Project Manager: Predator Research and Management Project

The Institute for Wildlife Studies (IWS) is seeking applicants for Project Manager of the Predator Research and Management Project on San Clemente Island, California. The successful applicant will lead a team of approximately 5 biologists managing and conducting research on non-native predators on San Clemente Island. This position focuses on lethal control of non-native predators; however non-lethal management of native predators is also conducted, and there may be opportunities for additional research on one or more of these species. We encourage the development of independent research projects within the scope of the program.

Duties include, but are not limited to:

1) nighttime hunting of predators, by vehicle and on foot;

2) safe use of firearms;

3) trapping and/or poisoning to control non-native predators;

4) testing of new rodenticides and other control measures;

5) data entry and statistical analyses;

6) mapping using GIS;

7) report and manuscript preparation;

8) presentations at professional meetings, and

9) supervision of employees. This position requires night work and has a variable daily schedule depending on seasonal requirements.

All work will be conducted on San Clemente Island, which is owned and operated by the U.S. Navy as a test and evaluation site, shore bombardment range, and warfare training ground. Safety is of utmost importance to the Navy and IWS.

NOTE: Pets are not allowed on San Clemente Island.

Position Requirements: Candidates should have a M.Sc. in Wildlife Management or a related field, or a B.Sc. with commensurate experience clearly demonstrating proficiency in data analysis, technical writing, and field crew supervision. Candidates must have extensive experience in the safe use of firearms; please do not apply if you lack firearm experience. Candidates should have experience operating ATV’s and full-sized, 4-wheel drive trucks over rocky and muddy roads and be familiar with the safe operation of various hand and power tools. Employment is conditional upon insurability with IWS, so a clean driving record is essential. These positions require considerable hiking to conduct management activities, including hauling materials and equipment to remote sites. Applicants should be sure-footed, safe, and be able to hike in steep, rocky, cactus-covered terrain. The Project Leader will need to maintain a professional attitude at all times while working with IWS staff and members of other organizations who may have varying missions, opinions, and personalities.

Hours and Compensation: The work schedule is 10 days on San Clemente Island and 4 days off-island. Room and board will be provided while working on the island; off-island housing during days off is not provided. A daily food reimbursement of $12.50/day (~$270 per month) is also provided while on island to supplement food provided by the Navy. Flights on and off the island are provided at no cost on twin-engine aircraft. Starting salary is $67,000/year. Benefits include employer-paid health insurance, sick leave, paid vacation, paid holidays, and an optional 403(b) retirement and dental plans.  

Closing Date: Applications will be reviewed as they are received and the position will be filled as soon a qualified applicant is identified. Ideally, qualified applicants will be identified in August 2024, and the selected candidates should be eligible to begin work early in September 2024.