The Charles Darwin Foundation seeks to hire a Plant Ecologist in Galapagos. Application deadline: Until filling the position
Start date: Immediate
Introduction
The Charles Darwin Foundation carries out several projects on ecological restoration and terrestrial invasive species. These projects aim to identify endemic, native, and introduced (invasive) plant species in different areas of the Galapagos Islands. The objective of this position is to collect information on these species in the field, which is required by those who direct management projects to restore the ecosystems of the Galapagos through an integrated scientific approach. If you are a professional with relevant experience for the position, this is your opportunity to contribute to the Galapagos Islands.
• MSc. in Biology, Botany, Ecology, or related fields. Ph.D. is desirable but not required.
• Good experience in taxonomic identification of plants in the field and herbarium.
• Excellence in the use of dichotomous keys and online identification resources.
• At least five years of work experience in related fields.
• Availability, experience, and motivation to work under challenging conditions to plan and execute field trips to identify and monitor Galapagos plant species.
• Knowledge of plant ecology and ecological interactions.
• Knowledge of the Galapagos Flora is desirable but not required.
• Knowledge of database management and statistical analysis.
• Experience developing research projects, preparing proposals, obtaining funds, and communicating with donors.
• Good ability to work independently and organize field trips to remote locations.
• Experience in supervising staff.
• Availability, experience, and motivation to give presentations of the work carried out and communication activities with the community, including campaigns on social networks.
• Experience in writing scientific articles.
• High level of Spanish and English, oral and written. Responsibilities
• Collaborate in developing research and experimental designs for projects focused on Galapagos plants.
• Carry out field trips to collect information on the flora in the different Galapagos islands.
• Establish and carry out vegetation monitoring in permanent quadrats.
• Generate databases and update information on plant species in the CDF herbarium.
• Statistically analyze the data obtained and prepare the results for publication.
• Supervise junior staff and volunteers.
• Participate in activities to promote CDF and relationships with current and potential donors through talks, reception of unique visitors, interviews, filming, etc.
• Lead courses, seminars, workshops, and other training activities that train CDF personnel and personnel of collaborating public institutions.
• Collaborate with visiting scientists visiting Galapagos to conduct their research projects.
• Give presentations of the work carried out in academic forums and communication activities with the community.
• Support with writing funding proposals and scientific articles.
• Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the activities and equipment under the ecologist’s responsibility, complying with the policies, procedures, and rules of the CDF and the respective donors.
Desired skills
• Easy to integrate into a multicultural and multidisciplinary team and maintain good relationships with various people.
• Ability to work in a dynamic environment that presents opportunities, unforeseen events, and challenges, characterized by limited logistical resources and geographic isolation.
• A clear interest and commitment to conservation.
Conditions
The plant ecologist reports directly to the scientists in charge of the projects. The selected candidate will be based at the Charles Darwin Research Station (ECCD) on the island of Santa Cruz, in the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador. A position at the Charles Darwin Foundation only implies a continuous relationship with the plant ecologist beyond the expected duration of the mission. The plant ecologist is expected to work 40 hours per week, from 07:45-12:30 and 14:00-17:15. Depending on project activities, such as field trips, this schedule may be modified.
How to apply
If you are interested, please send the following documents (in a single PDF) to plantecologist@fcdarwin.org.ec .
• Curriculum vitae.
• Letter of interest describing your skills according to the requirements for this position.
• Three professional letters of recommendation, including the names and email addresses of the references.
