The Institute for Wildlife Studies (IWS) seeks a full-time biologist to serve as Project Leader for a research, monitoring, and recovery program focusing on the threatened San Clemente sage sparrow on San Clemente Island, California. The position will begin in autumn of 2012 (exact date to be determined) and involves overseeing 2–6 field biologists. Field work may include surveying for sage sparrows, running line transects, locating nests, determining nesting success, banding adults and nestlings, spot mapping, point counts, and video monitoring of nests. The Project Leader will conduct data analyses and provide input on study design, write monthly and annual reports, and participate in meetings with cooperating entities including biologists from the United States Navy and Fish and Wildlife Service. San Clemente Island is located approximately 68 miles west of San Diego and is an active military base operated by the United States Navy. IWS maintains an office in San Diego to support this and other projects.
Duties: Manage field staff to ensure the quality of surveying and monitoring program Hire full-time and seasonal project staff Coordinate with other ongoing wildlife recovery efforts on San Clemente Island Write monthly and annual reports Maintain and develop project database and ensure quality control Participate in collection of field data Analyze data for reports and publications Meet with Navy, Fish and Wildlife Service, and other involved organizations to formulate and review recovery strategies and goals Present data in publications and presentations at professional meetings Qualifications: A minimum of a M.Sc. degree in wildlife ecology or a related field is required. The applicant should have previous experience monitoring wild bird populations (preferably listed species), extensive experience handling and banding passerines (>500 adults and >50 nestlings), and experience supervising field crews. Experience with remote camera systems is a plus, but not requisite. The applicant should have good analytical and writing skills including proficiency using Microsoft Access and ESRI mapping software. The applicant should be a good self-starter and problem solver that can work under minimal supervision. Because this work is conducted on a military installation, the applicant must be a citizen of the United States or be covered under a TN NAFTA work visa. Individuals must have (or be willing to acquire before start date) a valid, U.S. driver’s license. Applicants should be in excellent physical condition and be comfortable hiking alone for 3–5 miles with a 30–40 pound pack in steep, rocky, cactus-covered terrain and in temperatures ranging from 40– 100°F. Applicants should enjoy living as part of a small research community in a busy field station, interacting with fellow biologists working on other projects, and working with military personnel and members of other organizations who may have varying missions, opinions, and personalities. Additionally, applicants must be willing to participate in the day-to-day upkeep of a busy field station, including cleaning work vehicles and shared kitchen/office space. Employees work 10 days on island, and then take 4 off (off island). All employment offers are contingent upon: 1) successfully passing a background check allowing for access to military installations and 2) insurability as a driver on IWS’ insurance policy, and accordingly, applicants will be required to provide information verifying their driving record. Additional information regarding IWS is available on our web site at www.iws.org. Compensation: Compensation is $36,000/year, paid twice monthly. In addition, both room and board are provided while working on the island. Benefits include full medical plan, vacation, holidays, sick days, and the opportunity to contribute to a 403(b) retirement plan. Application Procedures: The position will remain open until it is filled. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, so interested parties are encouraged to apply promptly. Please EMAIL applications to Dr. Andrew Bridges at [email protected] with the subject line “Sage Sparrow Lead.” Please submit in ONE document your cover letter, resume, and the names, addresses, telephone numbers and email addresses for at least three references. No phone calls, please.
