Job Description
Reports to: Kayla Shively, WCS Conservation Ecologist
Location: Prudhoe Bay, Alaska
Country Program/Sector: Arctic Beringia
Position Type: Full-Time Temporary
Internal liaison: WCS Arctic Beringia Conservation Ecologist; WCS Arctic Beringia Grants Officer
Expected travel: 95% of this position’s time will be spent in the field (Prudhoe Bay), and the remainder in Fairbanks, Alaska
Organization Background:
The Wildlife Conservation Society (“WCS”) is a New York not-for-profit corporation founded by statute in 1895 as the New York Zoological Society. WCS saves wildlife and wild places worldwide through research, science, conservation action, education, and inspiring people to value nature. That mission is achieved through our global conservation programs (WCS currently oversees a portfolio of more than 500 conservation projects in 65 countries in Asia, Africa, Latin America, and North America, and the oceans between them) and through the management of the world’s largest system of urban wildlife parks–the Bronx Zoo; the New York Aquarium; and the Central Park, Queens, and Prospect Park Zoos (the City Zoos)
Program Overview:
The WCS Arctic Beringia Program aims to protect Arctic wildlife such as polar bear, walrus, arctic fox, muskoxen, seals, and waterbirds from pressures related to a rapidly changing climate and the onset of new industrial development. At the same time, WCS works to ensure the region’s communities can continue to depend on local resources for food, as well as economic and cultural vitality. Implementing conservation in such a rapidly changing environment can only be effective through working with scientists, local experts, and Indigenous communities.
Job Summary:
This study is a continuation of a regional monitoring effort evaluating nesting productivity in Common eiders and other sea ducks on barrier islands along Alaska’s northern coast. The primary goals are to assess nest density, nest survival, and predator numbers on ten islands and causeways in the Central Beaufort Sea and in proximity to the Prudhoe Bay oilfields. The 2-3-person crew (2 surveyors and 1 bear guard) will live in oilfield facilities and interact with oilfield personnel daily. Islands will be accessed daily using a vehicle and motorized zodiac boat. Applicants should be comfortable boating in a dynamic marine environment and be able to consistently exercise discretion and judgement when making decisions. Crews will be exposed to a range of conditions from severe to pleasant. The field season is mid-June to August 2024. Applicants should have excellent bird identification skills, nest-searching experience, and proficiency with compass, GPS, and Microsoft Excel. Experience, education, and/or training working in remote backcountry environments is essential, and experience boating in Arctic or Arctic-like conditions is highly recommended. Applicants must be comfortable working remotely in polar bear country. The ability to work well within a small team, follow all oil field regulations, and effectively communicate is vital.
Major Responsibilities:
Pre-season preparation in Fairbanks, including boating and bear safety trainings and travel to the field site.
Driving a truck and small trailer to boat ramps daily.
Operating and maintaining or assisting with the operation and maintenance of a zodiac boat and a small outboard motor.
Coordinating with oilfield personnel and project partners to accomplish logistics.
Discovering and monitoring sea duck nests for fate.
Placing remote wildlife cameras at nests.
Conducting surveys for potential nest predators and collecting habitat data.
Post-season gear clean-up and data proofing in Fairbanks.
Minimum Requirements:
Applicants must have excellent bird identification skills.
Applicants must have experience boating in coastal waters.
Applicants must be willing to work in remote locations in polar bear habitat.
Applicants must maintain a positive and respectful attitude while working long hours in, sometimes, difficult field conditions.
Applicants must be in excellent physical condition and willing to hike several miles each day in waders.
Bachelor’s degree in life sciences (wildlife biology, ecology, zoology, or related fields) preferred.
Arctic experience is preferred.
Wilderness First Aid training is preferred.
Work is in an active oilfield so consistent attention to safety is mandatory.
Non-U.S. citizen applicants must have (or obtain) a social security number
Application Process:
Interested candidates who meet the above qualifications should apply via the link below by February 29, 2024.
WCS is an equal opportunity employer, and the organization complies with all employment and labor laws and regulations that prohibit discrimination in hiring and ensures that candidates from all backgrounds are fairly and consistently considered during the recruitment process. We are dedicated to hiring and engaging a diverse workforce. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment and look for future team members who share that same value. The organization provides equal employment opportunities for all qualified candidates. The organization does not discriminate for employment based on gender, race/ethnicity, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, genetic information or any other covered status or characteristic protected by applicable laws and regulations.
It is everyone’s responsibility to ensure that we do not tolerate discrimination or harassment based upon a person’s membership in one of these protected categories in areas such as recruitment, selection, job assignment, supervision, training, promotions, job grading, transfers, termination, compensation, benefits, educational opportunities, WCS sponsored recreational activities and facilities.
Note that the salary offer will reflect the selected candidate’s individual experiences, skills and qualifications, internal equity, work location and country of work.
Salary Range
$20-$23
APPLY HERE:
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