Research Ecologist

INTRODUCTION

The Center for Conservation Education and Sustainability (CCES) is seeking a highly qualified and motivated research ecologist to oversee an innovative biodiversity research, monitoring and conservation program in Peru. The goals of the Center are to engage in world-class informal and formal science education; identify, recruit and educate the next generation of conservation practitioners; provide business and industry with science-based solutions for minimizing their impact on biodiversity; and develop innovative and strategic partnerships that result in science-based conservation solutions. The incumbent is responsible to plan, design and oversee applied ecological research activities associated with a large-scale, long-term comprehensive conservation program. This position is located in Washington, DC yet regular travel will be required to Peru.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Designs, implements and oversees innovative field research on the ecology and biodiversity of tropical ecosystems, particularly as it relates to an assessment of the impacts of industrial operations, with an expectation of science-based recommendations toward impact reduction or damage mitigation. Responsible not only for the implementation of his/her own research program, but also for reviewing field protocols of additional field teams and collaborating with Peruvian biologists in the publication of research results in both regional and international peer-reviewed journals.

2. Trains and guides CCES fellows and collaborators, as well as assistants participating in field research projects. Actively collaborates with host country biologists on multi-taxa research projects and fosters a community of researchers and applied conservation practitioners in the study area and broader region. Conceives and explores possible initiatives involving collaboration with other Smithsonian units and with US and international research institutions. 

3. Presents research from CCES projects at professional conferences and seminars. Transmits goals of the Peruvian Amazon Biodiversity Project, as well as ecological and conservation principles to lay audiences by speaking to non-biologists, conservationists, and general audiences and through presentations to local communities, industry audiences, government entities, and non-governmental organizations. Works to develop new science-based educational materials and programs directed toward a wide-range of audiences (both Peruvian and US).

4. Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

All applicants must meet the following requirements:

1.      A Ph.D. or equivalent in biological sciences, ecology, wildlife biology, natural resource management, environmental management, conservation biology, or related discipline appropriate to the position.

2.      Strong background in ecological statistics, study design, and field methodologies, particularly as they relate to population assessments, monitoring, and investigation of impacts of disturbance for a wide range of tropical taxa.

3.      Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals.

4.      Strong leadership skills, ability to make independent decisions, and significant experience managing diverse teams in both field and office settings.

5.      Excellent program management skills as demonstrated by 3-5 years of experience in program management.

6.      Excellent written and oral communication skills relevant to interaction with a range of different audiences (government, researchers, communities and others). Skills in designing and delivering presentations.

7.      Positive attitude and ability to address challenges as they arise.

8.      Strong organizational skills and ability to facilitate team work.  

9.      Fluent in English. Fluent in Spanish is preferred. Most work will be conducted bilingually.

10.  Knowledge of GIS and management of satellite images (preferred)

HOW TO APPLY:

Interested candidates should send the following documents by email:

1.      Letter describing experience, vision and qualifications related to this position (no more than two pages).

2.      Resume with relevant and specific examples that demonstrate the qualifications for the job (no more than four pages).

3.      Name and contact information (affiliation, telephone #, address, and email) of three professional references.

Send complete documents as attachments (either pdf or Word files) to Sulema Castro at castros@si.edu.  

Applications will be reviewed as they are received. Last day to apply: November 19, 2010.