The Minnesota Zoo is seeking applications for the following position: Conservation Biologist Location (primary): Minnesota Zoo, Apple Valley, Minnesota Permanent, Full-time Travel required Desired start date: January 2013 (with some flexibility) Application deadline: October 29, 2012
Job description The Minnesota Zoo seeks a dedicated Conservation Biologist to implement current and future Zoo-based conservation programs, achieve recognition of the Zoo's conservation programs and lead a field conservation program. On an annual basis, approximately sixty percent (60%) of the incumbent's time will be spent implementing zoo-based conservation programs and communicating the Minnesota Zoo's conservation work in accordance with the Zoo's mission and strategic plan. The incumbent will work closely with the Director of Conservation to perform duties such as assisting the Tiger Species Survival Plan and its Tiger Conservation Campaign, leading the Zoo's Recycle for Rainforests Program, and leading and/or developing other zoo-based conservation programs. The incumbent may also work with other Zoo staff on the conservation programs they lead. The time devoted to implementing zoo-based conservation programs and communicating the Zoo's conservation work will vary seasonally, with up to one-hundred percent (100%) of the incumbent's time and location to be spent on those initiatives during the entire months of June and July. The Minnesota Zoo strives to communicate its conservation mission and work to a variety of audiences in order to raise awareness and achieve internal and external recognition. This position will be responsible for communicating those messages in a variety of formats, including creating and delivering public presentations; writing all or segments of reports, articles, grant proposals, social media posts, and text for the Zoo's website; and assisting various Zoo staff with conservation-related interpretive graphics. The Minnesota Zoo also seeks to further its vision of saving wild animals and wild places by supporting a field-based conservation effort. The incumbent will spend approximately forty percent (40%) of time annually on field conservation-related activities and research for a threatened or endangered species of significance to the Minnesota Zoo and/or a region of significance to the Zoo. The incumbent should currently lead or be a major participant in a field conservation effort and be able to continue participation if hired for this position. The incumbent's duties will include planning, obtaining funding, conducting, and reporting upon field conservation activities. If the incumbent currently does not participate in a field conservation project or a project with the significance outlined above, he/she must demonstrate the ability and opportunity to lead such a project by the start date of this position. The Minnesota Zoo welcomes the possibility to partner with a conservation organization for this position, with the Zoo providing employment and time for the incumbent to work on a field-based conservation initiative hosted by the partnering organization. Such an arrangement must meet the needs of both the Minnesota Zoo and the conservation organization. Please contact the Director of Conservation, Dr. Tara Harris ([email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>), for details. Potential applicants should visit the Minnesota Zoo's website (www.mnzoo.org<http://www.mnzoo.org>) to learn more about the species and regions of interest to the Zoo. Further inquiries can be made by contacting the Director of Conservation at [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>. Application process To apply for this position, please visit the State of Minnesota careers website at www.careers.state.mn.us<http://www.careers.state.mn.us> (posting number: 12MZG000077). Applicants must demonstrate in the resume (submitted online) the minimum qualifications listed below in order to be considered for the position. In addition, applicants must submit the following to the Minnesota Zoo's Human Resource Office ([email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>) OR by mail (Minnesota Zoo, Attn: Tresa Fasnacht Human Resources, 13000 Zoo Blvd., Apple Valley, MN 55124 USA): 1) A cover letter that explains how/why you meet each minimum qualification for the position and all relevant preferred qualifications, and that describes the field conservation effort for which you are/will be involved and its relevance to the Minnesota Zoo; AND 2) Graduate school transcripts (unofficial transcripts are acceptable, but official transcripts must be provided upon request); 3) Copy of your resume or curriculum vitae (optional). Complete applications must be submitted by October 29, 2012 in order to be considered for this position. Please note that though this position is open to all applicants, the Minnesota Zoo and the State of Minnesota are unable to sponsor an employment visa. The applicant is responsible for ensuring current, valid work documents to work in the United States. The incumbent will be asked to present those documents before the position is offered. Minimum qualifications - Masters degree or Ph.D. from an accredited educational institution in Conservation Biology, Ecology, Wildlife Management, or other closely related field. - Must currently lead or be a major participant in a field-based conservation effort for a threatened or endangered species of significance to the Minnesota Zoo and/or in a region of significance to the Zoo, and be able to continue those activities if hired in this position; OR - If the applicant currently does not participate in a conservation project or a project that with the significance outlined in the job description, he/she MUST demonstrate the ability and opportunity to lead such a project by the start date of this position. - Ability to implement zoo-based conservation programs (i.e., located at the Zoo) full-time during the months of June and July. - Ability to travel and conduct field work independently up to forty percent (40%) of time annually. Previous field experience(s) is/are required, provide description. - Excellent communication skills, including the ability to write for general audiences and to create and deliver high-quality presentations to both scientific and general audiences. - Familiarity with and stated interest in cooperative breeding programs for endangered species, such as the Tiger Species Survival Plan. Preferred Qualifications Applicants are not expected to meet all of these qualifications, but should address each of the following for which they qualify: - Has an existing collaboration with an organization that could potentially partner with the Minnesota Zoo on a field-based conservation effort. - Demonstrated record of obtaining funding for conservation work, and/or currently leads or is a major participant in a funded conservation project. - Currently leads or is a major participant in a field-based conservation effort in Asia, on an endangered species or in a region of significance to the Minnesota Zoo. - Experience (preferably current) with applied conservation efforts. - Prior experience with captive breeding programs and/or small population management and/or working in a zoo setting. - Experience in empirical research design, methodology, and data analysis, with appropriate academic skills to publish results in peer-reviewed scientific journals. Starting salary: $22.18/hour, $46,312 annually Benefits: Yes Travel required: Yes Desired start date: January 2013 (with some flexibility) Employment conditions: Permanent, full-time Location: Minnesota Zoo (primary)
