-----Original Message-----
From: Ecological Society of America: grants, jobs, news
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Christopher Anderson
Sent: Friday, November 12, 2010 10:50 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [ECOLOG-L] Postdoctoral Position in Conservation Ecology to Work in
the Cape Horn Biosphere Reserve, Chile

POSITION: Postdoctoral Fellow in Conservation ecology 

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS: Candidates must have obtained their doctorate after 31
December 2004 or obtain it 30 days prior to the initiation of their
contract.

LOCATION:Puerto Williams, Chilean Antarctic Province (Cape Horn Biosphere
Reserve) Chile

CONTRACTING INSTITUTION: University of Magallanes (UMAG)

ASSOCIATED INSTITUTIONS: Institute of Ecology and Biodiversity & University
of North Texas

WORK CONDITIONS: One year contract – with possible permanent contract

POTENTIAL PROJECTIONS: After PBCT project funding ends, potential full-time
contract in the UMAG & interaction with centers of research excellence in
Chile and internationally

DEADLINE: Review of applications will begin on 25 November 2010 and continue
until position is filled

BEGINNING OF ACTIVITIES: As early as November 2010 and no later than January
2011

NATIONALITY: Preference for Chilean nationals/residents

CONTEXT OF THE POSITION: The Omora Ethnobotanical Park is a Long-Term
Socio-Ecological Research (LTSER) site, coordinated by the University of
Magallanes in conjunction with the Institute of Ecology and Biodiversity and
the Omora Foundation in Chile, and with the University of North Texas, the
Center for Environmental Philosophy and OSARA in the US. This is the first
explicitly marine-terrestrial study site in Chile and in addition
constitutes the research, education and conservation center for the Cape
Horn Biosphere Reserve (CHBR). 

This location will provide the selected postdoctoral fellow with a unique
opportunity to participate in a project that allows for constant
collaboration with world-class researchers and academic intuitions and in
addition is a part of one of eight Centers of Scientific Excellence in
Chile, supported by the Millennium Scientific Initiative (Ministry of
Planning) and the Bicentennial & Basal Financing Program (Chilean Science
Commission). In 2008, the Omora Park received the Science and Practice of
Ecology and Society Award, and in 2010 won 2nd prize in the Raanan Weitz
Competition for Innovation in Sustainable Development.

The postdoctoral appointment is being made available as part of a national
initiative, called the “Bicentennial Program,” and aims to insert
Ph.D.-level scientists in academia. The position entails a year postdoctoral
term with a subsequent possible commitment of a full-time contract from the
university, pending successful completion of fellowship.

JOB DESCRIPTION: The person selected for this position will have the
position of postdoctoral fellow and should collaborate in one or more of the
following areas: 

1. Conduct research in priority lines for the Omora Park: 
a) ornithology
b) socio-ecological studies
c) impacts of invasive exotic species 

2. Integrate research with ongoing education initiatives led by the Omora
Park in the Cape Horn Biosphere Reserve 

3. Link research to broader approaches to conservation of biological and
cultural diversity, specifically conducting and implementing conservation
and ecotourism activities in the context of the Cape Horn Biosphere Reserve,
and the Omora Park as a site of the Chilean Long-Term Socio-Ecological
Research Network (LTSER-Chile).

General research objective:
Develop studies that integrate ecological research into the implementation
of conservation and ecotourism activities in the context of the Cape Horn
Biosphere Reserve, and the Omora Park as a site of the Chilean Long-Term
Socio-Ecological Research Network (LTSER-Chile).

The selected person should also fulfill the following research and outreach
related responsibilities: 
1. Help supervise and manage volunteers and students from national and
international programs 2. Coordinate and collaborate with international
postgraduate field courses (UMAG-University of North Texas) with an
interdisciplinary and biocultural conservation focus (www.chile.unt.edu) 3.
Provide site-based oversight of the development of associated projects
(student projects, monitoring programs and data bases) 4. Participate in the
development of environmental education programs for the local community 5.
Link research with projects and initiatives in the area of ecotourism 6.
Collaborate in the development of the graduate masters of science program at
UMAG, entitled “Management and Conservation of Subantarctic Natural
Resources.”

