Project Leader (San Clemente Loggerhead Shrike)

Job Description: The Institute for Wildlife Studies (IWS) is seeking applicants to fill a Project Leader position to oversee the release and monitoring of the San Clemente Loggerhead Shrike (SCLS), a federally endangered, endemic subspecies on San Clemente Island (SCI), California. SCI is the southernmost of the California Channel Islands, located 68 miles off the coast of San Diego. The island is owned and operated by the U.S. Navy and civilian personnel are required to follow established military protocols and rules. Because the work is conducted on a military installation, US citizenship is required or the selected applicant must be covered under a TN NAFTA work visa and possess a valid U.S. driver’s license. In addition, the Navy will perform a post-hire background check before issuing a base access credential.

Project Leader duties include, but are not limited to:

1.      Scheduling the day-to-day activities of the field crew, including the field work schedule, flights to and from the island, and upkeep of the field station and IWS equipment.

2.      Hiring and training the field crew.

3.      Conducting field work and training technicians in field techniques including nest searching and monitoring, behavioral observation, re-sighting color bands, banding nestlings and adults, territory mapping, and navigation with GPS and topographic maps.

4.      Overseeing the release of captive-bred shrikes.

5.      Overseeing the maintenance of remote field aviaries.

6.      Data management (including QA/QC) and analysis in Microsoft Access, Excel, and ESRI GIS software.

7.      Writing monthly, quarterly, and annual reports.

8.      Attending regular meetings to update the Navy and US Fish and Wildlife Service.

9.      Coordinating with all other aspects of the recovery program, including the botany project, captive breeding project, and predator control project to maximize the effectiveness of program activities and ensure compliance with the Endangered Species Act.

Qualifications: We are seeking an enthusiastic biologist with a Master’s degree in the biological sciences and a strong background in avian field work, research, database management, data analysis, and project management. This is a supervisory position on a busy military installation. Successful applicants will have prior supervisory experience and a flexible solution-oriented attitude toward field work and personnel management. 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 working in variable weather conditions with temperatures ranging from 40–100°F. Applicants should enjoy living as part of a small research community at 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 and enforce the day-to-day upkeep of a busy field station, including cleaning work vehicles and shared kitchen/office space. 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. Additional information regarding IWS research on SCI is available on the IWS website (www.iws.org). Note: No pets are allowed on SCI.

Work Schedule and Compensation: The start date is flexible, but ideally sometime in March or April 2023. The work schedule is 10 days on San Clemente Island, and 4 days off-island. Compensation is based on an hourly rate of $21.80/hr., however, scheduled overtime results in average gross earnings of approximately $4,750 per month. Room and board will be provided while working on the island; off-island housing during days off is not provided. A food reimbursement of $12.50/day (~$270 per month) is provided while on island to supplement food provided by the Navy. Flights to and from the island are provided at no cost. Benefits include employer-paid health insurance, sick leave, paid vacation, paid holidays, and an optional 403(b) retirement plan.

Application Procedure: To apply, send a single PDF file containing a combined cover letter, resume, and names and contact information for 3 professional references (including telephone number, email, and work address). Please state the number of adult and nestling passerines (or small falcons/owls) you have banded. Send application materials to IWSapplications@iws.org. Please indicate “SCLS Project Leader” in the subject heading. Applications will be reviewed in the order they are received and we therefore encourage interested parties to apply promptly.