supported by Dr. Dave Bengston and Dr. Michael Dockry at the US Forest Service Northern Research Station on the UMN Twin Cities Campus and Dr. Lynne Westphal at the US Forest Service Northern Research Station in Evanston, IL.
Time allocation:
40% facilitating meetings and conducting trainings in strategic foresight for forest planners and related staff in the US Forest Service
30% collecting and analyzing data on the application of strategic foresight tools in USFS planning
30% coauthor academic articles and give research presentations
Appointment: This is a 100% time appointment but a 50% or 75% appointment could be negotiated for exceptional candidates. Initial appointment is for one year, beginning in Fall 2018. Renewal for up to one additional year (or longer if the appointment is part time) is possible upon successful progress.
About the Department
For more information about the department, please visit the following website: https://www.forestry.umn.edu/.
How To Apply
Applications must be submitted online. Go to the website: https://humanresources.umn.edu/jobs and search for posting #326651. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.
Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your “My Activities” page and uploading documents there. This position requires that you attach a cover letter and your CV.
This position will remain open until filled.
To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-UOHR (8647).
Diversity
The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.
The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U see the following website: http://diversity.umn.edu.
Background Check Information
Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.
About the U of M
The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation’s most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.