The Zoological Society of London (ZSL) is looking for a full time scientist for their great ape and forest elephant program in Gabon.  The ZSL has been working in Gabon since 2001 and has recently started a landscape wide great ape and forest elephant conservation programme in the Djoua-Zadie-Mwagna (DZM) area in the north east of the country.  Therefore, a priority over the next 12 months is to gain an up-to-date knowledge on the status and distribution of populations, and characterize the threats facing them.  This work will be important for development of a long term strategy for conservation.

The position will be based in Makokou (NE Gabon), but extensive periods will be spent in the field.

You will be responsible for designing and implementing field surveys, and coordination of research projects, staff management, data analysis and communication.

Qualifications:  A postgraduate degree in conservation science, ecology or a related discipline.  Strong research and analytical background is preferred, as is experience in field-based population surveys.  You should have an understanding of tropical forest conservation issues, excellent communication skills and speak both french and english.

Salary:  Starts at £20,576-£24,037, plus benefits and travel expenses.  Position is to start as soon as possible.

How to Apply:  Send your CV and cover letter detailing relevant experience and skills to ZSL’s HR department (hr@zsl.org) by January 22, 2012.  For more information please see the ZSL website.

Image via gobroadreach.com

This week’s cool biology job is actually a whole suite of seasonal teaching positions for the Broadreach Adventure Programs.  They are looking for instructors for college level courses in tropical marine biology, temperate marine mammal studies, primatology, shark ecology, nature photography and many more.  Courses are between 1 and 5 weeks, and they take place at various locations around the globe including Fiji, the Caribbean, South Africa and British Columbia.

Courses focus on hands-on study of various topics, and they combine classroom learning, practical application of skills, labs and field survey techniques, along with cultural activities, service learning and adventure activities.  In addition to instructional duties you will be expected to live with the students and facilitate positive group dynamics, personal growth and development of leadership.

Image via www.gobroadreach.com

Qualifications:

A Master’s or PhD in a related field of study, experience teaching natural science at the high school or college level, international travel and trip leading experience is preferred, as is experience with the specific activities related to each particular program (eg hiking, sea kayaking, snorkelling).

To Apply, or for more information contact:

Sara:  staffinquiry@gobroadreach.com

You apply directly on their website: www.broadreachstaff.com

photo via namibian.org

Don’t worry, interns only get fed to the sharks in rare instances. The Dyer Island Conservation Trust is now accepting applications shark predation intern positions in 2012.   This South African organization was founded in 2006, and aims to “deliver unique conservation and research programmes in the fragile and critically important marine ecosystems at the southern-most tip of Africa”.  Interns will assist the resident team of marine biologists on a variety of research topics including white shark tracking and predatory tactics, cape fur seal behavior and southern right whale monitoring.

Requirements: Interns should be entering their 2nd year of study (minimum) in a related fisheries, ecology, zoology, biology, oceanography field at an accredited university.  Previous field experience a plus. Interns are required for a minimum of one month stay, and will be expected to contribute to accomodation costs.  Applicants must be in excellent physical health and be accustomed to working at sea.

How to apply: Visit www.dict.org.za  to obtain the application materials or email Tracey Fourie if you require further information or assistance.

Tracey Fourie
tracey@sharkwatchsa.com
www.dict.org.za

Photo by Jack Borno

This week’s cool biology job takes us to one of the most fantastically beautiful locations on the planet – the coastline of British Columbia.  My good friend Brian Starzomski (see my interview with Brian here) at the University of Victoria is looking for a PhD student.  Since I’ve got the inside scoop here I can tell you that this would be an amazing opportunity for someone with the right credentials, and you couldn’t ask for a more wonderful supervisor than Brian.  I would very nearly consider re-doing my PhD in order to snag this opportunity, it is that awesome.

The School of Environmental Studies at the University of Victoria (British Columbia, Canada) has an opening for a PhD student to join a collaborative team studying the interior and high-elevation biodiversity of sites in the Great Bear Rainforest and the Coast Range of British Columbia. The successful PhD student will be supervised by Brian Starzomski, in the School of Environmental Studies, University of Victoria.

