Research & Extension Specialist I

Position Details

Position Information

Internal Posting?

Posting Number
SP004815P

Position Title
Research & Extension Specialist I

Division/College
College of Agricultural & Life Sciences

Department
WRDC (Western Rural Development Center)

Location
Boise, Off Campus Location - WRDC

Posting Context Statement

The individual in this position will be responsible for developing a well-recognized Extension and research program that focuses on relevant rural development issues in the Western United States.

Position Overview

Serves as an independent researcher, extension staff, or collaborator on a multi-scholar Research and Extension initiative. May have lead responsibility for discrete components of a larger project under the general direction of a senior or principal investigator. This role combines Research with Extension activities to ensure scientific knowledge is translated into practical applications that benefit communities.

Duties may include:

• Perform complex scientific analyses and translate findings into actionable recommendations for Extension programs
• Adjust experimental designs as necessary based on experimental data analysis or community feedback
• Direct the development of research and Extension recommendations to address specific project or stakeholder needs
• Perform peer review of scientific and Extension projects, studies or applications and provide actionable recommendations
• Prepare peer-reviewed publications, Extension bulletins or presentations for audiences
• Resolve complex project-specific technical, regulatory or programmatic issues related to research and Extension work
• Establish work priorities and performance standards, hire and train staff and evaluate staff performance
• May manage technical aspects of projects, including scope of work, budgeting, scheduling, reporting, implementing field projects, and approving scientific and Extension documents
• Participate in the development of grant proposals as a named project contributor
• Engage with stakeholders to ensure research findings are effectively integrated into Extension programming and services

Unit URL

https://wrdc.uidaho.edu/

Position Qualifications

Required Experience

• Three years of research experience related to the domain of this position

Required Education

• Doctoral Degree in applied economics, rural sociology or related discipline; a Master's Degree plus an additional two years of research experience (for a total of five years) may be substituted for a Doctoral Degree

Required Other

• Possess a valid driver's license and be able to meet policy requirements for driving university-owned vehicles
• Must be able to:
  • Occasionally travel for job related duties
  • Work nonstandard hours including occasional evenings and weekends

Additional Preferred

• Record of writing proposals and acquiring externally funded grants
• Experience serving as PI or Co-PI on extramurally funded research
• Record of two or more lead-author publications in peer-reviewed journals
• Experience with experimental design, complex data analysis and Extension program development or delivery
• Demonstrated record of research achievement
• Demonstrated record of Extension achievement
• Experience, training, or demonstrated knowledge of US and Western rural development issues
• Ability to work in collaborative partnerships with disciplinary and multidisciplinary teams
• Demonstrated ability to interact effectively with constituents, client groups and the general public
• Demonstrating ability to work independently and with an interdisciplinary team
• Specialization or emphasis on rural development, labor, entrepreneurship, economic geography or closely related area
• Demonstrated excellence in written, oral and interpersonal communication skills

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

• None

Degree Requirement
Listed degree qualification is required at time of hire

Posting Information

FLSA Status
Exempt

Employee Category
Exempt

Pay Range
$81,432.00 or higher depending on education and experience.

Type of Appointment
Fiscal Year

FTE

1.0

Full Time/Part Time
Full 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
04/01/2025

Closing Date

Open Until Filled
Yes

Special Instructions to Applicants

Applications received by April 22, 2025, will receive first consideration.

IMPORTANT: To be considered, your "Letter of Qualification" must address EACH of the minimum qualifications, including pertinent education and/or experience. In addition, you will need to provide a research statement, extension statement, and 1 journal article (uploaded as one PDF file to Statement of Research document field), unofficial transcripts, and contact information for 3 references within the application. To improve your ranking during the evaluation process, address as many of the Preferred Qualifications as possible. Information on a resume will not be accepted as a substitute for submitting a Letter of Qualification.

If you would like to receive a full position description, please email Paul Lewin at plewin@uidaho.edu and request that one be sent to you.

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.