Reporting directly to the Lead Ecologist, the Wildlife Ecologist leads the development and application of spatial analyses incorporating development/disturbance effects on wildlife movement, habitat use, and population dynamics. The Wildlife Ecologist’s main objective is developing analytical methods and research products which expand on previous research by the organization to understand how changes to Arctic ecosystems impact wildlife populations.
The applicant should possess strong quantitative skills, the ability to apply and/or develop spatially explicit modeling techniques using R and ArcGIS (or similar programs), and an ability to manage large datasets for spatial analyses. The applicant must also have an understanding of wildlife ecology in order to form plausible hypotheses regarding wildlife habitat, movement, and impacts of development on wildlife. An understanding of wildlife ecology in Alaska is desirable but not required. The applicant must work well with others as work will be in collaboration with federal, state, tribal, NGO, and university scientists to create management-relevant scientific analyses.
This is a one year position with specific research goals as outlined above. This position will provide an opportunity to conduct cutting edge science with direct management implications. Sufficient data sources are compiled for rapid productivity, with opportunity to expand this project to meet the applicant’s research interests. Continuation would be based on future needs and new funding sources.
We are only able to consider applications from US citizen or individuals authorized to work in the US at this time.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
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Works within a network of scientists to develop wildlife resource selection, wildlife movement, and development impact models in Arctic Alaska.
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Builds, maintains, and shares spatial databases with collaborators and partners.
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Interprets and presents study results in written and oral form to collaborators and external groups including scientists, land managers, elected officials, and other audiences.
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Works collaboratively with scientist in agencies, industry, university, and NGO’s; works interdependently with TWS Policy staff to understand conservation opportunities; works with TWS Communications staff to help communicate science to non-technical audiences.
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Performs other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Experience, Competencies, and Education
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PhD with strong quantitative and analytical skills and an emphasis in population and/or spatial/landscape ecology. This could include (but is not limited to) experience with techniques for analyzing resource selection and movement patterns, population viability, landcover change, and disturbance modeling.
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Demonstrated proficiency with simulation modeling and software used to describe population or landscape dynamics and statistical analyses, including R and ArcGIS.
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Demonstrated desire and proficiency to prepare reports and manuscripts for peer-review in a timely manner and to make presentations in front of public and professional audiences.
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Well-organized with strong attention to detail; ability to work independently and as part of a team.
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Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
Desired Characteristics
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Interest in public land management and climate change issues, and experience with or a desire to learn about Alaskan ecosystems.
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Ability to thrive in a team environment; strong leadership, collaboration, mentoring, and listening skills.
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Willingness to travel within Alaska, including remote areas.
The Wilderness Society offers a very competitive salary and benefits package, including: health, dental, vision, life and disability insurance; sick and vacation leave; and a pension plan. TWS is an equal opportunity employer and actively works to ensure fair and equal treatment of its employees and constituents regardless of culture, socioeconomic status, race, marital or family situation, gender, age, ethnicity, religious beliefs, physical ability, veteran status, or sexual orientation.
To Apply:
- Please submit a PDF file containing a cover letter explaining your qualifications for the position, a current CV, and the names and contact information for three professional references. Please note that you can only upload one file in this application system, therefore, please make sure that your cover letter, resume, and references are one document and attach it under the section "Attach a resume."
- Please also submit up to 3 recent, relevant publications as PDF or links to online open access. Please email files with the subject line “Wildlife Ecologist” to: Dr. Wendy Loya (wendy_loya@tws.org).
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