*Job Description* Position: International Landscape Ecologist
Location: Bird Conservancy of the Rockies, Fort Collins, Colorado Start date: November, 2015. Duration: 1 year with extension possible, pending funding. To Apply: Send a brief cover letter highlighting your interest and relevant experience, along with your CV and names and contact info for 3 references, *all in a single PDF document*, to arvind.panj...@birdconservancy.org *by Nov. 1, 2015.* *Overview:* Assist the Bird Conservancy’s International Program (IP) through leadership in landscape ecology and conservation design to maximize the scientific, conservation and outreach value of past, current and future works. This job requires advanced GIS and analytical skills, strong knowledge in landscape ecology, spatial analyses/modeling, sampling design, and modern analytical techniques, as well as excellent written and oral communication abilities, leadership and self-organizational skills, and the ability to work independently and as part of a team. The International Landscape Ecologist will use bird, vegetation and other geo-referenced data to develop a landscape conservation design in collaboration with the bi-national Desert Landscape Conservation Cooperative (DLCC), identify ecological and landscape patterns in bird populations and habitats, evaluate conservation areas, and produce reports, manuscripts and other products through spatial and statistical analyses. The International Landscape Ecologist will work closely with the DLCC partnership in the U.S. and Mexico to advance common goals and projects. Bird Conservancy of the Rockies (formerly Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory) is a growing non-profit organization with approximately 50 full time staff dedicated to the conservation of birds and their habitats through science, education and land stewardship. We offer a friendly and enthusiastic work environment, a diverse and growing project base focused on key conservation needs and research questions, and opportunities for professional growth, leadership, and advancement. The Bird Conservancy of the Rockies offers a competitive salary and full benefits package. This is an exempt position based in Fort Collins, CO, or potentially another approved location, and will report directly to the International Program Director. *Essential job functions:* - Work with the International Program (IP), its partners, Joint Ventures and Landscape Conservation Cooperatives to further the mission and strategic priorities of Bird Conservancy of the Rockies. - Work in collaboration with Desert LCC coordinators to develop and lead a partnership-directed effort to create a landscape conservation design for pilot area(s) identified through the Desert Landscape Conservation Cooperative, including gathering and synthesis of various spatial data and stakeholder input. - Conduct spatial analyses relating to landscape conservation design, remote sensing, species abundance, habitat use, survival and movements, potential conservation areas, vegetation cover classes, gradients and change, as well as other applications. - Provide GIS, study design and analytical support to other IP projects, including demographic and population monitoring, spatial ecology, and habitat restoration, among others. - Organize, maintain and manipulate large spatial datasets in relational databases. - Produce maps, figures and tables for IP reports, presentations and publications as needed. - Author and co-author publications and reports for the peer-reviewed literature and other audiences. - Present results of IP research at scientific meetings and other fora. - Supervise and direct support staff as needed to assist with project activities and deliverables. - Secure continued funding for landscape analysis and conservation design projects through grant writing and other means; assist with other IP grant writing and fundraising as needed. - Provide training, guidance and assistance to other Bird Conservancy staff in GIS. - Track expenses, maintain receipts, and follow all Bird Conservancy of the Rockies policies. *Desired knowledge, abilities, and skills:* - A firm grasp of the theories, principals, and current state-of-the-art of landscape ecology. - Demonstrated competency in use of ArcMap 10.x (or higher), including extension tools, for a broad range of GIS applications. - Excellent written and oral communication skills. - Working knowledge of statistical and spatial modeling techniques, generalized linear and mixed models, known-fate models, mark-recapture analyses, Distance sampling, occupancy modeling, etc. - Proficiency in, or the ability to learn quickly, statistical software packages such as R and MARK, as well as other software such as Access, Excel, PowerPoint, and Word. - Ability to speak and understand both Spanish and English. - Ability to travel several times per year both domestically and abroad. - A positive attitude; ability to work independently and cooperatively with others. - Knowledge of North American birds, their ecology and conservation. - A commitment to biological conservation and the mission of Bird Conservancy of the Rockies. *Education and Experience* The successful applicant must have any combination of education and experience equivalent to a Ph. D. degree in the Natural Sciences. S/he should also have a record of peer-reviewed and other publications that demonstrates a clear understanding of ecological theory and statistics, and a command of contemporary analytical techniques. At least 5 years of experience in landscape ecology, conservation biology, ornithology, and/or other similar fields is desired.
