The Institute for Wildlife Studies (IWS) is seeking applicants for Project Leader of our Predator Research and Management Project on San Clemente Island, California. The successful applicant will lead a team of approximately 6 biologists managing and conducting research on non-native predators on San Clemente Island. This position focuses on lethal control of non-native predators; however non-lethal management of native predators is also conducted, and there may be opportunities for additional research on one or more of these species. We encourage the development of independent research projects within the scope of the program. Duties include, but are not limited to: 1) nighttime hunting of non-native predators, by vehicle and on foot; 2) safe use of firearms; 3) trapping and/or poisoning to control non-native predators; 4) video monitoring of listed birds’ nests; 5) data entry and statistical analyses; 6) mapping using GIS; 7) report and publication preparation; and 8) supervision of employees. These positions require frequent night work and have a variable schedule depending on seasonal requirements.
All work will be conducted on San Clemente Island, which is owned and operated by the U.S. Navy as a test and evaluation site, shore bombardment range, and warfare training ground. Safety is of utmost importance to the Navy and IWS. NOTE: Pets are not allowed on San Clemente Island.
Position Requirements: Candidates should have a M.Sc. in Wildlife Management or a related field, or a B.S., and commensurate experience clearly demonstrating proficiency in data analysis, technical writing, and field crew supervision. Candidates MUST have extensive experience hunting and/or safely using firearms. Please do not apply if you lack firearm experience. Candidates should be familiar with the safe operation of various hand and power tools. Experience operating ATV's and full-sized, 4-wheel drive trucks over rocky and muddy roads is preferred. Employment is conditional upon insurability with IWS, so a clean driving record is essential. In addition, IWS conducts a pre-employment background check for positions involving firearms handling. These positions require considerable hiking to conduct management activities, including hauling materials and equipment to remote sites. Applicants should be sure-footed, safe, and be able to hike in steep, rocky, cactus-covered terrain. The Project Leader will need to maintain a professional attitude at all times while working with IWS staff and members of other organizations who may have varying missions, opinions, and personalities.
Hours and Compensation: The work schedule up to10 days on San Clemente Island, and 4 days off-island. Compensation is $38,000/year ($3,167/month), and both room and board will be provided while working on the island. No off-island housing is provided. Flights on and off the island are provided at no cost, on a twin-engine aircraft.
Closing Date: Applications will be reviewed as they are received and the position will be filled as soon a qualified applicant is identified. Ideally, qualified applicants will be identified during September 2015, and the selected candidates should be eligible to begin work during October of 2015. However, for a well-qualified candidate the start date may be negotiable.
Application Procedures: Submit a current resume and a cover letter highlighting experience predator management, firearms, analyses, writing, supervisory, and other applicable experience. Provide the names, phone numbers, and email addresses of at least three (3) professional references. Phone inquiries are not accepted, so please email with any questions. Please submit documents via email with the subject heading of “PREM Project Leader” to Dr. Andrew Bridges at iwsjobs@iws.org.