Photo by Jack Borno

Responsibilities: This PhD position is part of a large collaborative project that seeks to understand the importance of, and processes structuring, interior and high-elevation biodiversity within the Great Bear Rainforest, BC, as well as in the Coast Range. The large trees and near shore regions on the BC Coast are well known and studied, but in fact much of the interior in this region is characterized by stunted vegetation in bogs and on mountaintops. Little is known about it. Further, climate change predictions for BC show significant impacts on biodiversity in these environments. The PhD student will be responsible for studying the drivers of diversity in, for example, plant, pollinator, or soil communities. Field sites for comparison studies include those surrounding the Hakai Beach Institute on Calvert Island, BC, and high-elevation sites in the Coast Range north of Whistler, BC. Photos of the 2011 field season can be found here: http://web.uvic.ca/~starzom/research.html

Photo by Jack Borno

For more information email starzom@uvic.ca. Applications (including a CV, transcripts, the names of 3 references, and a letter of interest) can be sent to the same address. Review of applications will start December 1, 2011 until a suitable candidate is found. Note that the deadline for graduate applications to the School of Environmental Studies is January 15, 2012. All candidates should read the details at this link: http://web.uvic.ca/~starzom/prosp.html.

~

For more info, contact:

Brian Starzomski, Ph.D.
Ian McTaggart-Cowan Professor
of Biodiversity Conservation & Ecological Restoration
School of Environmental Studies
University of Victoria
Social Sciences & Math Building B225
3800 Finnerty Road (Ring Road)
Victoria, BC V8P 5C2

Tired of the hustle and bustle of urban life?  Why not apply for this extremely unique position in Nunavut.  Igloos and Ice and Wilderness oh my!

The Nunavut Wildlife Management Board (NWMB or Board) is an institution of public government established under the Nunavut Land claims Agreement. The NWMB is the main instrument of wildlife management and the main regulator of access to wildlife in the Nunavut Settlement Area. This massive wilderness in the Eastern Arctic spans more than 1.9 million square kilometres (approximately 20% of Canada’s land mass), has an ocean coastline of 104,000 kilometres (43% of Canada’s coastline), and includes the marine areas of the Arctic Archipelago and the 12-mile territorial sea adjacent to Nunavut.

The Board is currently seeking a dynamic individual to fill the position of Director of Wildlife Management. The successful applicant will become a key member of a cross-cultural team dedicated to the maintenance of vital, healthy wildlife populations and habitats in Canada’s Eastern Arctic.

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, this is a supervisory position based in Iqaluit. Duties of the Director of Wildlife include:

• Developing proposed policies and providing advice to the NWMB with respect to wildlife (including fisheries) management, resource allocation, habitat management and wildlife research in Nunavut

• Helping to develop and maintain necessary limitation on wildlife harvesting in accordance with the terms of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement

• Administering NWMB research funding programs, including identifying priorities, evaluating research proposals, recommending funding conditions, and tracking projects

• Providing strategic leadership to the Wildlife Section and supervising technical staff

Qualifications: A graduate degree in biological sciences or renewable resource management with experience in research or wildlife management is required. A minimum of a Bachelor of Science degree with extensive experience in biological research and resource management may be considered. Experience in northern Canada and in cross-cultural situations would be a distinct asset. Fluency in English is mandatory, fluency in Inuktitut or French would be an asset.

Salary and Benefits: The NWMB is committed to providing competitive salary levels to its employees. The pay level for this position is negotiable, to be commensurate with qualifications and experience. The board offers a full package of benefits, including allowances for accommodation, settlement and holiday travel.

Closing Date: December 2nd, 2011

For a copy of the job description and schedule of benefits, or to submit résumés, please contact:

Jim Noble, Chief Operating Officer
Nunavut Wildlife Management Board
Box 1379 Iqaluit, Nunavut X0A 0H0
Phone:             (867) 975-7300
Fax: (867) 975-7320
Email: jnoble@nwmb.com

It’s no secret that the ecological footprint of the aviation industry is massive.  However, I was ever so slightly encouraged to find the following job announcement from British Airways which seems to indicate an interest in conservation and sustainability.  In their own words:

“The words ‘To Fly. To Serve.’ have been painted on the tailfins of our aircrafts since we first took to the skies. Although they’re rarely noticed, they always at the heart of everything we do. Part of delivering on this promise means ensuring our business operates sustainably. That’s why we’re looking for an experienced Environmental Analyst to oversee our carbon footprint and manage our climate change policies.”

