Tinian Forest Bird Research Scientist

Job Description

The School of Environmental and Forest Sciences has an outstanding opportunity for a Research Scientist/Engineer 3 to join their team.

About this Opportunity

Reporting to Professor Beth Gardner, the Research Scientist is responsible for conducting research on the forest birds and their threats in Tinian, CNMI. Tinian, a small remote island in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, is home to a number of endemic and regional species. Many forest birds on the island, including the endemic Tinian monarch, face threats from land use change, invasive species, and natural disasters. The Research Scientist will (1) assist with project management for research on forest birds on Tinian, (2) to conduct field work, (3) to carry out data management and analysis, and (4) to write reports and manuscripts.  The Tinian monarch was previously listed on the Endangered Species Act and remains of interest as its population has fluctuated widely. This project conducts field studies to investigate potential threats (e.g., predators, noise pollution, invasive species), diet, and adult and juvenile survival for the Tinian monarch and other forest birds on Tinian. Megapode monitoring is another key aspect to this project. Results from this project will provide valuable information on what aspects of the population are most vulnerable to issues such as land use change, invasive species, or other events (e.g., typhoons).

The University of Washington maintains a field house on Tinian and this position will be split between Tinian (50%) and Seattle (50%).

Key Responsibilities

Manage a large acoustic study, including day to day operations, deploying acoustic recorders, labeling acoustic data, analyzing data, supporting local collaborations, obtain necessary permits, and assist in writing reports and manuscripts – 40%.

Assist with diet study for Tinian monarchs and their predators, including sampling (i.e., mist-netting, rat trapping, cat surveys, and fecal sample collection), obtaining necessary permits, providing support for analysis, and writing of reports and manuscripts – 30%.

Manage other smaller studies including cat and rat occupancy including day to day operations, deploying camera traps and/or wax chew cards, processing image data and/or identifying chew marks, analyzing data, supporting local collaborations, obtain necessary permits, and assist in writing reports and manuscripts – 10%.

Assist in procurement of additional funding by contributing to proposal development, give seminars and presentations at workshops and professional meetings, and further developing a peer network in the CNMI – 10%.

Support work of junior staff or students, complete necessary office work, collaborate with PI and other team members on meeting project goals – 10%.

Required Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity your application must demonstrate you meet both the minimum qualifications and additional qualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Ecology, Natural Resources, Wildlife Science, or related field and 4 years of experience in wildlife research. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

Applicants who do not meet these qualifications WILL NOT be forwarded to the Hiring Manager.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with mist-netting and bird banding for Tinian monarchs
• Experience working with camera traps and acoustic recorders, including developing CNNs for data processing
• Experience managing projects on a remote island
• Experience in writing manuscripts and reports
• Comfortable working alone and in small groups and in a humid environment

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

$80,244.00 annual

Pay Range Maximum:

$80,244.00 annual

Other Compensation:

-

Benefits:

For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/

Shift:

First Shift (United States of America)

Temporary or Regular?

This is a regular position

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

100.00%

Union/Bargaining Unit:

UAW Research

About the UW 

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.  

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty. 

Our Commitment 

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or [email protected]. 

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.