Ecologist (Conservation)

~ The Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI) plays a leading role in the Smithsonian’s global efforts to save wildlife species from extinction and train future generations of conservationists. ~

SCBI spearheads research programs at its headquarters in Front Royal, Virginia, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo in Washington, D.C., and at field research stations and training sites worldwide. SCBI scientists tackle some of today’s most complex conservation challenges by applying and sharing what they learn about animal behavior and reproduction, ecology, genetics, migration and conservation sustainability.

Position Overview

This position is located at the Conservation Ecology Center (CEC) of the National Zoo’s Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI) with the primary duty station located in Front Royal, Virginia. The incumbent is responsible for developing, planning, executing a highly competitive and independent international research program. The program will focus on theoretical and applied science for landscape-level conservation and ecology of large and threatened terrestrial mammal species, with an additional focus on reintroduction/restoration of these species to their native range.

The incumbent will have a broad range of skills allowing her/him to lead and integrate diverse program components, such as animal capture/collaring field missions, movement and habitat modeling, and public outreach; extensive experience in the application of new technologies to conservation and species restoration, including new analytical and quantitative approaches, geospatial analysis (e.g. GIS, remote sensing, UAV monitoring), agent-based modeling of animal movements, as well as web-based mapping and visualization of spatial data; experienced in developing, planning, and conducting extensive field missions to capture, collar, and track large and threatened mammals in remote field locations, and to collect critical data for addressing theoretical and applied research questions.

This is a research position requiring the incumbent to secure funding for research and conservation project, execute and manage the research project, conduct data analysis, publish scientific articles on the findings from this work, collaborate broadly with scientific colleagues and partners on research, and be an active and successful member of a global conservation science community and participation in academic meetings and symposia.

The incumbent will be responsible for developing academic and professional training opportunities in his/her area of expertise to contribute to the training of future generations of conservation ecologists; experience conducting research and conservation in developing countries including fostering government relations, coordinating national and international teams of researchers and support staff, and interacting with multiple stakeholders and local communities. Previous experience working in international partnerships in Africa, preferably in SCBI focal countries such as Kenya, Chad, and Niger will be an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Designs, develops, and executes a comprehensive international research program with multiple scientific research projects focusing on landscape-level conservation, ecology, and restoration of large and threatened mammal species.
• Utilizes new tools and technology for advancing conservation and restoration of large and threatened mammal species.
• Independently performs all phases of the complete research process, including problem definition, planning, execution, data analysis, and interpretation of findings.
• Ensures an annual budget proposal and expenditure plan is developed and monitors spending of both federal allocation and assigned trust funds (grants/contracts, gifts).

To Apply

Please click "Apply on Company Website" below for a complete description and application instructions. Application deadline is September 20, 2017.