Below is an ad for a new position we created at the Desert Research
Institute (DRI). We just reogranized under our new President in order to
create two new interdisciplinary research centers. One of these will be
WES: Watershed Environmental Sustainability. We are also starting a
second center, CALEM: Center for Arid Lands Environmental Management.
(I've been having trouble formatting this in an email message, so please
excuse any problems with the format)
Feel free to give me a call if you want to discuss this position. I
would, of course, keep any conversations I have with you about this
position or potential candidates confidential.
Thanks,
Jim Coleman (775) 673-7322
Interim VP for Research
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Director
Watershed Environmental Sustainability (WES)
The Desert Research Institute (DRI) focuses on environmental research
and is an independent research institution of the University and
Community College System of Nevada (UCCSN). DRI has strategically set
out on a course to develop new interdisciplinary environmental science
centers in order to meet the current and future challenges of solving
complex environmental problems.
We seek a dynamic research leader to develop one of these new Centers
WES: Watershed Environmental Sustainability. This center will focus on
integrating biological, geological, hydrological, atmospheric, social
and economic sciences in novel ways to solve complex environmental
management issues in watersheds, at first focusing primarily, but not
exclusively, on the Lake Tahoe Basin. A key aspect of the position would
be to guide the program forward in future years to perform research
related to other watersheds in the US and abroad.
The Director will report directly to the President and will lead DRI
faculty
from all three of DRI’s divisions (Atmospheric Sciences; Earth and
Ecosystem
Sciences; and Hydrological Sciences) to: (1) define the goals and vision
of this new Center; (2) develop a strategic science plan to reach that
vision, and (3) implement the plan in order to build a thriving research
program. The Director will be the main liaison of DRI with Local, State
and Federal agencies involved in managing watersheds. The Director will
play a key role in building collaborative relationships of DRI’s
scientists with research scientists from other institutions in the
region and throughout the country. The Director will set fiscal
priorities and have fiscal responsibility for the Center. The Director
will work with DRI’s Executive Staff to develop hiring priorities for
the Center. The successful candidate will serve as a faculty mentor and
collaborator; facilitate cooperation in teaching and research with
related departments at the University of Nevada, Reno and the University
of Nevada, Las Vegas; and interact directly with current and potential
sponsors. The Director will be a member of DRI’s Executive Staff and
will therefore be involved in setting institutional priorities.
Required:
* Advanced graduate degree in a scientific field (Ph.D. highly
preferred), and demonstrated understanding of environmental research
priorities and management strategies leading to environmental
sustainability;
* Evidence of scientific leadership, such as a record of noteworthy,
peer-reviewed publications in national and international journals or
strong and effective administrative experience in national-level
scientific research or environmental management organizations;
* Demonstrated success in leading and managing large research-oriented
programs, with a strong understanding of the soft-money research
environment;
* Experience in participating, managing or organizing multidisciplinary
research teams and an appreciation of interdisciplinary approaches;
* Management approach that fosters high staff morale and supports an
environment conducive to both applied and basic research;
* Demonstrably strong interpersonal, collaborative, and written and oral
communication skills;
* Demonstrated success in working with government agencies, especially
those involved with land management;
Preferred:
* Experience with environmental research in ecosystems where social and
economic forces make problem solving the highest priority;
*Experience in developing programs in watersheds and an understanding of
experimental watersheds;
* Experience in building research and educational programs in
collaboration with research scientists from several other research
institutions;
*Detailed knowledge of potential research sponsors in watershed
sustainability research;
*Creativity in identifying research issues and pursuing research avenues
that will enhance the growth of WES and DRI’s academic prestige as well
as financial standing;
* Aptitude for complex problem solving and strategic planning;
* Experience in designing state-of-the-art research facilities.
SALARY / BENEFITS
Salary is competitive, negotiable, and commensurate with
qualifications. DRI offers an excellent fringe benefits package.
POSITION LOCATION: Reno
APPLICATION / REVIEW PROCESS
Review of applications will begin February 1, 2000, and continue until
the position is filled. Submit your vitae, a letter describing your
qualifications, and contact information for five references to: Human
Resources, Desert Research Institute, 2215 Raggio Pkwy, Reno, NV
89512. Please reference Position # 10-010 when applying.
To learn more about this position, please contact Dr. Jim Coleman
(Search Chair), Interim Vice President for Research and Business
Development, (775) 673-7322; jcoleman at dri.edu. We invite you to visit
us at: www.dri.edu
