Camp Fire Program in Wildlife Conservation - SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry and Isle Royale National Park

Post-doctoral Scholar/Research Scientist – Isle Royale Wolf Introduction 

In collaboration with Isle Royale National Park (www.nps.gov/isro), the Camp Fire Program in Wildlife Conservation (www.campfirewildlife.com) at the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY ESF) is seeking an outstanding post-doctoral scholar/research scientist beginning early 2019.

Isle Royale National Park, a UNESCO International Biosphere Reserve and wilderness area, is also world renowned for its wolves. The population of wolves on Isle Royale had declined to two animals, prompting the National Park Service to launch a program to restore ecosystem processes by bringing 20–30 wolves to the park over the coming years. This ongoing phased introduction of wolves provides an unparalleled opportunity to explore the effects of introducing an apex predator on ecosystem processes including predator-prey interactions and trophic relationships. The scientist’s primary duties will include: 1) evaluate the current wolf introduction program on Isle Royale and factors influencing its success and 2) participate in development and implementation of an overarching experimental design/study to document eco
system-level responses to restoring predation. The scientist is expected to spend considerable time on the island to oversee data collection and coordinate research efforts. The scientist will summarize data for required reporting and contribute to peer-reviewed publications. Though the academic home for this position is at SUNY ESF in Syracuse, New York, the incumbent will be stationed in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, on Isle Royale National Park and in Houghton. This multiyear position is renewable annually, based on satisfactory job performance and funding availability.

Requirements: 

 PhD in Wildlife Ecology, Conservation Biology, or closely related field, with a strong academic record.
 Excellent quantitative skills and ecological knowledge related to the position. Proficiency in R and ArcGIS software is required.
 Excellent written and oral communication skills including demonstrated ability to publish in peerreviewed journals.
 Strong ability to work in a team-oriented environment with external collaborators, excellent work ethic, and good sense of humor.
 Ability to perform arduous work in remote wilderness areas for extended periods of time, often during inclement weather.

Compensation: 

$50,000 annual salary plus excellent fringe benefits.

To apply: 

Submit a single pdf that includes a cover letter summarizing your qualifications and interest in this position, CV, and contact information for three references to Dr. Jerry Belant (jbelant@esf.edu) and Mark Romanski (mark_romanski@nps.gov). Applications will be reviewed in order received. Position will be filled as soon as possible, with field work anticipated to begin in May 2019.