Research Coordinator

This position is primarily responsible for overseeing the Reserve's Research Program; coordinating and conducting high caliber research, implementing the Reserve's research strategy and meeting the goals and objectives on priority coastal issues detailed in the Reserve's five-year management plan. The specific priority coastal issues identified for the next five years are 1) climate change, 2) water quality and healthy coastal ecosystems and 3) resilient communities and strengthened sense of place. The Research Coordinator supports local research needs as they arise and ensures that the Research Program aligns with the national research strategy for the Reserve System. The Research Coordinator works closely with the Monitoring Coordinator to support the System Wide Monitoring Program, Sentinel Site program, and additional long-term data collection efforts. The position integrates with and supports the Reserve's other core sectors: Coastal Training, Stewardship, and Education. This position increases public awareness of the Lake Superior Reserve, Extension, and UW-Madison, plus related programs and builds support for these programs among the public, legislators, beneficiaries, and constituents.

The Research Coordinator conducts and fosters high quality applied estuarine and coastal system research focused on the St. Louis River estuary and western Lake Superior watersheds. High quality research in this context includes the effects of environmental change on human and community resilience as well as ecosystem health. The position works independently, with co-workers, and with external investigators to acquire data and information required for completion of studies and programs of interest to the Reserve, the NERR System, and to regional communities.

The primary roles of the position include five principal work areas: 
1. Direct, develop, and implement the Reserve's Research program
2. Educate, mentor, and supervise undergraduate and graduate students
3. Facilitate communication and collaboration among diverse local and regional coastal and estuarine scientists, natural and cultural resource managers, and decision makers
4. Participate in Research Coordinator national activities and initiatives
5. Integrate the Research Program with other Lake Superior Reserve programs