Title: Conservation and Research Associate
Location: Southwest Montana
Job Type: Global Conservation
FLSA: Exempt
Date: 05-21-2013
Job Description:
Position Title: Conservation and Research Associate
Job type: Full-time position, 2 years with potential to extend
Location: U.S. Northern Rockies, based in southwestern, MT.
Reports to: Yellowstone Rockies coordinator
Works closely with the team of WCS staff in the region as well as external collaborators
Closing date: 18 June 2013
Anticipated start date: 1 August 2013
Salary: Commensurate with experience. Health and retirement benefits.
Job Description:
Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) seeks a dynamic, early-career scientist to join a team of wildlife conservation scientists and practitioners pursuing the objectives of a long-term US North Rockies conservation program. The program has broad North Rockies interests and expertise, but this position is focusing geographically on mainly on southwestern Montana but also parts of southeast/central Idaho, often referred to as the High Divide. The position is primarily oriented to developing, synthesizing, and communicating information on, finding solutions to, or ways of managing, connectivity conservation across public and private lands in the region.
This Conservation and Research Associate will help implement this program, with an emphasis on integrating knowledge, information and perspectives into the existing 'High Divide' conservation contexts and developing/maintaining a science stakeholder group with a shared vision. The Conservation and Research Associate will have the following specific duties and responsibilities:
'Apply diversified knowledge of scientific principles and
practices, and public policy processes, in a coordinated program
of conservation and research activities;
'Develop and maintain strong and effective working relationships
with government and community organizations that directly
influence and control wildlife conservation and land management
policies. These include science working groups, community-based
groups, NGOs groups and government agencies.
'Work as a team to fundraise and write proposals with the
expectation to take on a greater role in fundraising as the
position/person develops
'Pursue a research program on focal species, or focal ecological
processes, or focal stressors (e.g., climate change,
transportation, connectivity, and/or resource development) that
are particularly relevant in the context of current conservation
threats and opportunities.
'Work collaboratively within other WCS staff in the region and
engage with other WCS programs (e.g., the Species and Global
Initiatives programs), as necessary and pertinent, to further
conservation outcomes.
'Work collaboratively with other WCS scientists to collect field
data, analyze, and publish papers focusing on conservation of key
species, habitat connectivity, and other conservation issues in
the region.
'Maximize the distribution and communication of science and policy
analyses and outcomes to partners so that information from WCS's
program and expertise immediately informs policy and planning
decisions.
'Participate where appropriate in decision-making or policy
initiatives regarding wildlife conservation and management issues
relevant to WCS's long'term goals for the region.
'Promote the conservation of wildlife and wild lands in the
region within the conservation community, donors, agencies and
other non-governmental organizations through meetings, speaking
engagements, media interviews, writing, and general
communications.
'Represent WCS as a lead organization dealing with science and
natural resource management policy in the conservation community.
'Create and manage an annual work plan and budget, including
coordination with supervisor and WCS on fundraising.
'Coordinate with supervisor, and with WCS regional staff and NAP
management, in the development of communications materials
regarding the program.
Experience:
Qualifications:
'Ph.D. with a background in conservation biology including
wildlife ecology, and/or natural resources management;
'Demonstrated strong working knowledge of, and experience with
connectivity and carnivore issues preferred;
'A clear understanding of rural community needs and interests in
the US Northern Rockies as related to conservation;
'Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to work
effectively across diverse cultures and interdisciplinary work
environment;
'Strong quantitative and modeling skills, and knowledge of
conservation planning;
'Sufficient knowledge and work experience in effective
collaboration with other scientists and conservation
practitioners;
'Excellent communication skills, including the ability to write,
articulate, and synthesize information for diverse audiences;
'Record of peer-reviewed publications relating to species,
ecosystems, conservation policy or related topics.
'Self-motivated, and comfortable with and capable of working with
dispersed staff.
'Self-reliant and capable of working safely in remote environments.
In addition to completing our online application, please send CV and cover letter to Amanda Hardy at ahardy@wcs.org
EEO/M/F/D/V
