Wildlife Biologist III (Bird Specialist)

DEPARTMENT OF MARINE AND WILDLIFE RESOURCES
AMERICAN SAMOA GOVERNMENT

Position Description: Wildlife Biologist III (Bird Specialist)

General Description:

The Wildlife Division of the Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources (DMWR), American Samoan Government, carries out numerous short- and long-term wildlife research, monitoring, and management programs on tropical forest birds, seabirds, fruit bats, sea turtles, invertebrates, invasive species and wildlife habitat.

DMWR is seeking a Wildlife Biologist III to lead the Tropical Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship (TMAPS) and Bird Population Monitoring programs. S/he will lead or assist in other Wildlife Division projects as needed.

This is a 2-year contract position with possibility of extension. Salary range is $21,715 - $51,875 dependent on qualifications and education as determined by the ASG Department of Human Resources. The position includes travel to American Samoa, subsidized health care at the local hospital, a shipping allowance, and a housing stipend.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead the TMAPS bird banding project. Included duties: run 6 bird netting sites on Tutuila, manage the bird netting sites on Ta’u and Ofu, training and supervising interns, logistical planning, and reporting.
• Lead the point count based bird population monitoring project. Included duties: conducting quarterly point counts, improving project design to meet monitoring goals, reviewing, revising and drafting protocols, data analysis, grant writing, and reporting.
• Collaborate with and/or provide scientific and technical guidance to other Division biologists in the development, implementation, and write-up of wildlife projects.
• Assist in preparation and submission of grant proposals and reports.
• Conduct or supervise ecological impact assessments as needed.
• Represent the Wildlife Division and DMWR in professional meetings, workshops, and working groups within and outside of the Territory.

Knowledge and Skills and Ability:

• Avian project management experience, preferably in tropical ecosystems.
• Experience with mist netting and bird banding and/or leading MAPS stations.
• Experience with bird population monitoring, including point counts and analysis of point count data to detect trends.
• Proven skills in report writing, data management, and data summarization.
• Applicants must be willing and able to accept off island work assignments and be able to work in rugged conditions (involving backpacking, camping) for periods at a time; ability to operate manual transmission vehicles is a plus.
• Experience working/living internationally, a strong work ethic, both independently and as a team player, a sense of adventure, the ability to be flexible when conditions require it, and a good sense of humor are all valuable assets.

Academic and Experience Requirements:

• Applicant must have a MS in related field from an accredited university plus 4 years of work related experience, 2 years of supervisory capacity OR
• BS in related field from an accredited university plus 5 years of related work experience, 3 years at a supervisory capacity
• Years of progressively responsible working experience may be substituted for portion of the academic requirement. Salary will be adjusted according to experience.

For additional information or to apply submit a CV and cover letter (PDF preferred) to wildlife.amsam@gmail.com. Applications will be reviewed as received but should be submitted by April 6, 2018 to receive full consideration.