Overview

The objective of the position
Coordinate and execute the Mangrove Finch Conservation Project, which includes collaborating
with the Galapagos National Park Directorate and collaborating with scientists and expert advisors
to undertake management and research actions for effectively conserving the critically Endangered
mangrove finch.

required profile
• Ph.D. in conservation management Or  Master’s with five years experience and publication in bird conservation
• Minimum five years of experience in bird conservation
• Experience in wildlife conservation management actions and bird handling
(Passeriformes preferred)
• Experience in invasive species management
• Experience in planning and carrying out long field trips to remote places
• Experience in leading field teams composed of junior researchers, assistants, and
students
• Experience in fundraising with proven successful outcomes of grant applications
• Languages: Fluent in Spanish and English
• Experienced in bird surveying, mist netting, ringing birds, collecting blood samples,
managing invasive species, and climbing trees.
• Knowledge of the use of databases and Gis, long dataset analysis

Activities
• Conducting successful field conservation management and research activities within the
seasonal calendar to maximize the outcomes of the field campaigns that are reflected in
the results of the conservation actions.
• Coordination of administrative-related processes to ensure the adequate execution of the
project.
• Strengthening the communication of project results in varied formats, including but not
limited to peer-reviewed papers published in high-impact journals.
• Support the financial stability of the Project by preparing, submitting, and negotiating
concepts and research proposals to be presented to potential donors and actively
searching for funding sources.
• Promotion and consolidation of interinstitutional relationships and strengthening
networking strategies to enhance collaborative initiatives.
• Coaching and mentoring early career professionals, thesis students, and volunteers
participating in research activities within the project.
• Conservation Management and Research execution (field and office work):
• Coordinate and implement priority conservation management and research actions to
recover the mangrove finch, which is guided by a management plan that is updated
annually.
• Monitor the mangrove finch population and its health
• Work with GNPD and CDF to develop and trial improved techniques to effectively control
invasive species – including Philornis downsi, rats, and feral cats.
• Carry out field data collection.
• Ensure the safe storage, management, and analysis of project data and equipment.
• Prepare, every year, a report of the current research period for the GNPD, which should
include all the required documentation (fieldwork report, samples report, data sets,
images, photos, etc.).
• Prepare a research proposal for renewing the research permit emitted by the GNPD
every year.
• Prepare the Operative Annual Plan every year.
• Prepare donor reports as needed.
• Carry out financial accounting of the funding allocated to the mangrove finch
conservation initiative.
• Take part in meetings with science and support staff.
Communications of results:
• Prepare and submit scientific manuscripts presenting the results of the research activities
conducted for the mangrove finch conservation initiative in English and Spanish.
• Prepare communication materials to share the information gathered about the project’s
varied activities (reports, articles, material for web page and social media, etc.).
• Give regular presentations about the Mangrove Finch Conservation Project at the local,
national, and international levels.

Fundraising:
• Help ensure the financial stability of the Mangrove Finch Conservation Project by working
with the CDF fundraising team to prepare and submit proposals to donors, grant
agencies, philanthropy representatives, etc.
• Meet with and give presentations to potential donors.
Interinstitutional relationships and networking:
• Ensure regular communication with GNPD.
• Create/consolidate a mangrove finch international working group, which includes an
evaluation of research and management plans on an annual basis and actions identified
to ensure that priority actions are undertaken promptly.
• Hold regular meetings with collaborators and keep collaborators updated about the status
of the project.

Coaching and mentoring:
• Supervise junior team members, field and research assistants, volunteers, and thesis
students.
• Coach and mentor early career professionals and park rangers to enhance their skills
and development in endangered species conservation management
Conditions
The selected candidate will be based at the Charles Darwin Research Station (ECCD) on the
island of Santa Cruz, in the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador. The Science Director will directly
supervise the Principal Investigator – Mangrove Finch Conservation candidate.
The person is expected to work 40 hours per week, from 07:45-12:30 and 14:00-17:15. Depending
on project activities, such as field trips, this schedule may be modified.
The Principal Investigator – Mangrove Finch Conservation candidate will faithfully comply with the
rules, regulations, and procedure manuals of the CDF and strictly abide by the laws and
regulations of the DPNG. Among the practices of this: follow authorized trails, do not remove sand,
stones, or elements of nature, and DO NOT introduce any foreign element into the ecosystem,
such as food, plants, and pets.

How to apply
Those interested in this position should send the following documents (in a single PDF file) via
email to pro.seleccion@fcdarwin.org.ec
• Curriculum vitae updated.
• Letter of interest describing your skills by the requirements for this position.
• Three professional letters of recommendation, including the names and email addresses of
the references.
If you need additional information, please contact the email mentioned above.