PLANT ECOLOGIST POSITION to supervise the Kirtland’s Warbler Research & Training Program as Field Director on the island of Eleuthera, The Bahamas. Project focuses on the role of disturbance and succession in producing habitat for an endangered bird, the Kirtland's Warbler (KW). Project involves experimental habitat management studies as well as studies of vegetation and site data from plots in various seral stages and with different disturbance histories. Experimental manipulations may involve agricultural and other land use practices to produce and maintain KW habitats. Responsibilities include training two College of the Bahamas student participants in basic field techniques to strengthen Bahamian research and conservation capacity. The Field Director will manage field studies, training, and coordination with local cooperators, land owners, and project PIs. Candidate must have excellent plant identification skills, experience collecting vegetation data and a commitment to training island residents in conservation biology. The candidate must be able to effectively and independently supervise and organize field crew and data collection. M.S. degree preferred, but we will consider B.S. degree applicant with appropriate experience. International experience is desirable. Fieldwork and training will be intensive from 1 November 2009 to 30 April 2010. Contract will be for one year with possibility of renewal pending performance and funding. Housing will be provided at the field site on Eleuthera. Project participants will be hired as contractors with the Puerto Rico Conservation Foundation, as funded by the International Programs of the US Forest Service. Those interested should submit application letter, C.V., names and contact information (including e-mail addresses) of three references as Word attachments to an e-mail message to Dr. Joseph M. Wunderle ([email protected]) by 15 July 2009.
