Employer Oregon State University Job Description, Responsibilities and Required Qualifications or Skills Join a groundbreaking conservation research initiative developing decision support models to evaluate water management effects on the Western pond turtle, a species recently proposed for threatened status under the Endangered Species Act. This position offers the unique opportunity to conduct research with direct conservation impact while collaborating with Dr. Mike Adams and his team at the USGS Amphibian Research and Monitoring Initiative (ARMI), along with stakeholders from USACE and other federal and state partners. You will lead the development of quantitative frameworks that bridge turtle ecology with water management policy in Oregon's Upper Willamette River basin. Your work will create the scientific foundation for adaptive resource management decisions affecting this sensitive species, while addressing critical knowledge gaps in turtle seasonal habitat requirements, movements, and early life history. This research combines novel quantitative modeling with applied conservation to resolve complex multi-stakeholder water management challenges. This position provides solid training in structured decision-making methodologies and adaptive resource management approaches. You'll develop expertise in uncertainty analysis, stakeholder engagement, and translating complex ecological models into actionable management tools. Working directly with USGS ARMI, you'll gain invaluable experience in federal research partnerships while building professional networks across USGS, USACE, and state wildlife agencies. Under the mentorship of Dr. James Peterson, you'll advance essential skills in decision modeling, stakeholder facilitation, and scientific communication, while accessing Oregon State University's world-class research resources and graduate programs.Duration: Initial 1-year appointment with strong potential for renewal based on performance Start date: Flexible, but no later than January 2026 Travel: Stakeholder workshops and collaboration meetings with the potential for limited fieldwork We seek candidates who have completed the degree requirements for a PhD in quantitative ecology, wildlife biology, herpetology, or related field with demonstrated research accomplishments and peer-reviewed publications. The ideal candidate will bring experience with population modeling and decision-making frameworks, along with the analytical skills necessary for implementing uncertainty analyses. Special consideration will be given to candidates with expertise in structured decision-making, adaptive management, or freshwater turtle ecology, as these areas are central to our research mission. Above all, we value candidates who demonstrate excellent communication skills and the collaborative approach essential for working effectively the ARMI team, federal agency partners, and diverse stakeholders in complex natural resource management contexts. Job Field: Fisheries Forestry Parks, Recreation and Tourism Water and Soil Resources Wildlife GIS/Technology Policy/Administrative Community Forestry & Arboriculture Other Job Type: Full Time Location Detail: Corvallis, OR Salary: $65,000-$70,000 annually plus full benefits package Job Benefits: How to Apply:Submit your complete application to James Peterson at jt.peterson@oregonstate.edu including: CV with complete academic and research history Two representative peer-reviewed publications (electronic copies) Contact information for three professional references Application deadline: Applications accepted starting August 27, 2025 and reviewed until filled (deadline November 30, 2025). Early applications encouraged Application Deadline: Sun, 11/30/2025 - 12:00pm