From Greenhouse Gas Protocols and Carbon Reduction Commitments to Carbon Disclosure Projects, the successful applicant will advise all departments on environment policy. You will be expected to work independently to challenge current practices and make recommendations for improvements; and to shape BA’s position on sustainable biofuels while implementing a comprehensive carbon information system.

Taking on this high profile position means you’ll make a name for yourself across this global business. On top of large scale projects, day to day you’ll analyse options for carbon neutral growth, implications for market distortion and help the BA team stay abreast in this constantly evolving area.

Qualifications:

A degree (or equivalent experience) in a science-based or environmental subject is required, as well as excellent communication skills and an ability to understand complex issues and present clear-sighted solutions.  Candidates must have an awareness of environmental issues affecting aviation, and work experience in a similarly-sized organization.  Strong statistical skills will be an asset.

Closing Date: 18^th November 2011.

For more information on the position and the application details please click HERE.

Laëtitia Maréchal at the University of Roehampton is looking for 3 research assistants to join a PhD project investigating tourism related to wild Barbary macaques in the Middle Atlas Mountains, Morocco. Data collection will be conducted from January 2012 to January 2013.

The project is an interdisciplinary study investigating the human/primate interface in a tourist environment, and will offer experience in a large range of data collection methodologies from both biological and social anthropology: behavioural, ecological, endocrinological and ethnographic data collection. The project is part of The Barbary Macaque Project, a longitudinal study into socio-ecology directed by Dr. Bonaventura Majolo of the University of Lincoln, UK and Professor Mohamed Qarro of Ecole Nationale Forestière d’Ingénieurs, Rabat, Morocco.

The living conditions at the field site are very comfortable; however, the work is physically and psychologically very demanding. The field site is between 1,400 and 1,900m above sea level and weather conditions can vary dramatically across the year, with temperature ranging between 35ºC in the summer to -10ºC and snow in the winter months. Interested individuals should be physically fit, have previous experience with field work and be prepared to work long hours in challenging conditions.

Working on this project would provide a great opportunity to gain experience in a broad range of data collection methodologies, and also to discover Moroccan culture. The Barbary Macaque Project has a fast growing reputation and a number of previous assistants have progressed into funded post-graduate positions after completing their fieldwork.

Required Qualifications:

• Previous field experience. Priority will be given to applicants who have experience of behavioural data collection on wild and/or free-ranging primates. A strong interest in primatological and social anthropology research is a must.
• The ability to speak English is essential, and a second language would be a bonus (French, Moroccan Arabic, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese or German).
• You need to be highly reliable, patient, and enthusiastic, have a positive attitude and be committed to scientific research.
• You must be mentally and physically fit, and be prepared to work long days in the field in a challenging environment.
• You must be sociable, prepared to adapt to living in a foreign culture and tolerant about tourists’ behaviour.
• Applicants should be comfortable with living away from friends and family for a prolonged period.
• Driving license is desirable.

Salary/funding:

This is a volunteer position, no funding or salary is available.  Accomodation is provided and a contribution towards flight expenses will be paid to the successful applicants who commit to a minimum of 8 months.  The ideal candidate will stay from January 2012 to January 2013.

To Apply:
Please email a cover letter explaining previous experience, interest and suitability to the position along with a CV (including details of 2 referees) and details of your availability. Please do not hesitate to contact Dr. Maréchal if you have any further questions.

For more info, contact:

Laëtitia Maréchal
University of Roehampton
Holybourne Avenue,
London SW15 4JD, UK
marechal11@roehampton.ac.uk

The Camden Children’s Garden in New Jersey is looking for a full-time educator for its school-based programs.  The successful applicant for this position will assist the garden with carrying out their educational mission related to both on and off site classes, distance learning lessons via video conferencing, family festivals and scouting activities.  Major responsibilities will involve conducting distance learning lessons broadcast from the gardens to school children in various locations.  You will also be responsible for scheduling and billing all educational activities conducted at the Camden Children’s Garden.

