Research Scientist 3

POSITION: Research Scientist 3
SALARY RANGE: $61,583 - $89,295
CLASSIFICATION:  Full Time, FLSA Exempt, Union
POSTING PERIOD: May 14, 2024 – June 2, 2024

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The New Jersey Pinelands Commission is an independent state agency whose mission is to preserve, protect, and enhance the natural and cultural resources of the Pinelands National Reserve, and to encourage compatible economic and other human activities consistent with that purpose. The Commission implements a comprehensive plan that guides land use, development, and natural resource protection programs in the 938,000-acre Pinelands Area of southern New Jersey.

The Commission Science Office is seeking a full-time research scientist to be part of a collaborative multidisciplinary team that studies Pinelands ecology. Key responsibilities include managing a small amphibian monitoring program, using radio telemetry to monitor snake and turtle movements, participating in a snake monitoring program, analyzing and interpreting complex data sets, providing technical assistance to Commission offices and other institutions, and public outreach and education. The selected candidate must be comfortable handling venomous and non-venomous snakes and willing to learn how to surgically implant radio transmitters into snakes.

Duties and Qualifications

Well-qualified candidates will have strong research experience, be proficient in statistical analysis and ESRI ArcGIS software, possess excellent communication skills, and be able to write scientific manuscripts for journal publication. The selected candidate must be willing to work alone outdoors and occasionally at nighttime and be able to drive and walk to remote study sites under adverse field conditions. Applicants should be interested in gaining an understanding of the natural resources of the Pinelands and the Pinelands Commission operating procedures. Time and project management skills are important as all science staff work on multiple projects with competing deadlines. This position must work successfully individually and as part of a research team to achieve goals.

Required skills include proficiency with Microsoft Office tools such as Word, Excel, and Outlook, as well the ability to use Teams to facilitate remote collaboration. A valid driver’s license is required. This position has no supervisory responsibilities. Salary will be commensurate with experience. Full benefits package includes paid vacation leave, paid sick leave, health and dental insurance, life insurance, and enrollment in the public employee’s retirement system. The position will be eligible for participation in the State’s telework pilot program.

REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION:  Bachelor’s degree in biology, natural, or environmental science or related field and one year experience in environmental research or monitoring. A Master’s degree may substitute for one year required experience. Preference will be given to those with advanced degrees.

RESIDENCY: The New Jersey First Act (P.L. 2011, c. 70) requires all new employees to reside in the State of New Jersey, unless exempted under law. If you do not live in New Jersey, within one year of hire, you must either establish residency in the State of New Jersey or successfully receive an exemption from the Employee Residency Review Committee.

INTERESTED CANDIDATES:  Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and writing sample via e-mail to humanresources@pinelands.nj.gov by the closing date. Only candidates selected for interview will be contacted. For more information, see www.nj.gov/pinelands.

Full-Time Employee Benefits

• Health insurance for employees and eligible dependents

• Dental insurance for employees and eligible dependents

• Generous leave allowance
• Membership in the New Jersey Public Employees' Retirement System (contributions made with "pre-tax" dollars)
• Voluntary deferred compensation program (contributions may be made with "pre-tax" or "after tax" dollars)
• Health insurance for retirees with 25 years service credit of which at least 7 years include Pinelands Commission service
• May be eligible for 50% payment of earned sick leave, up to $15,000 upon retirement