Senior Wildlife Biologist/Wildlife Section Supervisor - revised closing data

Location:  The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) consists of the northern 14 islands of the Mariana archipelago (i.e., all those north of Guam).  The three southern islands of Rota, Tinian and Saipan are the most heavily populated, the latter of which is the seat of the local government and where the Division of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) is located. The base location for this position will be Saipan.

Nature of work:  The Wildlife Supervisor will be the grant manager for the CNMI DFW-Wildlife Restoration Program and will supervise three Wildlife Biologists and three Wildlife Technicians.  The Wildlife Section researches and monitors wildlife of the CNMI including 11 endemic birds (including 7 IUCN listed endangered species), the endangered Mariana Fruit Bat, and other local wildlife such as coconut crabs and feral ungulates. The three Wildlife Biologists manage individual projects under the DFW’s wildlife grants including development permitting, avian conservation projects, and endangered species (birds and bats) research and monitoring.  The three Wildlife Technicians support the Wildlife Supervisor and Wildlife Biologists with survey work and data entry.

The Wildlife Supervisor, in coordination with the Wildlife Biologists, will be directly in charge of budgeting and inventory for wildlife projects.  The incumbent will organize and be responsible for the timely submission of grant proposals, yearly grant agreements, and annual reports and updating Standard Operating Procedures.  He/she will supervise and/or organize the completion of wildlife monitoring surveys on Saipan, Tinian and Rota, and will coordinate with other DFW sections and local and federal governmental agencies.  Additionally, the Wildlife Supervisor will review and comment on legislation and policy that effect the CNMI’s fisheries and wildlife natural resources and review scientific research permits.  The incumbent will be DFW’s representative for multi-agency committees and meetings which may include the local Zoning Board, Coastal Resources Management Board, Water Task Force, Invasive Species Task Force, and area conservation committee meetings.  He/she will also have the opportunity to develop new research projects within the Wildlife Restoration grant.  

Additional information on the CNMI’s Division of Fish and Wildlife program can be found in part at http://www.dfw.gov.mp/Wildlife/Wildlife%20Research.html.   (Note that this website is in need of further construction and updating.)

Living on Saipan provides numerous benefits including good diving, snorkeling, swimming, and other water sports, access to gorgeous tropical beaches, no temperate winter climate, great sushi, and a chance to live in a diverse multicultural community.

Qualifications:  This position requires at least a Master’s degree in wildlife biology, ecology, ornithology, zoology, mammalogy, or other closely related field, and at least three years experience managing programs, grants, budgets, contracts, and supervising professionals and technicians.  Experience managing and writing grants for Federal Aid funded projects, or other experience with the Federal Aid Program, is highly desirable.  Preferred candidates will additionally have broad ecological and environmental survey and research experience and education.  They will be experienced in a broad spectrum of wildlife and habitat surveys including avian, bat, vegetation, endangered species, and development permitting, and will be versed in the use GIS.  A successful candidate will have experience working closely with other local and federal agencies, will work well in teams while being independent, and will demonstrate initiative in resolving conservation issues.  Flexibility, patience, and tolerance in a multicultural community like that of the CNMI are essential.  This position does require occasional travel and work in the field, sometimes under strenuous and hot conditions.

Eligibility: Only United States Citizens are eligible for this position

Term:  This is a one year term appointment renewable upon mutual consent.  Salary:  $42,000-$48,000 commensurate with experience.

The preferred start date for this postion is 15 December 2010.  The stated closing date of this position is tentative.  The position will be held open until a suitable candidate is found.

Travel and limited relocation expenses will be paid.  Contact:  Please send cover letter and CV or Resume, and references via email to Paul Radley at paulradleycnmidfw@gmail.com , or via fax at 670.664.6060.  Please contact Paul Radley if you are unable to submit electronically at 670.664.6011 or 664.6000.