AERC Field Lead Environmental Research Specialist

The Applied Environmental Research Center (AERC), a unit within the Office of Research at the University of Alaska Anchorage, is currently hiring for multiple remote positions based at Bellows Airforce Station in Oahu, Hawaii. The AERC serves as a platform for high-level environmental consultancy between industry and the University of Alaska (UA), acting as a bridge to resources, expertise, and talent across the entire UA system.

The center offers research and technical assistance, high-level professional education, and youth entrepreneurship programming. Through its work, the AERC not only connects UA research programs but also supports and enhances environmental capacities across Alaska.

As the AERC Field Lead, you will manage cross‑functional operational and research teams to execute complex, client‑driven environmental and natural resource projects, primarily at Bellows Air Force Station. You will coordinate closely with university faculty, principal investigators, federal and state partners, contractors, and funding agencies, serving as a liaison to ensure seamless communication, regulatory compliance, and project alignment. You will assist in the design and implementation of research plans, supervise data collection and analysis—including ArcGIS, GPS, field logs, and large datasets—prepare reports and presentations, and manage logistical support for travel, procurement, and meetings.

You will develop procedures to anticipate client needs, monitor project progress through internal reporting systems, and evaluate effectiveness through cost‑benefit and staff efficiency analyses. Additionally, you support proposal development, budgeting, sub‑award contracts, and funding acquisition, while fostering collaborative opportunities such as student involvement and research internships, ensuring all projects comply with federal, state, and University regulations.

To thrive in this role, candidates should have experience in project and team leadership, with the ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines. Strong organizational and analytical skills are essential for coordinating complex, client‑driven projects, overseeing data collection and quality control, and producing high‑quality research deliverables. The role requires working effectively with faculty, staff, executives, contractors, and funding agencies, as well as expertise in developing work plans, monitoring project progress, and ensuring compliance with federal, state, and university regulations.

Proficiency in written communication, Microsoft Office, GIS tools, and other data management applications is essential. Familiarity with higher education environments, research project coordination, environmental or natural resource data collection, and logistical planning is highly desirable. Candidates should also have experience supporting proposal development, budget management, and stakeholder engagement to advance research initiatives and secure funding. Additionally, excellent problem‑solving abilities, judgment, tact, and discretion in handling sensitive matters are invaluable.

A Bachelor’s Degree in environmental science, biology, resource management or related field and one year relevant research experience or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Experience with project management, Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, and ESRI ArcGIS certifications, including cartography, Geo Apps, and spatial analysis. Experience leading and developing projects for the Department of Defense and other federal entities, as well as knowledge of military culture, military families, or prior military service. Experience with Bellows AFS, dune and coastal restoration, permitting, and tree felling is preferred. Strong knowledge of federal contract compliance, project performance management, and civilian DoD contracting regulations and policies is also preferred.

This position is located on Bellows Airforce Station, Oahu, Hawaii. This is a term‑funded, full‑time, exempt staff position complete with a competitive salary and full employee benefits package. UA…