Wildlife Biologist

Conservation InSight is a nonprofit scientific research organization focused on providing sound solutions for avian conservation issues. Our mission is to provide evidence-based scientific findings that may be used by federal and state agencies, natural resource managers, and communities to inform decision making. We are currently expanding our research program in south Florida and are looking for members to join our team.

We are currently seeking a WILDLIFE BIOLOGIST. This position will be based out of Homestead, Florida. The Wildlife Biologist will primarily be responsible for supervising our long-term demographic study of the federally endangered Cape Sable seaside sparrow (CSSS) in Everglades National Park (ENP). However, the Wildlife Biologist will also assist in the development of new research projects in south Florida, act as a year-round liaison with agency partners, and coordinate public outreach programs. Term: 12-months, beginning November 19, 2018. Salary: Commensurate with experience.

We are looking for applicants who are detail-oriented, organized, able to meet deadlines, can work independently or as part of a team, and who are enthusiastic about working in remote locations under sometimes harsh field conditions (e.g., heat, humidity, mosquitoes, and venomous snakes). This is a supervisory position; the Wildlife Biologist will supervise 3-4 seasonal field technicians on the CSSS study, coordinate logistics for fieldwork, be responsible for data management, assist with data analysis, and help write technical reports and manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals.

Experience:

Previous avian research experience in a supervisory role is required. The strongest candidates will have experience on multiple avian research projects, experience nest searching in grassland habitat, and experience banding passerines. Additional consideration will be given to candidates with prior experience working in the Everglades ecosystem. Candidates should be proficient using Microsoft Excel and Access; experience conducting telemetry studies and statistical analyses using R and/or ArcGIS desired. Applicants should be able to provide evidence of prior experience writing technical reports or publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals. Applicants must possess a valid US driver’s license. Foreign applicants will be accepted, but applicants must hold a valid U.S. work visa for consideration.

Duties will include, but are not limited to:

·        Coordinating logistics for the CSSS study and communicating with agency partners

·        Supervising 3-4 seasonal field technicians conducting CSSS fieldwork at study sites in ENP

·        Assisting with all aspects of daily CSSS fieldwork (e.g., conducting point count surveys, nest searching, color-banding and resighting sparrows, territory mapping, etc.)

·        Coordinating and supervising data entry by field technicians, maintaining databases, and accepting responsibility for QA/QC of field data

·        Assisting with development and implementation of new research projects in south Florida, including identifying funding opportunities and assisting with writing grant proposals

·        Coordinating and participating in outreach programs (e.g., development of field blogs and social media posts, conducting presentations for public outreach, etc.)

The CSSS field season runs approximately from March – August. Fieldwork will be conducted in early mornings (beginning pre-dawn) 5-6 days/week; afternoons will be spent coordinating project logistics, communicating with agency partners, managing data, and participating in outreach. Field crew will travel to and from remote field sites by car/foot or by helicopter. DOI helicopter certification will be provided. Applicants must provide their own transportation to south Florida and have their own vehicle for getting to and from field sites. Sites are ~10-30 miles from the main ENP entrance; fuel costs for travel to study sites will be reimbursed.

To apply:

Send a letter of interest addressed to Dr. Tom Virzi, along with a resume, three references (include names, emails, and phone numbers), and two writing samples (technical reports or publications) to tvirzi@conservationinsight.org. Please include “Wildlife Biologist Position” in the subject line of your email. Deadline to apply: October 12, 2018.