SUMMARY OF JOB
The Invertebrate Zoologist is responsible for researching, drafting, and revising the global information fields in NatureServe’s Biotics biodiversity database for invertebrate species occurring in the United States and Canada. Taxonomic coverage is broad, centering on freshwater and pollinator species. Biotics is a major source for the NatureServe Explorer and Explorer Pro online searchable conservation databases (https://explorer.natureserve.org), relied on by most US and Canadian government land management agencies and many other users. Major responsibilities of the Invertebrate Zoologist are to review global conservation status rankings and evaluate and recommend taxonomic and nomenclatural changes, with opportunities to collaborate on habitat suitability modeling and biodiversity analysis projects. The position also supports fund raising and project management. It is project oriented, with some projects directed to meeting specific data needs of U.S. federal land-management agencies, while other work supports the information needs of the NatureServe Network (e.g., natural heritage programs and conservation data centers). The Invertebrate Zoologist works closely with the other members of the Zoology Program staff. The position does not supervise staff although opportunities to supervise interns or college work-study students may arise.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
1. Review and update global conservation status ranks for animal species using information from scientific journals, other publications and reports, online databases and information from NatureServe member programs including element occurrence data.
2. Provide recommendations for the adoption of proposed taxonomic changes for invertebrate animal groups covered by NatureServe.
3. Perform or contribute to data analyses, write reports, and present at virtual and in-person meetings as needed for project deliverables.
4. Serve as a source of invertebrate zoological expertise for NatureServe and member programs, including accuracy checking of outreach, social media, and other communication materials.
5. Manage administrative and technical tasks required to complete project deliverables within project timelines and budgets, including coordinating and effectively communicating with client technical leads and contracting officers; collaborating with NatureServe and NatureServe Network staff and partners; managing contracts, subcontracts, and budgets; developing project work plans; tracking and reporting project status using organizational software; and writing technical and administrative project reports.
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS
1. Advanced degree in organismal zoology or biology with expertise in ecology and conservation of one or more invertebrate groups, and a good working knowledge of taxonomy and taxonomic methods.
2. At least three years post-degree experience working as a zoologist in a government or nonprofit biological or conservation agency or academic program (candidates with MS only; this requirement is waved for candidates holding a PhD).
3. At least two years of field experience on zoological projects in the United States or Canada, which may have taken place during graduate studies.
4. Excellent English writing/editing skills; keen attention to detail.
5. Demonstrated ability to work independently and to work cooperatively and productively with professional scientists and conservationists.
6. Experience writing papers published in peer-reviewed journals.
PREFERRED EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS
1. Ph.D. in a wildlife or zoological field.
2. Experience working in the NatureServe Biotics database, especially in the context of a NatureServe Member Program.
3. Expertise in managing and analyzing large biodiversity datasets, including with the R programming language.
4. Experience managing complex projects and familiarity with project management software.
5. Demonstrated track record in securing external project funding.
6. Contribute to business development, including seeking funding opportunities, engaging with clients and donors, and developing project budgets and written proposals.
ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
1. Ability to travel independently within the U.S. and internationally to attend meetings and workshops with partners and others.
2. Ability to converse verbally and in writing with others regarding organizational goals and needs.
3. Ability to use organizational technology.
ABOUT US
NatureServe, a nonprofit conservation science and technology organization, unlocks the power of science to guide biodiversity conservation. With nearly 70 staff and an international network of 60 natural heritage programs across the United States and Canada, we are the leading source of information on terrestrial ecosystems and at-risk species. We provide information and tools to conservation groups, government agencies, corporations, academia, and the public to help them make informed decisions about managing our natural resources. NatureServe holds a unique niche, by providing scientifically sound guidance for major conservation investments across the hemisphere.
Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.
NatureServe is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.