Predator Biologist Job Description: The Institute for Wildlife Studies (IWS) is seeking highly motivated applicants for 2 positions as a Predator Biologists on San Clemente Island, California. These are full-time positions beginning in late 2018.
Field Biologist duties include, but are not limited to: 1. The primary duties of this position focus on the lethal control of non-native predators (feral cats and black rats) and non-lethal management of native predators (island foxes). There may be opportunities for research on one or more of these species and we encourage the development of independent research projects within the scope of the program. 2. Nighttime hunting of predators, by vehicle and on foot 3. Safe use of firearms 4. Trapping for removal of non-native predators 5. Rat management including trapping and poisoning 6. Video monitoring the nests of ESA listed avian species 7. Trapping, handling, vaccinating, and providing veterinary care for island foxes 8. Data entry, data analysis, and use of GIS. Qualifications: Candidates should have a B.S. or more advanced degree in Wildlife Management or a related field. Candidates MUST have extensive experience in the safe use of firearms. Safety is of utmost importance to the Navy and IWS. Please do not apply if you lack firearm experience. Candidates should be familiar with the safe operation of various hand and power tools. Experience operating ATV's and full-sized, 4-wheel- drive trucks over rocky and muddy roads is preferred. Employment is conditional upon insurability with IWS, so a clean driving record is essential. This position requires considerable hiking, including hauling materials and equipment to and from remote sites. Applicants should be sure-footed, safe, and be prepared to hike long distances in steep, rocky, cactus-covered terrain. The Predator Biologist will need to maintain a professional attitude at all times while working with Institute staff and members of other organizations who may have varying missions, opinions, and personalities. SCI is owned and operated by the U.S. Navy as a training facility and personnel will be required to follow established military protocols and rules, including keeping a clean and organized work and living space. Applicants should enjoy living as part of a small research community in a busy field station, interacting with 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 on the insurability of the applicant by IWS and applicants will be asked to provide information to verify their driving record. In addition, IWS will conduct a pre-hire background check and the Navy will perform a post-hire background check before issuing a base access credential. Additional information regarding IWS research on SCI is available on the IWS website (www.iws.org). Note: No pets are allowed on SCI. Hours and Compensation: The work schedule is 10 days on San Clemente Island, and 4 days off-island. Compensation is based on an hourly rate of $13.25/hr, however; scheduled overtime results in average gross earnings of approximately $2,875 per month. Room and board will be provided while working on the island; off-island housing during days off is not provided. Flights on and off the island are provided at no cost. Benefits include employer-paid health insurance, sick leave, a housing stipend, paid vacation, paid holidays, and an optional 403(b) retirement plan. Application Proceedure: Submit current resume and a cover letter, as a single PDF file, highlighting weapons and predator management experience. Provide the names, addresses, phone numbers and email addresses of at least three (3) professional references. No phone inquiries, so please email documents to Mitch Parsons at (predatorjobs AT iws.org) with the subject line “Predator Biologist Application”. Applications will be reviewed as they are received and the position will be filled as soon as a qualified applicant is identified. Ideally, qualified applicants will be identified during October of 2018, and the selected candidates should be eligible to begin work in November/December of 2018. However, for a well-qualified candidate the start date may be negotiable.
