Scientist I

Job Title
Scientist I


Requisition Number
RE51092


Working Title

Department Name
81090:Forestry and Natural Resources


Work Location
Lexington, KY


Grade Level
44


Salary Range
$43,805-70,075/year


Type of Position
Staff


Position Time Status
Full-Time


Required Education


MS




Click here for more information about equivalencies:
https://hr.uky.edu/employment/working-uk/equivalencies


Required Related Experience


No experience required.




Required License/Registration/Certification

None.



Physical Requirements

Walking/hiking; sitting for extended periods of time; lifting, pulling, pushing object up to 50lbs.



Shift

Monday-Friday; 8:00 am – 5:00 pm.



Job Summary

The Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, Department of Forestry and Natural Resources seeks a full-time Scientist I. The Scientist I position will manage the White Oak Genetics and Tree Improvement Program (WOGTIP) housed at the University of Kentucky under the leadership of the WOGTIP Director. The incumbent’s work will also support aligned goals within the James B. Beam Institute for Kentucky Spirits. This is a full-time, temporary position funded for five years through philanthropic gifts provided by Maker’s Mark and Independent Stave Company, and its annual continuation is subject to continuity of funding provided by these philanthropic partners of the James B. Beam Institute for Kentucky Spirits.

Qualifications: Candidate will have a minimum of a M.S. degree in forestry, ecology, environmental sciences, or related field. Ph.D. degree and experience in forestry, genetics and tree improvement, ecology, or natural resources research is preferred.

Preferred competencies and skills include: 1) Ability to collect vegetation data using common sampling tools and techniques; 2) Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, ArcGIS, R statistical software, databases, and use of GPS and other geospatial hardware; 3) Understanding of applied statistical procedures and/or ability to learn new methods; 4) Foundational knowledge of forest genetics and tree improvement; 5) Established writing skills as evidenced by published works or through direct experience with preparation of technical or research documents; 6) Communication and teamwork skills to work collaborative in an interdisciplinary environment; 7) Documented experience with science delivery activities targeted at multiple audiences.

Responsibilities: The incumbent will collect and manage field data associated with the White Oak Genetics and Tree Improvement Program (WOGTIP). Duties will also include data entry and quality assurance, database management, and statistical and geospatial analysis of research data. The position duties will involve writing data analysis summaries, research manuscripts, and components of grant proposals. The incumbent will also serve as the primary WOGTIP contact at the University of Kentucky and will be expected to regularly communicate with and coordinate activities among the program’s multi-state partners. Finally, the position will also be responsible for the development and implementation of science delivery activities, in relation to white oak sustainability, genetics, and tree improvement, completed at the Maker’s Mark Distillery and Star Hill Farm.



Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

1) Ability to collect vegetation data using common sampling tools and techniques; 2) Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, ArcGIS, R statistical software, databases, and use of GPS and other geospatial hardware; 3) Understanding of applied statistical procedures and/or ability to learn new methods; 4) Foundational knowledge of forest genetics and tree improvement; 5) Established writing skills as evidenced by published works or through direct experience with preparation of technical or research documents; 6) Communication and teamwork skills to work collaborative in an interdisciplinary environment; 7) Documented experience with science delivery activities targeted at multiple audiences.



Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?
No


Preferred Education/Experience

Ph.D. degree and experience in forestry, genetics and tree improvement, ecology, or natural resources research is preferred.



Deadline to Apply
08/20/2025


Our University Community

We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.


As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we strongly encourage veterans, individuals with disabilities, women, and all minorities to consider our employment opportunities.


Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.