Postdoctoral Fellowship – Cross-boundary Habitat Conservation for Threatened Species - Colorado State University
Colorado State University’s Warner College of Natural Resources invites applications for a post-doctoral position. We seek an outstanding early career scientist to conduct social and ecological research to identify the factors that lead to successful cross-boundary mitigation of habitat for threatened and endangered species in a rapidly changing environment. The project will focus on areas in the United States near military installations where management of threatened and endangered species may conflict with ongoing military training and operations. We will examine the degree to which mitigation projects provide economically viable opportunities for private landowners or other stakeholders to participate in conservation, lead to net increases in habitat quality for threatened and endangered species, and facilitate ongoing military training and operations. This project is funded by the Department of Defense’s Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program (SERDP). Responsibilities: The fellow will draw on existing data and expert opinion to conduct a multidisciplinary characterization of current mitigation projects, including measures of success, and identify the ways that current efforts explicitly account for ongoing environmental change. The successful candidate will lead this research project in close collaboration with a diverse faculty team (Liba Pejchar, Drew Bennett [University of Wyoming], Erica Fleishman, Julie Heinrichs, and Joel Berger), and will help supervise graduate and undergraduate students. The postdoctoral fellow will be expected to communicate project findings through peer-reviewed scientific publications, reports, and presentations at professional meetings. Required Qualifications: Applicants must have completed a Ph.D. in conservation science, ecology, natural resources, geography, political science, economics, or a related discipline and have expertise in private lands, conservation finance, market-based conservation, environmental mitigation, and/or endangered species. Applicants also must demonstrate evidence of excellent written and oral communication skills. Desired Qualifications: Ideal candidates will have at least one year of experience as a postdoctoral fellow or as a research scientist with a university or a public or private conservation organization. Experience examining legal, institutional, or economic dimensions of market-based conservation efforts (such as payment for ecosystem services programs, wetland mitigation banking, and carbon offsets) is especially desirable. We seek candidates with demonstrated ability to interact successfully with an interdisciplinary team and with diverse conservation partners such as federal agencies, private landowners, and nongovernmental organizations. Experience with designing and implementing surveys, and with quantitative and qualitative analysis of such survey data, is highly desirable. Applicants also should have a strong record of independent research leading to publications in peer-reviewed professional journals. Position Details: The initial appointment will be one year, with the possibility of extension. The target start date is 1 May 2018, but this date is flexible. Compensation will include an annual salary of $61,500, benefits, and funds for travel and research expenses. Extension of the appointment will be contingent on funding and mutual agreement between the faculty team and the postdoctoral fellow. This position will be based within the Warner College of Natural Resources (WCNR) at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado. WCNR is one of the largest and most comprehensive natural resources colleges in the nation, with world-class research and teaching in fish, wildlife, and conservation biology; human dimensions of natural resources; forest and rangeland stewardship; ecosystem science and sustainability; and geosciences. Fort Collins is a wonderful community known for bicycling and breweries in close proximity to many outdoor recreation opportunities at the foot of the Rocky Mountains. Reflecting departmental and institutional values, candidates are expected to have the ability to advance the College’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. How to apply: Applicants should submit (1) a cover letter describing their research experience, qualifications, and interest in the position (two-page limit), (2) a curriculum vitae (including publications), and (3) contact information for three professional references. Materials should be submitted to http://jobs.colostate.edu/postings/54559. For full consideration, submit applications no later than March 25, 2018. References will not be contacted without prior notification of candidates. Questions concerning this position should be addressed to Dr. Liba Pejchar at liba.pejc...@colostate.edu. Colorado State University is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce and complies with all Federal and Colorado State laws, regulations, and executive orders regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action.