The specific expected results of this position include:
a. Expand the present research related to avian ecology, building on the
Omora Park’s status as the longest running forest bird monitoring program in
southern South America.
b. Re-enforcement of academic collaborations and joint publications based on
the long-term studies in the Cape Horn Biosphere Reserve
c) Developing scientific tourism in coordination with researchers, graduate
students, and private operators at  the Omora Park d. Collaborate in
existing graduate courses at the UMAG and create a new graduate course in
the UMAG that focuses on the specialty of the selected individual e.
Consolidate avian (and/or invasive species) monitoring programs in the Omora
Long-Term Socio-Ecological Research Site, in collaboration with the Chilean
Agriculture Service, the Chilean Forestry Service, the Tourism Service, and
other agencies. 


BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: 
• Ph.D. with 2 years of experience in conservation and ecological field work
or equivalent combination of education and experience • Proven ability to
collaborate in interdisciplinary projects linked with public and private
sector • Proficiency in English and Spanish is required and a good ability
to communicate 

REQUIERED KNOWLEDGE:
• Experience in conservation at Latin American field sites and ability to
relate well with the local community • Demonstrated ability in development
and management of field studies • Experience leading teams and motivating
groups of people to achieve goals and manage complex projects and budgets •
Proven ability in interpersonal communication and conflict resolution •
Flexibility and adaptability • Willingness to participate in diverse
programs organized by the Omora Park 

SKILLS:
• Resolve problems involving multiple researchers and projects • Anticipate,
diagnose and resolve complex issues that require creative solutions •
Interpret regulations and rules, evaluate information and modify processes
to adapt them to changing situations • Project management, including
coordination of teams of graduate students, and volunteers • Ability to
perform multiple tasks involved in field work • Work under pressure •
Capacity to resolve tension between students and colleagues • Capacity to
build cooperative relationships with diverse groups, including the local
community, government authorities, members of the board of directors and the
general public 

REQUIREMENTS: 
• Drivers license
• Physical condition that permits working under variable climatic conditions
in a remote site • Be able to work in difficult terrain and with a certain
level of risk • Ability to travel • Work occasionally on weekends and extra
hours 
 
OPPORTUNITIES: The Cape Horn Biosphere Reserve is considered one of the
world’s last pristine wilderness areas, which is currently threatened by an
increase in connectivity and business opportunities related to tourism. The
person contracted for this position will have the opportunity to participate
directly in this initiative of global significance and world-class quality.
The selected candidate, for example, will contribute to the Scientific
Advisory Committee of the biosphere reserve, will develop and participate in
basic and applied science projects that support the holistic use and
management of the subantarctic archipelago, and will aide in the
socialization of these results in the broader community.

In addition, this location’s relevance to the globe is as significant as
that of the Galapagos Islands in terms of science, history and conservation.
Being selected for this position is a unique opportunity for the
postdoctoral fellow to develop professionally and personally in association
with one of eight Centers for Scientific Excellence in Chile, supported by
the Millennium Scientific Initiative (Ministry of Planning) and the
Bicentennial and Basal Financing Programs (Chilean Scientific Commission).

The home base of the position is Puerto Williams, which is the capital of
the Chilean Antarctic Province, located on the north coast of Navarino
Island (55°S). It has a population of 2,200 inhabitants and while it has all
basic services, it is still considered remote (accessible by a 1.5 hour
plane ride; 5 flights per week). The island is provisioned weekly by a ferry
from Punta Arenas, the regional capital and the location of the main campus
of the University of Magallanes. The region is known for its extraordinary
beauty and the world’s cleanest air and water. Heating of homes on the
island is done with wood stoves, and housing conditions are basic, but
comfortable.

For couples, there are opportunities for the partner to participate in
ecotourism and/or educational activities conducted by Omora Ethnobotanical
Park.   

SEND CV, COVER LETTER AND 2 LETTERS OF REFERENCE TO:

Dr. Andrés Mansilla (PI): [log in to unmask],  telephone: 56-61-207089
With copy to: Dr. Christopher Anderson: [log in to unmask]

RELATED WEB SITES:
www.umag.cl/williams, www.omora.org, www.ieb-chile.cl, www.osara.org,
www.chile.unt.edu, www.cep.unt.edu