JOB TITLE: Project Coordinator, Urban Wildlife Institute
DEPARTMENT: Conservation and Science
REPORTS TO: Urban Ecologist, Urban Wildlife Institute
FLSA STATUS: Exempt
GENERAL SUMMARY
Lincoln Park Zoos Urban Wildlife Institute (UWI) is seeking an experienced
urban ecologist to assist with two field projects over an 18-month period.
For the first project, the technician will work in collaboration with the
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) to
coordinate an effort to determine the effects of trap-neuter-return programs
on urban population densities of feral cats. Cat populations will be
estimated pre- and post-neutering campaigns within four hotspots of high cat
density located in New York City, New York. Population estimates will be
derived from visual sampling conducted along transects, and from use of
motion-triggered cameras used to detect cat presence in different locations.
The results of this study will help determine whether or not
trap-neuter-return programs can be an effective method for controlling the
population of free-roaming cats in Americas largest city.
The field sites will be in Upper Manhattan, the Bronx and Brooklyn and the
individual should expect to stay at the field site for a month at time
during the sampling periods. We expect the sampling periods to take place
during the summers of 2011 and 2012. During the sampling period, the
Coordinator will work with ASPCA staff and research assistants to conduct
the multi-borough sampling effort. Prior to the first sampling effort, the
Coordinator will meet with the research team in New York City to finalize
the design of the study. Following the field sampling season, we expect the
Coordinator to work and communicate with UWI staff members to analyze the
data and estimate population density within the sampling areas. Expenses
for travel to and from the New York City field sites, equipment and housing
at the field site will be covered.
In addition, the research technician will assist on a field project based in
the Chicago area examining the effects of relocation on nuisance woodchucks.
The Project Coordinator will work with the UWI Project Coordinator to locate
and trap resident woodchucks during Summer/Fall 2011 and Spring 2012,
coordinate with nuisance wildlife trappers to acquire nuisance woodchucks,
release woodchucks at designated release sites, and regularly track
relocated/resident woodchucks throughout the year using radio-telemetry.
During this time, the Project Coordinator will be based at the Lincoln Park
Zoo in Chicago, IL, and will travel to field sites around the greater
Chicago area. Expenses for travel to and from local field sites will be
covered; however, funds for housing in Chicago are not available.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Help design a study to assess population densities of feral cats in
several areas within New York City.
Coordinate a team of volunteer assistants to help with population
monitoring
Analyze population data using MARK, CAPTURE or DISTANCE
Disseminate results at scientific professional conferences and in lay
and
peer-reviewed literature as appropriate.
Assist with field activities related to the woodchuck project, including
site selection, trapping, and radio-telemetry.
Communicate with nuisance wildlife trappers, veterinarians, and UWI
project coordinator.
ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Domestic and local travel for field project;
Maintain and coordinate communication Urban Wildlife Institute, ASPCA,
and
other partners.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
Successful candidates must have a demonstrated ability to design,
conduct
and communicate the results of research and applied programs in wildlife
ecology;
Possess expertise in the specific areas covered in essential job
functions;
Demonstrate a basic understanding of ecology and population biology
(active research in these disciplines preferred);
Possess strong computer, organizational (project management), and
communication skills (written and spoken);
Demonstrate a commitment to wildlife conservation through management of
wild and captive populations, and willingness to participate in the
departments team approach to conservation research projects.
EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
Preference of post graduate training (M.Sc. OR Ph.D.) in Wildlife
Ecology,
Natural Resource Management or a closely related biological discipline.
EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
Experience with wildlife ecological studies. Preference for those that:
Have conducted field research in urban environment.
Incorporate GIS applications in their work.
Have experience with Program MARK, CAPTURE and/or DISTANCE
Participated in or led studies in which radio-telemetry, mark-recapture,
distance sampling and/or camera trapping were used.
Have experience handling and trapping animals in the field.
Experience in participating and/or leading large collaborative
projects/workshops.
Experience supervising volunteers, interns and/or assistants.
Salary: $28,000 per year with benefits
For additional information contact:
Dr. Seth Magle
312-742-7215
[email protected]
E-mail resume, copies of college transcripts, and letter of interest to:
[email protected]
Or
E-mail resume, copies of college transcripts, and letter of interest to
[email protected] or mail to:
Human Resources Department
Lincoln Park Zoo
2001 North Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60614
Applications will be reviewed as they arrive and position will be open until
filled.
