Research Ecologist Position
Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry
USDA Forest Service
Hilo, Hawaii
The Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry, USDA Forest Service, Pacific
Southwest Research Station is advertising for a full-time permanent
research scientist in the discipline of invasive species biology. The
Research Ecologist will lead, coordinate and oversee research of the
Invasive Species Team within the Institute, whose mission is to develop
and deliver information needed to understand and manage invasive species
in native tropical forests. The Team accomplishes this mission by studying
the population and community ecology of invasive species, the impact of
invasive plants on ecosystems, and plant and insect interactions including
biocontrol. The Pacific Islands are recognized global hotspots of native
and largely endemic biodiversity. Over the past century, invasive species
in conjunction with land-use and climate change have threatened this
biodiversity. Invasive species have devastated whole ecosystems across
Hawaii and other Pacific islands. Recent estimates suggest that at least
1100 species of exotic plants have become naturalized in the Hawaiian
Islands and many of these pose significant threats to native ecosystems.
The scientist will lead a research program in one or more of the following
areas: (1) understanding how invasive species affect native forest
ecosystems and the critical characteristics of both species and ecosystems
that control that interaction across Pacific Island landscapes (e.g.,
Hawaii, Federated States of Micronesia, Palau, American Samoa, Northern
Mariana Islands, Guam, and the Marshall Islands); (2) predicting and
measuring interactions between climate change and invasive species on
Pacific Islands; (3) developing safe and effective biocontrol agents for
invasive species affecting tropical forests of Hawaii and the Pacific and
understanding factors contributing to the success and failure of
biological control agents; and (4) developing protocols for predicting
which species may cause ecological and economic impacts and assess costs
and benefits of control. As Team Leader, the scientist will represent the
IPIF on invasive species issues at regional, national and international
meetings.
The position will be located at the IPIF Research Center on the campus of
the University of Hawaii-Hilo. This is a full time, permanent position
with full health, retirement (including 401k-type), and vacation benefits.
It is being advertised at the GS-13/14/15 level ($70,615 to $127,604 + 18%
COLA) although the actual starting grade level will be determined by a
Research Grade Evaluation Panel, which will evaluate the qualifications
and experience of the individual selected. Interested parties can apply to
announcement: TA09-PSW-00232G (R-JEJ) at the US Federal Government Job
website at www.usajobs.gov or by going to:
http://jobsearch.usajobs.gov/getjob.asp?JobID=78496077
The position will be open 1/9/09 ? 2/22/09.
Flint Hughes
Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry
USDA Forest Service
60 Nowelo Street
Hilo, HI 96720
Phone: (808) 933-8121 ext. 117
FAX: (808) 933-8120
email: [email protected]
