Postdoctoral Scientist Decision Analysis for Waterfowl Conservation POSITION TITLE: Post-doctoral Research Associate SALARY: GS-12 salary (approx. $75K annually) and benefits LOCATION: USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Laurel MD PERFORMANCE PERIOD: Up to one year after start date, anticipate September 2016-October 2017 APPLICATION DEADLINE: 26 July 2016 or until suitable candidate is found
POSITION SUMMARY: USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center anticipates hiring a post- doctoral research associate to develop a decision analytic framework for investments in waterfowl habitat conservation in North America. The 1986 North American Waterfowl Management Plan (NAWMP) and subsequent updates emphasized the need to focus conservation resources on geographic areas that are most important to waterfowl demography and provide greatest benefits to society. The 2012 NAWMP revision elevates social values in its overarching goals, including an increase in the number of “citizens who enjoy and actively support waterfowl and wetland conservation.” Advancements in geospatial technology and databases have enabled more robust identification of priority waterfowl regions and habitats for conservation action that may achieve objectives of multiple stakeholders. However, additional work is needed to identify optimal resource allocation strategies that reflect our understanding of how conservation actions impact waterfowl populations, habitat, and people at multiple scales (e.g., local, state, regional, continental). Spatially explicit decision support systems are envisioned as a useful framework to inform conservation and management to achieve not only waterfowl population goals but also social goals (e.g., increase user recruitment and support). The decision analytic approach developed as part of this research is expected to inform multiple decision making frameworks for waterfowl conservation in North America. DUTIES: The position will require close collaboration with the NAWMP Science Support Team, US Fish & Wildlife Service, and scientists from other conservation agencies and organizations. Developing a decision analytic framework for conservation and management decisions will require collaboration to identify and structure core values and objectives of the management community, including waterfowl populations, hunter recruitment and retention, and non-consumptive uses of wetlands and other waterfowl habitats, particularly related to ecological goods and services most important to society (e.g., water quality, ground water recharge, flood-water storage, carbon sequestration, green space, etc.) Visualizations of important spatial datasets (waterfowl populations, harvest, and sociological data) will be used to evaluate competing objectives and structure trade-off analyses for decision making. Multiple Criteria Decision Analysis and optimization routines will be used to create resource allocations among conservation actions to maximize management and policy objectives. Decision support tools and optimal resource allocation will be evaluated through sensitivity analyses and funding scenario planning. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: 1. Ph.D. in biology (wildlife), ecology, or related field. 2. Applicant must be within 5 years of receiving PhD. 3. Applicant must be a US citizen. 4. Demonstrated familiarity with ArcGIS and analysis of spatial data 5. Demonstrated proficiency with computing platforms such as R and Python. 6. Demonstrated desire and ability to publish in the peer-reviewed literature. DESIRED ABILITIES: Competitive candidates will have experience programming in R or Python, population modeling, leading partnerships and group decision making processes, and coursework/experience in decision analysis and adaptive resource management. The successful candidate will have excellent written and personal communication skills, and demonstrated success working closely with management agencies on applied questions in conservation and management of waterfowl or other wildlife. APPLICATION: Applicants should email: (1) a letter describing your background and interests – the letter should address specifically how the applicant meets both the minimum requirements and the desired abilities, (2) curriculum vitae, (3) copies of college transcripts (unofficial acceptable) and (4) the names and contact information for 3 references to Dr. Jim Lyons ([email protected]). For further information, contact: Jim Lyons ([email protected]) (301) 497-5567 USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center 12100 Beech Forest Road, Laurel, MD 20708
