American Samoa is part of the Samoan archipelago in the South Pacific Ocean and is an overseas territory of the United States, located east of independent Samoa between Fiji and French Polynesia. It comprises five volcanic islands (Tutuila, Aunu’u, Ofu, Olosega, and Ta’u) and two coral atolls (Swains Atoll and Rose Atoll, which is a National Wildlife Refuge). The islands collectively cover a land area of ~200 square kilometers and include some of the best remaining rain forest in the tropical Pacific, some of which is managed as part of the National Park of American Samoa. Samoan and English are the principle languages spoken.
The American Samoa Government’s Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources (DMWR), carries out numerous short- and long-term wildlife research, monitoring, and management programs on birds (including tropical forest birds, seabirds, and other birds), fruit bats, sea turtles, invertebrates, invasive species, and wildlife habitat. DMWR includes an international team based in Tutuila that conducts research throughout American Samoa and, when appropriate, elsewhere in Polynesia.
DMWR is seeking a Wildlife Biologist III to work with the Chief Wildlife Biologist to implement the following avian ecology projects: Tropical Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship (TMAPS) program, Pacific Black Duck study, seabird population monitoring, and Spotless Crake investigation. S/he may also assist in other Wildlife Division projects, as needed. This position is a full-time 2-year renewable contractual position. Salary is US$30-$32,000. Other benefits include transportation and reimbursement for shipping personal effects to American Samoa, subsidized housing and health care in American Samoa, numerous prospects for professional training and exchange, the opportunity to design, carry out, and publish original ecological and conservation research, and access to some of the most beautiful places on the planet. Position will be filled as soon as a suitable applicant is found.
Responsibilities:
> design, conduct, analyze, report, and publish avian and other wildlife research projects
> collaborate with and/or provide scientific and technical guidance to other Wildlife Division biologists in the development, implementation, and reporting of their respective projects
> assist in preparation and submission of grant proposals and reports
> conduct or supervise ecological impact assessments and/or wildlife emergency response and rehabilitation as needed
> represent the DMWR in professional meetings, workshops, and working groups within and outside of the Territory
Qualifications:
> graduate degree (MS/MSc or PhD) in Biology, Zoology, Ecology or Wildlife Biology, or a related field; 3 years of supervisory research experience will substitute for a master’s degree.
> avian project management experience, preferably in tropical ecosystems; field experience mist netting, handling, and banding birds, telemetry experience and experience with waterfowl and/or seabirds are all desirable.
> demonstrated skills in statistical analysis and presentation of data, including publications in peer-reviewed journals and technical reports.
> excellent physical fitness as well as willingness and ability to accept off island work assignments in rugged conditions (involving backpacking, camping) for weeks at a time; ability to operate manual transmission vehicles is a plus.
> proficiency in English is required; knowledge of Samoan and/or other regional languages is desirable.
> experience working/living internationally, a sense of adventure, a strong work ethic (both independently and as a team player), a positive attitude, the ability to be flexible as conditions require, and a good sense of humor are all valuable assets.
Applications:
Please send a cover letter, CV and list of three references in a single document (preferably a pdf or Word document) by Friday, March 30th, to wildlife.amsam@gmail.com
For more info, contact:
Please email any questions or requests for further information to: wildlife.amsam@gmail.com