The Lavretsky Lab at The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) is
searching for a full-time waterfowl specialist to be stationed on Oahu,
Hawaii. The person will be working on a newly funded project as part of
a collaboration with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services (USFWS) to conduct
novel management efforts to the conservation of the endangered Hawaiian
duck (Koloa). In short, the individual will lead a team comprised of
students, private, state, and federal personnel to pilot a project that
attempts to artificially reverse the genetic ancestry of a koloa x feral
mallard hybrid population towards koloa through specific active management
strategies (see Hernandez et al. 2023. simRestore: A decision-making
tool for adaptive management of the native genetic status of wild
populations. Molecular Ecology Resources. 24: e13892). More information on
the Lavretsky Lab can be found here: http://science.utep.edu/lavretskylab.

STATIONED: Oahu, HI

WORKING LOCATIONS: James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) (Oahu,
HI) & Hanalei (NWR) (Kauai, HI)

DUTIES: Live capture Koloa, feral mallards, and their hybrids using
swim-in and walk-in traps in both locations. All birds will be banded with
authorized USGS bird banding laboratory leg bands, as well as bled for
molecular analyses to be conducted at the Lavretsky Lab. A sub-number
of birds will have auxiliary GPS-GSM telemetry units attached. Lead
translocation efforts of koloa from Kauai to Oahu and ensure soft
release of koloa onto James Campbell NWR per research protocols. Lead
monitoring of translocated and resident koloa, nest monitoring,
behavioral studies, disease surveillance and response, and feral mallard
removal. Assist with predator control, habitat enhancements around
wetland areas, and other tasks deemed necessary by the Refuge/Project PI.

ANNUAL PAY (Employment is through UTEP): $63,000 + Benefits for 2 years,
with the potential of additional years.

START DATE: May 2024 (preferably)

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

- B.S. Degree in wildlife ecology, conservation biology, or a
  related field

- Must have a valid state driver's license.

- Must have the legal and physical ability to possess and discharge
  firearms. You must be able to pass a government background check and
  meet any additional requirements to carry and use firearms.

- History of waterfowl (or other avian) capture, handling, and banding

- Highly self-motivated and organized

- History of working in diverse teams

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

- History of working with Hawaii's flora and fauna

- History of leading teams in field conditions

- Knowledge of working with all-terrain vehicles (UTVs, ATVs, etc)

- Analytical skills in band-recovery

APPLICATION PROCESS:

To apply, please submit: a cover letter describing experience related to
or interest in as they relate to the project, a current CV/resume, and
the name and full contact information for three professional references
to Dr. Philip Lavretsky (plavretsky@utep.edu) and Kelly Goodale
(kelly_goodale@fws.gov). Review of applications will begin as soon as
possible and continue until the position is filled.

Philip Lavretsky, PhD
Associate Professor
Department of Biological Sciences
Birds Curator of UTEP's Biodiversity Collections
University of Texas El Paso
Office Phone: (915)747-6424
Cell Phone: (310)770-1758

"Lavretsky, Philip" <plavretsky@utep.edu>

(to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to
golding@mcmaster.ca)