Native Climate Research Specialist

Job Description

  Thank you for your interest in employment with the Desert Research Institute.  We want your  application process to go smoothly and quickly.  We ask that you keep in mind the following when completing your application:

• Once you start the application process you cannot save your work. Please ensure you have all required attachment(s) available to complete your application before you begin the process.
• Required attachments are listed below on the posting. Your application will not be considered without the required attachments.
• Please see the application instructions under each posting for information on submittal deadlines.

If you need assistance or have questions regarding the application process, contact Human Resources Hotline at (775) 673-7431 or [email protected] DescriptionThe Native Climate project, led by the Desert Research Institute, is a new USDA-funded project to support climate resilience planning and address long-standing issues related to climate injustice in Native Country through culturally grounded and place-based information sharing.We are seeking a Research Specialist to assist in interviewing, transcribing, and synthesizing knowledge shared by Hawaiian medicinal practitioners. This position will focus on telling stories about climate impacts and adaptations by practitioners located in Hawaiʻi. The position will largely focus on the transcription of audio recorded interview data. The research specialist will gain experience working independently and with a vibrant team, within the realms of Indigenous data sovereignty and with cultural practitioners. This team member will play an integral role in documenting moʻolelo, stories, of important species, the role of climate, and role of cultural practitioners as stewards in Hawaiʻi. The research specialist may be involved in sharing these moʻolelo with other parts of Native Country.

Required Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of Indigenous communities and cultures, with interest in or grounding in Hawaiian culture.
• Strong interest in climate and environmental – cultural linkages.
• Working knowledge of the Hawaiian language or interest in learning important terms in ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi.
• Access to a computer with internet.
• Creativity, strong writing skills, and an interest in storytelling.
• Must work well independently.

Preferred Qualifications

• Recently graduated or currently pursuing a degree in environmental science, Indigenous studies, or a related field.
• Good organizational skills and ability to meet deadlines in a remote work setting.

Conditions of Employment

• This position will work remotely with regularly scheduled check-ins via Zoom, under the direction of Gina McGuire, the Native Climate Research Fellow ([email protected]).
• Access to transportation and ability to travel short distances (up to 50 miles) for in-person reporting assignments if based in Hawaiʻi.

Compensation Grade $20 per hour, no benefits.Schedule This a 480- hour position. Start and end dates and schedule are flexible to the needs of the individual.ExemptNoFull-Time Equivalent 45.0%Required Attachment(s)Please contact [email protected] if assistance is needed with DRI’s Workday application system.1. Current resume (Required)2. Cover letter detailing how your experience and qualifications prepare you for this job. (Optional)Posting Close Date04/22/2024Note to ApplicantApplicants should fully describe their qualifications and experience with specific reference to each of the minimum and preferred qualifications. The search committee will use this information during the initial review of application materials.  References will be contacted at the appropriate phase of the recruitment process based on applicant notification and permission.Newly hired faculty and postdoctoral fellows must assure that their official transcript is submitted to the Human Resources Office within 30 calendar days from the effective date of employment.  Academic degrees must have been awarded by regionally accredited institutions.This position may require a criminal background check to be conducted on the candidate(s) selected for hire.As part of the hiring process, applicants for positions in the Nevada System of Higher Education may be required to demonstrate the ability to perform job-related tasks.DRI employs only U.S. citizens and aliens authorized to work in the U.S. DRI only sponsors aliens applying for research faculty or postdoctoral fellow positions (J-1 or H-1B Visas).All applicants hired by the Desert Research Institute are subject to E-Verify.