Overview

Coordinate and execute the Mangrove Finch Conservation Project, which includes collaborating with the Galapagos National Park Directorate, scientists, expert advisors and other stakeholders to undertake research and management actions for the effective conservation of the Critically Endangered mangrove finch, Camarhynchus heliobates.

Required profile

• Ph.D. in wildlife conservation management or Masters with additional 3-5 years’ work experience.
• Minimum five years’ experience in bird conservation management actions and bird handling (Passeriformes preferred).
• Practical experience in bird surveying, mist netting, ringing birds, collecting blood samples, nestling husbandry, and preferably tree climbing.
• Practical experience in invasive species control and management.
• Experience in software data storage and management, data set analysis, GIS etc.
• 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 project management, including the management of funds.
• Experience in preparing funding proposals.
• Experience in scientific writing, preparation of technical reports, and giving presentations.
• Fluency in English or Spanish, with at least moderate skills of the other language and a commitment to improve.

Activities

Project coordination and implementation:

• Coordinate and implement priority experimental field conservation management and research actions to recover the mangrove finch, which are guided by a management plan that is updated annually and approved by the Galapagos National Park Directorate (GNPD).
• Monitor mangrove finch populations, breeding success, and health.
• Work with GNPD 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.
• Ensure the safe storage and management of equipment.
• Prepare annual reports 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 project’s Operative Annual Plan every year.
• Carry out financial accounting of the funding allocated to the Mangrove Finch Conservation
  Project.
• Take part in meetings with science and support staff, and project stakeholders.

Communication of results:

• Prepare and submit technical reports and scientific manuscripts presenting the results of the research activities conducted for the Mangrove Finch Conservation Project 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.

Education:

• Work with CDF’s EcoProgram on the education component for conserving the mangrove
  finch.

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 and current donors.
• Prepare donor reports as needed

Inter-institutional 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 the identification of actions 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 (CDRS) on the island of Santa Cruz, in the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador. The Science Director will directly supervise the Principal Investigator of the Mangrove Finch Conservation project.

The person is expected to work 40 hours per week, from 07:45-12:30 and 14:00-17:15. However, depending on project activities, such as field trips, this schedule will be modified. Field work will be conducted in uninhabited areas of the archipelago, on northwestern Isabela, and Fernandina Islands. Camping along the coast is required for as much as 2-3 months in the breeding season.

The Principal Investigator of the Mangrove Finch Conservation project will faithfully comply with the rules, regulations, and procedure manuals of the CDF and strictly abide by the laws and regulations of the GNPD. Among the practices this includes: 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.
• Letter of interest describing your skills and how these match 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 get in touch with the email mentioned above.