Tall Timbers is recruiting a scientist to lead applied prescribed fire smoke and air quality research, with an emphasis on smoke management and policy engagement. A major need in wildland fire science is better measurement, prediction, and modeling of wildland smoke. Federal scrutiny on particulate matter, ground level ozone, and other pollutants heighten the need for smoke science to have a seat at the public policy table. The Southeast is the region with the most prescribed fire extent in the US, offering tremendous opportunities for research and for application of findings.
Tall Timbers has been at the center of fire research since its founding in 1958. This position represents an organizational commitment to better understanding prescribed fire smoke, its components, and its impacts on policy and management. The incumbent will work with a team of engaged, collaborative fire scientists at Tall Timbers that focus on related topics of fuels, fire behavior, and ecological effects of fire. The region is rich in potential collaborators across academia, USDA Forest Service R&D, NASA, NOAA, EPA, and other state and federal agencies and NGOs focused on prescribed fire. The Red Hills region and conservation lands across northern Florida and southern Georgia offer an unparalleled natural laboratory to study smoke, both in urban and rural areas.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities: The scientist will lead efforts on increasing understanding of wildland fire smoke and engage land managers who deal with these issues. There is an acute need to better characterize prescribed fire smoke transport to inform regional management practices, policies, and regulations. The scientist will understand empirical and process-based smoke generation and transport models, have strong interests in applied fire science questions, and be committed to a productive, collaborative research environment. The incumbent will be expected to build a dynamic, collaborative team focused on relevant issues in the southeastern Coastal Plain and beyond. The proximity to Florida State University and Florida A&M University, both in Tallahassee, offers additional potential to build novel partnerships that leverage local capacity.
Tall Timbers scientists are expected to publish high-quality research in leading outlets, to generate external funding to support world-class research, and to be responsive to applied needs of the fire and conservation community. Supervision of technicians and staff, service on graduate student committees, and a collaborative spirit are expectations of all scientists at Tall Timbers. The scientist will develop proposals in response to related RFPs and interact with numerous academic, NGO, and federal scientists of diverse academic backgrounds. The scientist will engage regional land managers to understand needs, to assist with decision support, and to educate using the latest science. The scientist will work closely with land managers spanning private and public lands to apply lessons learned from research into actionable management.
Qualifications: An advanced degree (Ph.D. preferred) in climatology, meteorology, environmental policy, engineering, forestry, ecology, geospatial analysis, fire behavior, public health, physics or related fields. Candidate should be highly motivated with the ability to work independently. The scientist should have a clear record of relevant peer-reviewed publication on smoke science. Post-doctoral research experience or advanced policy engagement highly desirable. A strong understanding of applied smoke issues in the southeastern Coastal Plain is preferred.
Workplace Environment and Commitment to Diversity:
Tall Timbers is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. We reject racism, prejudice, discrimination or hate toward any race, ethnicity, culture, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, ability, national origin, veteran status, socioeconomic class, religion, or professional status. We strongly encourage applications from historically underrepresented groups and those that add to and engage the local communities.
Instructions for Applying: Applications should include 1) a letter of interest that includes educational and experiential preparation and 2) a current CV. All applications should be emailed to Dr. Morgan Varner, Research Director & Senior Scientist (mvarner@talltimbers.org).
Contact: J. Morgan Varner
Contact Email: mvarner@talltimbers.org
Contact Phone: 850-893-4153 x224
Applications Reviewed: May 1, 2024
Position Start Date: Summer/Fall 2024 (negotiable)
Work Location: The position will be located at the 4,000-acre Tall Timbers campus in Tallahassee, Florida. Tallahassee is the capital of Florida and a vibrant small city surrounded by private and public conservation lands. More information on Tallahassee: https://visittallahassee.com
More information on Tall Timbers at: www.talltimbers.org.
