Research Economist, Research Economist - Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research

Application instructions are located at the bottom of the page. Please apply directly through the University of Montana's career portal UM Jobs at https://umjobs.silkroad.com/ for positions at the University of Montana – Missoula, University of Montana Western (Dillon), and Helena College. Do not apply through Indeed.com or use easy apply through Indeed.com * .

Research Economist - Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research, W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation



The Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research (ITRR) in the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation at The University of Montana – Missoula seeks a Research Economist to conduct economic research on natural resource non-market and market goods as related to tourism and recreation in Montana's diverse economy. Tourism and outdoor recreation is a key piece of Montana's economy. Partners and stakeholders throughout the state rely on objective and reliable data and economic analysis from ITRR's established and respected tourism and recreation research program.

The position is a 12-month, 1.0 FTE hired on a Letter of Appointment (LOA). LOAs are one-year contracts that may be recurring, dependent upon available funds. The position has two years of guaranteed funding at this time. Additional years will be dependent upon future funding. Ideally, the successful candidate would begin summer of 2022. More information is available at: www.itrr.umt.edu

The University of Montana is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and has a strong institutional commitment to the principle of diversity in all areas. In that spirit, we are particularly interested in receiving applications from a broad spectrum of qualified 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.

Position responsibilities include:

• Conduct research, support writing of grants, and be part of a team of tourism and recreation research professionals.
• Support a statewide recognized research program in the area of tourism, recreation, and natural resource economics.
• Participate in collaborative, interdisciplinary research projects, when appropriate, with faculty in the College of Forestry and Conservation and related programs.
• Interact and work with external industry, academic, and other professional groups and associations who rely on ITRR's economic data to build marketing and business plans, compete for grants, and secure other funding sources.
• Support the academic mission of the University of Montana through supervision of student employees and interns in the field of tourism and outdoor recreation economics.
• Build and maintain prediction models of tourism and recreation in MT and the region. Build indicators for predictive models, e.g., MT travel forecast model.
• Assess where tourism and recreation fit within the MT economy, MT Quality of Life, and job creation.
• Willingness-to-pay research as related to tourism and recreation, e.g., public land fees, gear, and equipment.
• Valuation of scenery, open space, trails, outdoor recreation.
• Assist with niche market studies with economic impacts, e.g., outfitting/guiding, state parks, and various outdoor recreation segments (cycling, rock climbing, fishing, hiking/backpacking, wildlife watching, ATV)
• Assess the economics of tourism and outdoor recreation and how it impacts MT policies, national policies, and other regulations.

Position Details

• Position is full-time, 1.0 FTE, Letter of Appointment and includes a comprehensive and competitive benefits package including insurance package, mandatory retirement plan, partial tuition waiver, and wellness program.
• Salary for this position is $55,000 - $70,000 per year, commensurate with experience

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in economics or closely related field with a strong background in natural resource economics and non-market valuation. A BS in economics or closely related field and five (5) years of experience related directly to the position responsibilities may be considered in lieu of MS.
• Demonstrated ability to support and strengthen justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• Ability to build and conduct economic impact assessments (via IMPLAN) at local, county, and regional levels as related to tourism and outdoor recreation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with economic impact modeling via IMPLAN
• Experience with SPSS, R, or other statistical software
• Experience with GIS software (e.g., ESRI)
• Experience with mobility data (i.e., cell- phone location data)
• Demonstrated success in securing research funding.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with students, tourism and recreation resource managers, business owners, and the general public.

About the Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research and UM

The Institute for Tourism & Recreation Research conducts travel and recreation research in Montana, with a primary focus on the nonresident travel survey conducted throughout the state. ITRR is perhaps best known for producing the widely used statewide estimates of total nonresident visitation and travel expenditures, as well as visitor characteristics, in the state each year, along with the annual estimate of the economic contribution of nonresident travel to Montana's economy.

ITRR is committed to a culture of inclusion. Our team is only as good as the contributions of each individual, whether that be from education, race, ethnicity, background, beliefs or other unique attributes.

The University of Montana is the flagship, research institution with approximately 10,000 undergraduate and graduate students. It is located in Missoula, a culturally vibrant community of about 75,000, surrounded by mountains and three rivers converge. Abundant recreational opportunities in surrounding state and national forests and nearby Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park complement a thriving intellectual atmosphere. The University of Montana offers eligible employees a generous benefits package that positively separates UM from other local employers and offers many programs and policies to support work-life balance for its employees.

To learn more about the University of Montana, please visit the links below.

• University of Montana
• Video: Mission First, People Always
• UM on YouTube

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. ADA/EOE/AA/Veteran's Preference Reasonable accommodations are provided in the hiring process for persons with disabilities. For example, this material is available in alternative format upon request. As an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, we encourage applications from minorities, veterans, and women. Qualified candidates may request veterans' or disabilities preference in accordance with state law. 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).


HOW TO APPLY

Application review begins on Sunday, August 14, 2022 , and will continue until the position is filled.

Visit https://umjobs.silkroad.com/ to submit an online application for full consideration. Complete applications include:

• Letter of Interest addressing your qualifications and experience related to the stated required skills for the position. A general letter salutation such as "Dear Search Committee" or "Dear Hiring Manager" is acceptable. The letter of application should include a statement of data management and analysis.
• Resume or Curriculum vitae (CV) listing education and describing work experience.
• Copies of unofficial transcripts for all degrees – Official transcripts due upon hire.
• Names and contact information of three (3) professional references.

All positions at the University of Montana may be found on the UM Jobs website at https://umjobs.silkroad.com/ .

ADA/EOE/AA/Veteran's Preference Employer. Finalists must submit to a criminal background

Employer. Finalists must submit to a criminal background check.

Application instructions are located at the bottom of the page. Please apply directly through the University of Montana's career portal UM Jobs at https://umjobs.silkroad.com/ for positions at the University of Montana – Missoula, University of Montana Western (Dillon), and Helena College. Do not apply through Indeed.com or use easy apply through Indeed.com * .

Job Location Missoula, Montana, United States
Position Type Full-Time/Regular