Reports to: Kayla Shively, WCS Conservation EcologistLocation: Qupaluk Flyway Network Site – North Slope, AlaskaPosition Type: Full-Time TemporaryExpected travel: 95% of this position’s time will be spent in the field (Qupaluk), and the remainder in Fairbanks, AlaskaProgram Overview: The WCS Arctic Beringia Program aims to protect Arctic wildlife such as polar bear, walrus, arctic fox, muskoxen, seals, and waterbirds from pressures related to a rapidly changing climate and the onset of new industrial development. At the same time, WCS works to ensure the region’s communities can continue to depend on local resources for food, as well as economic and cultural vitality. Implementing conservation in such a rapidly changing environment can only be effective through working with scientists, local experts, and Indigenous communities Job Summary: The Qupaluk Flyway Network Site (Qupaluk) is in the northeast corner of the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska (NPR-A) - Teshekpuk Special Area on the Arctic Coastal Plain, Alaska. Qupaluk is one of the most important shorebird nesting sites in the entire international Arctic and was accepted into the East Asian-Australasian Flyway Partnership in 2016. This project is a continuation of a study evaluating nesting productivity in a suite of tundra-nesting birds (primarily shorebirds and waterfowl species) within the Qupaluk site. The crew will monitor 6 plots (4 existing, 2 to be established) to assess nest density, nest survival, predator numbers, and habitat associations of Arctic birds. The 3-person crew will travel to the field site via helicopter and live in a tent-based field camp. Plots will be accessed daily on foot. Fieldwork will occur over 7-8 weeks in June and July 2024. Field conditions will be snowy and cold in June, and then wet, cold, and buggy in July. Some shorebird trapping will occur. Applicants must be able to consistently use discretion and judgement when making decisions. Experience, education, and/or training working in remote backcountry environments is essential, and experience in the Arctic or Arctic-conditions highly recommended. Applicants must be comfortable working remotely in bear country. The ability to work independently and within a small team is vital. Major Responsibilities: - Traveling to and from the field site in a helicopter and floatplane.
- Establishing a remote field camp and maintaining safety equipment for everyday use (e.g., weather port, shotgun, electric fence, etc.).
- Re-establishing study plots, conducting nest searches (using both rope drag and behavioural nest search techniques), floating eggs to determine age, and shorebird capture and handling.
- Conducting surveys for potential nest predators, collecting snow cover and habitat data, entering and proofing data.
- Post-season gear maintenance in Fairbanks.
Internal Qualification RequirementsMinimum Requirements:
• Applicants must have experience conducting field surveys of Arctic nesting birds and expertise in shorebird identification. Trapping and handling experience preferred.
• Applicants must have proficiency in using a compass, GPS, and Microsoft Excel.
• Applicants must be able to conduct fieldwork involving hiking and wading over uneven terrain, often in difficult conditions.
• Applicants must maintain a positive and respectful attitude while working as a small team in difficult conditions.
• Bachelor’s degree in life sciences (wildlife biology, ecology, zoology, or related fields) preferred.
• Wilderness First Aid training is preferred.
• Non-U.S. citizen applicants must have (or obtain) a social security number.
Application Process:
Interested candidates who meet the above qualifications should apply via the link below by February 29, 2024.
WCS is an equal opportunity employer, and the organization complies with all employment and labor laws and regulations that prohibit discrimination in hiring and ensures that candidates from all backgrounds are fairly and consistently considered during the recruitment process. We are dedicated to hiring and engaging a diverse workforce. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment and look for future team members who share that same value. The organization provides equal employment opportunities for all qualified candidates. The organization does not discriminate for employment based on gender, race/ethnicity, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, genetic information or any other covered status or characteristic protected by applicable laws and regulations.
It is everyone’s responsibility to ensure that we do not tolerate discrimination or harassment based upon a person’s membership in one of these protected categories in areas such as recruitment, selection, job assignment, supervision, training, promotions, job grading, transfers, termination, compensation, benefits, educational opportunities, WCS sponsored recreational activities and facilities.
Note that the salary offer will reflect the selected candidate’s individual experiences, skills and qualifications, internal equity, work location and country of work.