PRBO Conservation Science Job Title: San Joaquin Valley Avian Ecologist Employment Length: One year position beginning fall 2010, with potential to extend Hours/Benefits: Full time with competitive benefits
****************************************************** **Please note application deadline: 23 November 2010** ****************************************************** PRBO Background PRBO Conservation Science (PRBO) advances conservation through avian ecology and ecosystem research. PRBO is a non-profit research organization with expertise in avian ecology, population biology, spatial ecology, ecosystem science, conservation applications (including endangered species recovery, land and ocean management, ecological restoration, and inventory and monitoring) as well as public education. PRBO plays a lead role nationally and internationally in applying bird and ecosystem studies to address critical conservation issues. For additional information, see www.prbo.org. Background and Position Summary: In Californias San Joaquin Valley, over 95% of the historic riparian and wetland habitats have been lost. Yet with implementation of a restoration settlement pressing and the commitment of a multitude of resource agencies, conservation organizations and individuals, there exists great promise to restore some of the regions ecological integrity, while also sustaining the regions vital agricultural economy. To guide restoration activities for maximum benefit to migratory bird populations and to better understand how to improve management actions and conservation strategies for aquatic and riparian birds in the San Joaquin region, priority research, monitoring, and ecological modeling projects identified through PRBO, the Central Valley Joint Venture and the Migratory Bird Conservation Partnership need to be advanced. PRBOs San Joaquin Valley Avian Ecologist (hereafter Avian Ecologist) will help ensure PRBO continues to provide scientific leadership in the restoration of the San Joaquin River and associated habitats for migratory and resident birds. The Avian Ecologist will be one of PRBOs primary representatives for research, monitoring, and collaborative conservation efforts in the region. Responsibilities of this position include: 1) collaborating with PRBO and partner organizations to determine priority conservation needs for resident and migratory birds in the San Joaquin, 2) designing and implementing monitoring and research projects to inform migratory bird conservation, and 3) ensuring that our results and information from conservation science in general are shared with other researchers, conservation stakeholders, and are integrated into conservation planning and implementation efforts. The successful candidate must be able to take independent initiative to build and maintain a strong research and conservation program while also facilitating highly effective collaborative relationships with key partners. She/he must have a strong background in avian ecology, including quantitative skills and field experience with birds. MS/PhD preferred, but BS with a highly impressive foundation of applicable work experience will also be considered. Responsibilities Building a collaborative conservation program - The Avian Ecologist will be responsible for maintaining and building solid, trusted working relationships and collaborations with key partners throughout the region. This position is supported through the Migratory Bird Conservation Partnership (MBCP) in which PRBO is working closely with The Nature Conservancy and Audubon California to pursue a shared ten-year vision to protect, restore, and enhance an array of priority conservation areas for migratory birds in California. Close coordination with MBCP related staff in those organizations will be essential. Other priority partners and partnerships to actively engage include the San Joaquin River Partnership, US Fish and Wildlife Service, California Department of Fish and Game, River Partners, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Bureau of Reclamation, Grasslands Water District, Tulare Basin Wildlife Partners, the Central Valley Joint Venture, local universities, and others. Project design, management and coordination - The Avian Ecologist will help identify and initiate high priority research and monitoring projects relevant to conservation of migratory birds primarily in the San Joaquin Basin of the Central Valley of California. For those projects, this position will help lead project design (site selection, sampling, determination of appropriate metrics), implementation (set-up and data collection), management (people and data), and coordination (within PRBO and with partners). Data management, analysis, synthesis, and publication - The Avian Ecologist will help ensure that project and program level data are centralized, synthesized, and communicated in the most effective ways of conservation problem-solving. She/he will also help ensure that program related data are integrated into broader scale monitoring and modeling projects by PRBO and partners. Training, outreach, and development - The Avian Ecologist will be responsible for training other researchers and citizen scientists in bird identification and data collection techniques, as necessary. She/he will present results of research, monitoring, and conservation efforts at various forums, including scientific conferences, technical committees, and conservation group meetings. Finally, the position will work with a team of collaborators (internal and external) to help raise funds for high priority research and monitoring activities. **During the first year, the Avian Ecologist will likely spend approximately 40% time engaging in planning and conservation meetings, and conducting site visits; 40% time in restoration and monitoring/research project design and management; and 20% time in data analysis and writing. Qualifications PhD or M.S. with significant experience in ornithology, ecology, natural resource sciences, conservation biology, wildlife biology and management, or ecological restoration Avian research and ecological monitoring experience with demonstrated skills in field data collection techniques, identification of Western birds by sight and sound, data management, sampling design, and statistical analyses Knowledge of wetland and riparian habitat management and conservation challenges experience studying or addressing these challenges in the San Joaquin Valley desirable but not necessary Extensive experience working closely with partners including government agencies, NGOs, and private landowner groups Experience organizing and leading meetings including logistics, agenda development, facilitation, and follow-up Solid writing skills (scientific, popular, and grant-writing), with at least one publication in a peer-reviewed journal Outstanding communication (including presentations and training), coordination, and leadership skills Applicants must be at least in moderate physical condition, as long hours in field, under very hot and sometime very cold conditions, will be required and some hiking may be involved to access sites. Ability to work independently and coordinate with a team is necessary. Applicants should have a good attitude toward working closely with the agricultural and duck hunting communities and other private land owners. Benefits, Working Conditions and Funding PRBO offers 100% health care coverage, full dental care, and partial coverage of dependents including domestic partners, per the conditions stated in PRBOs Personnel Manual. PRBO headquarters are in Petaluma, California, but ideally the position will be based out of the Central Valley. This position requires a good deal of travel to field sites and meetings, and involves working some evenings and weekends. Funding is secured for at least one year - longer term employment is possible through this position and will be based on continuation of funding and employees performance. To Apply E-mail (1) cover letter describing qualifications for this position and interest in PRBO, (2) complete CV/resume, and (3) contact information (including phone numbers and e-mail addresses) for 3 references to Catherine Hickey ([email protected]) with San Joaquin Valley Avian Ecologist in the subject line. Applicants may be subject to background checks. Application deadline is November 23, 2010, though position will remain open until a successful candidate has been identified. PRBO is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
