Science Coordinator position

Subject: [Sdafs] Employment Opportunity - Science Coordinator, University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Title of Job: Science Coordinator (Research Scientist I)

Location: Dept. of Forestry, Wildlife, and Fisheries, University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Job Type: This is a full-time temporary position. The position is renewable annually for up to two years depending on employee performance and receipt of external funding (high probability).

Close Date: November 15, 2010 (or until filled)

Description:

The Cumberland HCP Science Advisory Committee (SAC) is working with multiple stakeholders to support development of two multi-species Habitat Conservation Plans (HCP) in the northern Cumberland Plateau region of Tennessee (see www.cumberlandhcp.org). One HCP is nearing submission to the USFWS for review and approval and covers forest management on state-owned Wildlife Management Areas. The other HCP will cover commercial and residential development and associated activities in three counties and associated municipalities and is in the early stages of development. The SAC is responsible for providing scientific support for both HCPs through research and scientific guidance. Major goals for the SAC are providing the biological goals and objectives, take calculations, adaptive management and monitoring strategies, and other support for the species proposed for inclusion in the HCPs. The SAC collaborates with multiple working groups including academic scientists; local-, state- and federal-agency personnel; and other technical experts to meet these goals. The SAC also coordinates draft approaches and results with outreach staff and decision-making bodies.

The Science Coordinator will provide four main services: 1) oversight and guidance to all scientific aspects of the HCPs, 2) modeling and statistical guidance to establish a scientifically based conservation program, 3) leadership for SAC staff, and 4) supervision and publication of research activities pertinent to the development of both HCPs.

Qualifications: The Science Coordinator will ideally have a Ph.D. in Ecology, Wildlife Sciences, Conservation Biology or related field and extensive experience in designing and implementing large-scale conservation programs. The ideal candidate will have experience in strategic planning, decision analysis, fish/wildlife population or habitat modeling, quantitative conservation ecology, population ecology, and a scientific publication record. The ideal candidate will additionally have familiarity with southern Appalachian ecosystems, drafting/review of HCPs, stakeholder-relationship building, providing statistical guidance to establish a scientifically based conservation program, as well as planning and facilitating meetings. This is a significant opportunity for an early- to mid-career scientist to develop applied conservation science skills that can be critically important in future endeavors.

Salary and Benefits: Annual salary is $60,000.00 from start date through June 30, 2011 and is renewable for two additional years based on performance and receipt of external funding (high degree of certainty). A generous benefits package includes the accumulation of two vacation days per month and one sick leave day per month, and thirteen University holidays annually. Other benefits include medical and life insurance (shared cost with the university), retirement, optional 401k, and educational benefits as well as ample supplies/travel funds.

Application Procedure: The application screening date is November 15, 2010, with a targeted start date of December 1, 2010. However, the position will remain open until filled, and applicants should contact the search committee chair (Dr. David Ostermeier) to check availability beyond these dates. Qualified applicants should submit a letter of application, curriculum vitae, copies of all college transcripts (official transcripts required upon hire), and three letters of reference to:

Dr. David Ostermeier, Professor of Forestry, Department of Forestry, Wildlife and Fisheries, 308 Ellington Plant Sciences Bldg., University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996-4563.

Please direct any initial inquiries or other questions to Dr. Ostermeier at daveo@utk.edu or (865) 974-8843. (From 11/24/10-12/8/10 contact Jennifer Gihring, jgihring@utk.edu)