The University of Montana Wildland and Recreation Management Research Lab invites applications for a full-time, 12-to-20-month Research Associate position. This position can be either in-person or remote, with preference given to those willing to work in Missoula. Anticipated start date October 19, 2026.This position will contribute to three research projects, each focused on recreation management in federally-designated Wilderness. The projects are listed below in no particular order:
Studying recreationists' impacts on brown bear behavior in the Katmai Wilderness
The Research Associate will complete final spatial analyses of a compiled and previously analyzed dataset of timelapse photographs collected in the Katmai Wilderness to assess the effects of recreationists’ proximity on brown bear behavior. The Research Associate will also complete manuscripts resulting from this project. These tasks will be conducted largely independently, with regular meetings with the broader study team. Necessary skills include strong statistical analysis skills in R, strong academic writing skills, and the ability to conduct spatial image analysis.
Modelling wilderness travel and understanding changes in wilderness values and attitudes toward management across decades in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
The Research Associate will conduct statistical analyses of a compiled database spanning 56 years of visitor surveys in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) and contribute to manuscripts and reports resulting from this project. These tasks will be conducted collaboratively, with the Research Associate taking the lead on manuscript preparation and participating in regular meetings with the broader study team. Necessary skills include strong statistical analysis skills in R and SPSS, strong academic writing skills, and the ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment.
Assessing recreation confinements and access restrictions across the Northern Rockies and Pacific Northwest
The Research Associate will lead data collection, analysis, and report and manuscript preparation for a project focused on developing a detailed, recreation-site-level accounting of existing recreation confinements and access restrictions (i.e., requirements that recreationists must meet to participate in an activity on public lands) on federal public lands in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington. The project will also assess demand for these recreation opportunities and examine how visitors are displaced when they are unable to obtain a permit for a high-demand recreation opportunity, including where they go and what activities they pursue instead. These tasks will be conducted largely independently in coordination with the Principal Investigators and will require regular meetings with the broader study team. Necessary skills include a strong ability to develop and manage a geodatabase of recreation attributes, conduct statistical and spatial analyses, and produce strong academic writing.
This will be a 12-month Letter of Appointment with potential for extension up to 20 months total. The position is full-time, 1.0 FTE, and includes a comprehensive and competitive benefits package including insurance package, mandatory retirement plan, partial tuition waiver, and wellness program.
Salary: $60,000 per year
Screening of applications will begin after the closing date of September 21, 2026; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established. Complete applications received by the closing date will be guaranteed consideration.
To apply, please upload the following materials:
The University of Montana is interested in receiving applications from people who would assist the University in demonstrating its five priorities for action: Place student success at the center of all we do; drive excellence and innovation in teaching, learning, and research; embody the principle of “mission first, people always"; partner with place; and proudly tell the UM story.
University of Montana (UM) is an equal opportunity employer. UM does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of protected class status as described in UM’s non-discrimination policy and any applicable law.
Reasonable accommodations are provided in the hiring process for persons with disabilities. For example, this material is available in alternative format upon request.
Qualified candidates may request veterans’ or disabilities preference in accordance with state law.
Criminal Background Investigation is required prior to the offer of employment. In accordance with university regulations, finalists for this position will be subject to criminal background investigations.
References: References not listed on the application materials may be contacted; notice may be provided to the applicant. Testing: Individual hiring departments at UM may elect to administer pre-employment tests, which are relevant to essential job functions.
Employment Eligibility: All New Employees must be eligible and show employment eligibility verification by the first date of employment at UM, as legally required (e.g., Form I-9). The University of Montana will require proof of authorization to work in the United States before final hiring. Due to the September 19, 2025 Presidential Proclamation and related guidance from USCIS and the Department of State, the University may be limited in its ability to offer H-1B sponsorship. At this time, we are unable to sponsor new H-1B visas that require payment of the additional fee introduced by the Proclamation.
