Introduced Vertebrates Specialist
Reports to:
Scients Director
Responsible for:
Junior Specialist and Field assistant
Closing date:
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Introduction:
The Charles Darwin Foundation for the Galapagos Islands (CDF) is an international non-profit research organization dedicated to providing scientific research, technical assistance and information to ensure conservation success in Galapagos. The CDF has responsibilities established by law and by agreement to provide the Government of Ecuador with advice to help ensure the conservation of Galapagos.
The CDF promotes for the conservation of Galapagos based on solid principles of ecosystem management. This requires cultivating a holistic understanding of the complex and dynamic Galapagos ecosystem. People are a vital part of this ecosystem and building long-term options for the inhabitants of Galapagos is critical for the effective management in the islands
CDF's mission is:
To provide knowledge and assistance through scientific research and complementary action to ensure the conservation of the environment and biodiversity in the Galapagos Archipelago
Objective:
To serve as the Introduced Vertebrates Specialist for the Charles Darwin Foundation. This position is responsible for the development and implementation of a world class introduced vertebrate monitoring.
Responsibilities:
Control and eradication programs for the Galapagos Archipelago. Current funding will focus on whole island rat eradications using helicopter deployment of toxic baits. Reduction of non-target effects and pre- and post-treatment monitoring will be critical to the success of this project. It is expected that the incumbent will work closely with the Galapagos National Park Service, scientific collaborators, and Foundation staff in the planning and implementation of the programs. The incumbent will develop and maintain well documented protocols and databases and present results in technical reports and scientific papers.
Competencies:
- Knowledge of ecological principles, including population and community ecology, ecosystem structure and function.
- Specific knowledge of theory and approaches for the control and eradication of invasive species.
- Knowledge of and ability to apply statistical and quantitative methods toward the design and analysis of monitoring efforts.
- Skill in managing and analyzing natural resource data sets using relational databases, geographic information systems, computer simulation models and statistical programs is desirable.
- Ability to communicate results effectively both orally and in writing to a wide variety of technical and non-technical audiences.
- Knowledge, skills and ability to coordinate and manage a large-scale eradication program, including ability to plan and coordinate field projects, oversee technicians, manage budgets, meet strict deadlines, write technical reports, proposals, and contracts, to participate in program planning, and other administrative tasks.
- A PhD in biology, toxicology, or related field with experience in introduced vertebrate control programs
- Experience working in the field with a wide variety of animal capture, marking, and census techniques.
- Strong quantitative skills related to data management, study design, statistical analysis and reporting as indicated by publication record.
- Experience working with National Parks or other resource management agencies.
- Experience coordinating teams of professionals in a results driven environment
- Ability to communicate both verbally and in writing in Spanish and English.
The position is being offered as a two year contract with renewal based on availability of funding. The incumbent will be stationed at the Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz Island in the Galapagos Archipelago, Ecuador. Salary will be US $24,000 to US $29,000 p.a., according to qualifications and experience. Benefits include tax free status for foreign nationals, international health insurance and 22 days annual vacation.
How to Apply:
To apply please send a letter of interest that clearly addresses you qualifications for the each of the Knowledge Skills, and Abilities listed above (Maximum 1 page per KSA), a curriculum vitae, and the names of three professional references by electronic mail (empleo@fcdarwin.org.ec). For further information please contact Bryan Milstead (bmilstead@fcdarwin.org.ec)
We will begin the process on April 30th, 2008 but will check those applications arrived after this date until the position is filled.
Please place in subject line: (IVI-08 and last name)
Contact:
empleo@fcdarwin.org.ec
Reference Code:
IVI-08