Wildlife Conservation Biologist

Position:  Wildlife Conservation Biologist

Closing Date: September 1, 2010 or when a suitable candidate is found

Location:  The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) is an archipelago of 14 islands. The three southern islands of Rota, Tinian and Saipan are the most heavily populated.  Saipan is the capital where the CNMI Division of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) is located.

Project Description: The primary responsibility for this position is to manage the development review program at the CNMI Division of Fish and Wildlife. This includes reviewing permit applications and other development documents to determine their potential impacts on endangered species, and supervising three technicians. The species most affected by development in the CNMI are the nightingale reed-warbler and Mariana crow. Secondary duties include bird surveys, grant writing and reporting, and endangered species research.

The DFW 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 (including the Wildlife Conservation Biologist) in the Wildlife Section manage individual projects under the DFW’s wildlife grants including development permitting, avian conservation projects, and endangered species (birds and bats) research and monitoring. Three Wildlife Technicians support the Wildlife Supervisor and Wildlife Biologists with survey work and data entry. 

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Review and comment on land use and development project proposals that may affect endangered species, and develop mitigation and/or avoidance plans. Development projects include farming and ranching, residential construction, resort development, and infrastructure improvement.
• Act as a facilitator and liaison between developers and/or government agencies who wish to pursue Section 10 or Section 7 permits from the USFWS.
• Supervise and manage the workload of three wildlife technicians who conduct bird surveys for all development projects in the CNMI.
• Review Environmental Assessments and Impact Statements for impacts to endangered species and native wildlife. Provide comments and assist with development of mitigation plans for a wide variety of projects in the CNMI.
• Conduct bird surveys throughout the CNMI including development site surveys, island-wide BBS and VCP surveys, and waterbird surveys.
• Develop distribution maps, using ArcGIS, of endangered species in the CNMI. Use GIS to map territories of endangered species that overlap development sites.
• Assist in the monitoring of project compliance with DFW and USFWS conservation measures on development projects.
• Participate in interagency development meetings and committees.
• Develop research project proposals that will assist in the management of endangered species.
• Write portions of grant proposals and annual reports.
• Participate in Habitat Conservation Planning for CNMI endangered species.
• Provide technical assistance to the public and other government agencies as requested.
• Train wildlife personnel in the fundamentals of wildlife conservation and survey techniques.

Additional information on the CNMI’s Division of Fish and Wildlife program can be found at http://www.dfw.gov.mp/Wildlife/Wildlife%20Research.html.

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

Qualifications:  The candidate should have a bachelor’s degree in wildlife biology, ecology, conservation biology, ornithology, or other closely related field and at least three years experience in a related position.  Preferred candidates will have a Master’s degree in a related field and experience with endangered species permitting and surveys.  Preferred candidates will also have experience with most of the following:  Section 7 and Section 10 of the endangered species act, NEPA, basic bird survey techniques, bird territory mapping, GIS, public relations, working in multicultural communities, MS excel, excellent writing skills, and excellent communication skills with the public. A successful candidate will work well in teams but also be independent and demonstrate initiative in resolving conservation issues.  Flexibility and tolerance in a multicultural community are essential. Will need to travel and work in the field sometimes under strenuous and hot field conditions.

Eligibility:  Only United States Citizens are eligible for this position

Term:  This is a one year term appointment renewable upon mutual consent. 

Salary:  $32,000-$38,000 commensurate with experience.

 Travel and limited relocation expenses will be paid. 

Contact:  Please send cover letter and CV or Resume, and references via email to Rachel Rounds at roundscnmidfw@gmail.com.