Qualifications: A bachelor’s degree in science education, horticulture, biology, environmental education or a related field, and 1-2 years work experience.

The position is for 28-32 hours per week.

Interested? Send a cover letter, resume, sample lesson plan and a list of 3 references to:  info@camdenchildrensgarden.org

Need more info?  Please contact:

Valerie R. Frick
Camden Children’s Garden
3 Riverside Drive
Camden, NJ 08103

I’ve noticed several postings lately for tenure-track ecology positions (and a few others) at several major universities.  So many in fact, that I have compiled a list with links so that all you potential ecology wizards can have a heyday and get your resumes sent out en masse!  Some of the positions are more specialized than others, so take note…and good luck.

Faculty Position in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto

Lecturer in Community Ecology, Queen’s University, Belfast (Ireland)

Assistant Professor of Ecology, University of California, Merced

Assistant Professor of Plant Chemical Ecology, University of Alberta

PhD Position in Marine Ecology, Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre, Frankfurt (Germany)

Assistant Professor of Microbial Ecology, University of Utah

Faculty Position in Marine Ecology, Duke University (Durham, NC)

Postdoc in Microbial Ecology, Arizona State University

Tier II Canada Research Chair in Ecology, University of Alberta

Assistant Professor in Microbial Ecology, Boston University

Assistant Professor in Global Change Ecology, University of Illinois Urbana

Tetra Tech EC, Inc. is a U.S. based leading environmental science, consulting, engineering, remediation, restoration, and construction firm. They are currently seeking a bat ecologist to support projects across the country but primarily in the Eastern U.S.  The position was listed in Boston, MA.

Description: You will be required to provide strategic task management, senior biological review and technical consulting, scientific leadership and support to various projects involving bat species and habitats that emphasize land use or natural resources development-related environmental impact analysis, management planning, and regulatory compliance. Effects on bat species and habitats resulting from renewable energy (i.e., wind and solar) and linear infrastructure (i.e., transmission and pipe lines) developments are of specific interest.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: project development (i.e., work scopes, proposals and costs) and technical management (i.e., information synthesis and interpretation, assurance of quality of work processes and products), field investigations and ecological assessment (including study design and implementation, data collection and statistical analysis, interpretation, conclusions and recommendations), wildlife-related environmental impacts analysis and regulatory compliance/permitting, and client and agency contacts. Studies and analyses supporting projects involving Indiana bats, baseline acoustical monitoring, and Habitat Conservation Plans are prominent.

Required Qualifications: Master’s or Ph.D. degree in applicable field (bat biology/ecology, biological science, natural resources or wildlife management, or a closely related discipline) with strong technical skills in field ecology methods; 7-10 years of professional experience in wildlife ecology and management (specialty in Northeastern or New England-specific species and habitats), with a minimum of 4 years of technical experience in the evaluation of land use or resource development effects on wildlife species and habitats, especially bats.

Desired Experiences: Experience in team leadership and staff mentoring, project management, and client/business development is highly desirable. Extensive experience in biological science (including T/E species and species-habitat relationships) and ecological assessment; species-habitat conservation planning and natural/biological resources management; bat surveys, including hibernacula surveys, acoustic surveys, and mist netting; and an ability to review, synthesize, and interpret natural/biological resources information. A working knowledge of federal and state environmental legislations for regulatory compliance/permitting is preferred, as is experience with ESA. A background in environmental consulting industry (or combination of agency/consulting or academic/consulting) is preferred. A strong record of publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentation of research results at scientific meetings is favored.

To Apply: Qualified candidates should e-mail a letter of interest (including specific salary requirement) and resume to Tetra Tech EC, Inc. at eastern.region1@tetratech.com. Resumes will be accepted until the position is filled. Resumes will be reviewed as received and interviews will be scheduled accordingly. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. Pre-employment drug screen required.