Job Title: *Ornithologist – Land bird conservation plan*
*Job Type*: A two year contract position, which may be renewable
depending on further funding.
*Opportunity location*: Galapagos Islands
Closing date:* 31 Dezember 2013 (position not yet filled, remains open
until filled!!!)*
*Opportunity Description:*
Over the last ten years on the inhabited islands of Galapagos,
populations or subspecies
of several endemic passerine species have become extinct and many are in
decline. The
reasons are not completely understood, though multiple potential threats
are present
(introduced rats and cats, habitat loss, use of pesticides); the most
imminent threat being
an invasive fly, Philornis downsi, acting as a nest parasite. The land
bird conservation plan
is a collaborative project between the Charles Darwin Foundation and
Galapagos National
Park aiming to understand and reverse this decline. To date, baseline
monitoring data is
only available for four islands and information is needed to assess the
status of birds on
other islands. The development of an archipelago-wide monitoring system
for small land
birds is highest priority. At the same time, research will be carried
out to understand the
ecology and factors that are causing the decline and management actions
developed and
implemented to prevent further diminution. The land bird conservation
plan is undertaken by
several collaborating scientific institutions and works in close
collaboration with the Mangrove
Finch Project, the Floreana restoration Project, the highland
restoration Project and the
Philornis Project; all multi-institutional programs operating different
research plans for a
better management of the Galapagos Islands. The coordination of the work
will be done by
an external scientist responsible for overseeing the running of project
and the fulfilment of
objectives etc., maintaining budget and circulation of reports. This
person will visit Galápagos
at least annually and otherwise maintain support from oversea. The
candidate collaborates
throughout the work with and directly reports to this person.
*Major duties/responsibilities will include:*
• Planning, coordination and implementation of landbird monitoring program
• Develop research programs on ecology of priority birds outlined in the
landbird plan
• Setup, management and analysis of database concerning bird monitoring data
• Field work in sometimes isolated areas with difficult terrain and
challenging field work
• Involvement in other conservation projects in coordination with CDF
science staff
• Building local capacity in work with endangered species with Park and
external scientist, collaborating with external scientist and institutions
• Training of park wardens, guides and interested locals in basic bird
observation and bird counting methods
• Reporting of project results and financial accounting
• Production of reports, articles, manuscripts, web material etc.
*Supervisory Responsibilities:*
Park wardens working in monitoring project & students
*Minimum requirements:*
Knowledge - PhD in bird ecology/ conservation biology or related subject
or a minimum of 5 years relevant professional experience, experience in
monitoring preferred
Experience - experience in avian ecology such as breeding biology,
habitat assessment, foraging ecology or population biology; conservation
on islands
Language - must be fluent in Spanish & English and able to produce
reports in both languages
Skills - mist netting, ringing birds, blood sampling, telemetry
(optional), work in remote places
Data Management - use of databases and GIS, experience in population
modeling beneficial
*Remuneration and Conditions *
The position is being offered as a two year contract with renewal based
on availability of
funding. Base salary is US $24.000, to US $29.000, p.a., according to
qualifications and
experience. Benefits include health insurance and 30 days annual vacation.
*More information at:
http://www.darwinfoundation.org/en/about-us/careers/jobs/
How to Apply
*
To apply please send a letter of interest that clearly addresses you
qualifications
(Maximum 1 page), by e-mail to: [email protected]
<mailto:[email protected]>
