Wildlife Scientist at William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia

Job Description:

Position Number:

FPA12W

Position Title:

Wildlife Scientist

Employment Category:

Full Time Professional

Location:

William & Mary

Department:

311800 Institute for Integrative Conservation

Unit Mission Statement:

Launched in 2020, the Institute for Integrative Conservation (IIC) at William & Mary will be at the forefront of transformational research and education that will ultimately advance conservation efforts, solve real-world conservation challenges, and protect the environment for generations to come. By combining forces with public, private and nonprofit sectors, and leveraging William & Mary's interdisciplinary expertise, entrepreneurial culture, and global perspective, the IIC is cultivating and mobilizing an inclusive community of leaders to develop integrative solutions to global conservation challenges and to prepare the next generation of diverse, effective, and bold conservation leaders. We take an integrative approach that leverages expertise from across disciplines and sectors, blends diverse knowledge systems, and fosters collaboration between academia, public and private sectors, Indigenous Peoples, and local communities to advance innovative and effective solutions to conservation challenges.


The IIC supports multidisciplinary teams of faculty, staff, and students to address conservation issues in a multitude of ways. Teams drawn from all of William & Mary's five schools-the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, Law School, Faculty of Arts & Sciences, Raymond A. Mason School of Business, and School of Education-collaborate with experts at other universities, government agencies nonprofit organizations, local communities and Indigenous Peoples, and private companies to advance solutions that are intended to help both humans and nature thrive

Position Summary:

The Wildlife Scientist will lead teaching and research associated with wildlife's interactions with humans. Such interactions might include but are not limited to, aspects of human-wildlife conflict and coexistence, wildlife components of One Health approaches, or economic aspects of wildlife conservation and/or climate change.Responsibilities include but are not necessarily limited to the following:

• Teach two-course equivalents per semester (fall and spring) in areas of wildlife conservation and biodiversity that contribute to the IIC's undergraduate major/minor in Integrative Conservation. The successful candidate will teach undergraduate courses that satisfy the "biodiversity" and "conservation natural sciences" requirements in those degree tracks (
  https://www.wm.edu/offices/iic/undergraduate-program/major_or_minor/) while integrating significant aspects of human dimensions. The exact courses will depend on the expertise of the applicant. A course equivalent is interpreted broadly and might include mentoring a cohort of W&M undergraduates in an applied conservation project.


• Lead applied research projects that address wildlife components of integrative conservation (
  https://www.wm.edu/offices/iic/about/). These projects are conducted as part of the IIC's Conservation Research Program (
  https://www.wm.edu/offices/iic/research/) and include collaboration with external conservation partners to address current challenges.


• Mentor and coach students (primarily undergraduates with the potential for graduate students) who are playing key roles in applied integrative conservation research projects.


• Collaborate with internal W&M and external conservation organizations to build partnerships and to expand the IIC's capacities in areas of integrative conservation.


• Apply for external funds to support the conservation research programs of the IIC.


• Contribute to the strategic leadership of the IIC. Including active participation in IIC and other W&M committees.

Conditions of Employment:

• Some night or weekend work may be required. Some travel may be required.


• This is a restricted position, subject to the continued availability of funding.

Essential Designation:

No

FLSA:

Exempt

Position Restricted?:

Yes, the appointment is limited due to funding availability

Position Term:

12 month - Restricted

Position Months:

Faculty or Staff: 12 month

Required Qualifications:

• An advanced degree (e.g., PhD, MS) in wildlife conservation or a relevant field of specialization.


• Experience working on applied projects that relate to biodiversity conservation in an integrative framework that includes human dimensions.


• Demonstrated ability to instruct higher-level (i.e., undergraduate students) academic content, related to their fields of interest, that can contribute to the IIC's major in Integrative Conservation.


• Demonstrated commitment to biodiversity conservation and the mission, vision, and values of the IIC-which includes commitments and achievements in justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion.


• Excellent interpersonal skills and leadership qualities.


• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to present complex issues to non-specialist audiences.

Preferred Qualifications:

• A doctorate (e.g., PhD) in a relevant field of specialization.


• Experience and expertise in modeling and analyzing large ecological (or socioecological) datasets to inform conservation planning.


• Demonstrated success in collaborations with conservation partner organizations (e.g., conservation NGOs, state and federal agencies, local communities, and private companies).


• Demonstrated experience in mentoring and supervising students or staff in conservation projects or programming.


• Experience with conservation projects outside of the US and Western Europe.


• Willingness to travel internationally or locally to mentor students in research projects with conservation partners.


• Previous knowledge of or desire to learn languages other than English.


• We encourage applications from candidates with a broad diversity of conservation backgrounds, including those who might bring current partnerships (e.g., with conservation NGOs, government or state agencies, local communities, and private companies) to the position.

Is the position remote work eligible?:

Hybrid (works remotely at least 1 day per week but not full-time)

Remote Work Disclaimer:

Remote work eligibility is not guaranteed and is subject to approval. Employee eligibility depends on the likelihood of the employee succeeding in a remote work arrangement and the supervisor's ability to manage remote workers. Departments and/or Human Resources may amend, alter, change, delete, or modify eligibility.

Advertised Pay Range:

Up to $70,000, commensurate with experience

Advertised Pay Range Statement:

All hiring rates are commensurate with relevant experience up to the advertised amount considering internal alignment.

University Salary Range:

U11

Benefits Summary Statement:

William & Mary offers our employees a full array of benefits including retirement, health insurance with options for expanded dental and vision along with group and optional life insurance with coverage for spouse and children, flexible spending accounts, and an EAP (Employee Assistance Program).


Our employees enjoy additional university benefits such as educational assistance, professional development, wellness benefits, and a robust holiday schedule. All employees have access to fitness facilities on campus. Staff members also have access to the university libraries, and much more. To learn more, go to: https://www.wm.edu/offices/uhr/benefits/index.php?type=none

Job Open Date:

07/17/2024

Review Begin Date:

08/31/2024

Open Until Filled:

Yes

Special Application Instructions:

• In addition to your resume and cover letter, include a statement of how you intend to express the values of the IIC while in this position.

• For priority consideration, apply by the review date.

Background Check Statement:

William & Mary is committed to providing a safe campus community. W&M conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include reference checks, a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.

EEO Statement:

William & Mary values diversity and invites applications from underrepresented groups who will enrich the research, teaching and service missions of the university. The university is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and encourages applications from women, minorities, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities.

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