This post-doctoral opportunity is a 1 year position (with possibility of an additional year of funding) to implement demographic modeling and population viability analysis of Hawaii forest birds to address important conservation issues. Hawaii’s forest birds are famous for both their unique diversity and dire conservation needs. Population models of the forest birds are needed to better understand how current and future threats may affect population viability, and to evaluate relative effectiveness of multiple management actions to prioritize conservation resources. Primary focus of position will be utilizing Integrated Population Models (IPM) to link mark/recapture data with long-term census data from Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge, Hawaii Island, to estimate demographic parameters for eight native and two introduced forest bird species. Population models will then be constructed for each species using these demographic estimates and used to simulate population viability under multiple threat and management scenarios to provide guidance for mangers and policy makers. This is a great opportunity for a quantitative-orientated ecologist with a passion for conservation to work closely with a diverse team of ecologists, field biologists, and managers to help develop conservation strategies to ensure the persistence of an imperiled community. Opportunities to be involved in ongoing demographic studies of the forest birds will be made available. The position is based in lovely Hilo, Hawaii (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hilo,_Hawaii) working for the USGS Pacific Island Ecosystem Research Center (http://www.usgs.gov/ecosystems/pierc/) as a University of Hawaii employee. Salary is $3,620/month with full benefits. REQUIREMENTS: PhD in Ecology, Conservation Biology, or closely related field. Demonstrable experience in wildlife population modeling or decision analysis, applied statistics/data analysis, and scientific writing. Preference given to applicants with working knowledge of avian ecology and demographic studies, climate change studies, population abundance analysis and survey techniques; prior experience in the use of statistical models for the analysis of management decisions or adaptive management; programming skills (R, WinBugs, or similar programs). Strong communication skills necessary (both written and verbal). Additional details and instructions for applying are found at: www.hear.org/announcements/pdfs/20121012rcuh12510.pdf. For questions or additional information, please contact Eben Paxton, USGS Pacific Islands Ecosystems Research Center, 808-985-6423, [email protected]. Application period ends 11/11/12.
