Seabird Conservation Scientist

Seabird Conservation Scientist

Ascension Island Government, Ascension Island, South Atlantic Salary

Salary: £12,000 per annum + excellent benefits

Term of Engagement: Two year contract

The Ascension Island Government Conservation Department is currently seeking applications for the position of Seabird Conservation Scientist from motivated individuals with demonstrably strong fieldwork and data collection and analysis skills.

The main duties of the post are:

• To review and analyse the existing 10 year seabird monitoring dataset.

• To take forward existing seabird monitoring programmes, including population size estimation, distribution mapping and nest productivity assessments for priority species, as well as monitoring the impacts and abundance of introduced predators such as rats. The post holder will be responsible for reviewing existing monitoring frameworks and methodologies and revising these where appropriate.

• To contribute to on-going seabird research and assist with the development of new collaborative research projects and funding proposals. Framing future research within planned expansions in fisheries and marine programmes will be a priority, including the use of tracking devices to study at-sea habitat use and fisheries conflicts, dietary analysis, and exploring the use of seabirds as indicator species for monitoring the state of Ascension’s marine ecosystems.

• Work collaboratively with existing stakeholders to publish results of monitoring and research programmes in the peer-reviewed literature.

• To implement practical seabird conservation measures such as the control of introduced rodents and invasive weeds around nesting colonies, and managing the domestic cat register.

• To work with the Darwin Research Fellow and Conservation Team Leader to develop Species Action Plans for priority seabird species as part of a current Darwin Initiative-funded project to develop the first National Biodiversity Action Plan for Ascension Island.

• To help develop a strategy that will guide the next phase of seabird monitoring work on Ascension Island. • To work with tourism development officers to build local and international interest in seabirds and seabird research on Ascension Island through web, social media and events. It is anticipated that the Seabird Conservation Scientist will spend approximately 50% of their time doing office-based analyses, reporting and strategic planning, and 50% of their time in the field carrying out practical seabird monitoring, conservation and research.

The successful candidate should have:

• Strong BSc and MSc/MRes qualifications in relevant fields. A PhD is highly desirable.

• Prior experience (ideally 3+ years) of working with seabirds. Knowledge of field survey techniques and proficiency with handling and ringing seabirds (BTO C Permit or equivalent required) are essential. Experience of attaching tracking devices, and with any of the other priority areas for research and monitoring outlined above, is highly desirable.

• Strong data analysis skills, including competency with Microsoft Access databases and a statistical program (e.g. R). The candidate should have experience of trend and time series analyses with long term datasets.

• Proficiency with GIS and GPS and with the interpretation and use of map and earth imagery data products.

• A track record of publishing in the peer-reviewed literature.

• Experience of managing and mentoring fieldworkers.

• A high level of fitness and the ability to walk over difficult terrain (e.g. lava flows). This requirement should not be underestimated – a visit to some of the bird colonies is a 4/5 hour round trip on unmarked paths over volcanic rock in high temperatures.

• A full driving license (essential). 4x4 and off-road driving experience is highly desirable.

• Experience of living and working on conservation issues in small and remote communities and/or on small islands would be an advantage.

• The successful candidate will be self-motivated, happy working both independently and in a team setting, and willing to sometimes work extended hours and on projects outside of core duties if required. A 2 year minimum commitment to the post is expected.

Informal enquiries should be directed to Dr Nicola Weber: Telephone: +247 6359 or email: nicola.weber@ascension.gov.ac If you would like to apply for this post then please contact the Human Resources Adviser, Alan Nicholls for an application pack, via email: alan.nicholls@ascension.gov.ac

The deadline for applications is: Friday 26th July 2013 at 5pm. We anticipate that interviews will be carried out in early August 2013 at RSPB Headquarters in Sandy, Bedfordshire with a video link to Ascension Island. Whilst there is some flexibility in start date, we would ideally like to see the suitable candidate in position in September 2013. For an enhanced version of this advert, please see www.ascension-island.gov.ac