Research Associate I, Fire Behavior Assessment Team

Position Details ================

Position Information -------------------

Internal Posting: SP005187P Position Title: Research Associate I - Fire Behavior Assessment Team Division: College of Natural Resources Department: Forest Rangeland & Fire Sciences Location: Moscow, Off-Campus Location - Bozeman, MT

Posting Context Statement ------------------------

Position is a collaboration between the University of Idaho, the USDA Forest Service Northern Research Station, and National Forest System Region 5. It coordinates and leads the Fire Behavior Assessment Team (FBAT), which supports National Forest and incident command teams with pre- and post-fire monitoring on wildfires. FBAT members are on-call professionals from federal agencies and academia.

Duties --------

• Office and field work focused on 2026 fire-season monitoring in Californias Sierra Nevada and Klamath Mountains.
• The position is full-time or part-time, negotiable, based in Bozeman, MT, preferred or Moscow, ID, with travel to Redding, CA, and wildfire assignments.

Position Overview -----------------

Performs research activities and analysis, implements and evaluates research procedures and data, records observations and measurements, and reports results. Responsible for analyzing and preparing results for publication. Works under general supervision with a certain degree of creativity and latitude. May supervise junior research personnel.

Duties --------

• Provide technical support in planning and/or designing of scientific projects, studies, or applications.
• Plan and conduct research and analysis of scientific data.
• Interpret test results and compare with determined standards and limits.
• Identify and evaluate scientific samples and determine the need for further testing.
• Develop recommendations and/or provide solutions, standards, and protocol to a wide range of difficult problems.
• Plan, design, develop, monitor, and/or evaluate portions of a scientific project, study, or application.
• Provide scientific evaluations and assessments.
• Research, implement, standardize, and evaluate new procedures.
• Maintain detailed records of results and prepare written reports acceptable to the Principal Investigator and funding agencies.

Other Duties -------------

• Other duties as assigned.

Unit URL ---------

https://www.uidaho.edu/natural-resources/academics/forest-rangeland-fire-science

Position Qualifications ----------------------

### Required Experience

• Two years of post-bachelors research experience related to the domain of this position.

### Required Education

• Bachelors Degree in ecology, environmental science, soils, hydrology, zoology, wildlife resource management, forestry.

### Other

• Previous or current NWCG Wildland Fire qualifications at FFT2 or above.
• Valid US Drivers License.
• Wildland fire qualifications that are either current or can be renewed.
• Ability to travel.
• Ability to work non-standard business hours.

### Additional Preferred Qualifications

• MSc strongly preferred in ecology, environmental science, soils, hydrology, zoology, wildlife resource management, forestry, with a field research component or a BSc plus two years of additional experience in one of these fields.
• Prior experience conducting statistical data analysis.
• Prior experience developing written reports based on monitoring or research data.
• Experience with running and developing programs in R.
• Experience building electronic surveys using ESRIs Survey123.
• Experience using ArcGIS and Federal datasets and applications such as FACTs, FTEM, FVS, WFDSS, and RMA dashboard.
• Facility with electronics, including ability to troubleshoot and repair measurement instruments and devices.
• Experience in wildfire and/or prescribed fire operations.
• Demonstrated oral, written, or audio-visual communication skills.
• Demonstrated leadership experience.
• Demonstrated ability to work well independently and within a team.
• Familiarity with field-based vegetation and fuels measurements.
• Ability to maintain a high level of attention to detail while performing repetitive tasks.
• Physical Requirements & Working Conditions
• Ability to safely operate motor vehicles, including 4WD trucks.
• Ability to lift, carry, or otherwise move up to 45 pounds.
• Ability to hike, walk in steep and uneven terrain in wildfire-affected areas in potentially inclement weather conditions.
• Ability to perform work in an office environment.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions -----------------------------------------

• Ability to safely operate motor vehicles, including 4WD trucks.
• Ability to lift, carry, or otherwise move up to 45 pounds.
• Ability to hike, walk in steep and uneven terrain in wildfire-affected areas in potentially inclement weather conditions.
• Ability to perform work in an office environment.

Degree Requirement -----------------

• Listed degree qualification is required at time of hire.

Posting Information -------------------

### FLSA Status

• Non-Exempt

### Employee Category

• Classified

### Pay Range

• $20.30 per hour or higher, depending on experience

### Type of Appointment

• Fiscal Year
• FTE: 0.50 or 1.0
• Full Time/Part Time: Full Time/Part Time

### Funding

• This position is contingent upon the continuation of work and/or funding.
• A visa sponsorship is available for the position listed in this vacancy.

### Uncertain Posting Date

• 03/03/2026

### Closing Date

• Open Until Filled

### Special Instructions to Applicants

• This position is open until filled.
• Priority will be given to applicants who have submitted their materials by March 17th, 2026.

### Applicant Resources

• https://www.uidaho.edu/human-resources/careers/applicant-resources

### Background Check Statement

• Applicants who are selected as final, possible candidates must be able to pass a criminal background check.

### EEO Statement

• The University of Idaho is an equal employment opportunity employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

### Applicant Documents

• Required documents: Resume, CV, Cover Letter, Letter of Application, List of References (optional)

### Supplemental Questions

• Required fields are indicated with an asterisk