Spatial Ecologist

~ The Peregrine Fund protects the Earth’s raptors, partnering with local people on five continents to inspire action and preserve essential habitat. ~

Support comes from individual donors, corporations, foundations, and government grants. We were founded in 1970 to rescue the Peregrine Falcon from extinction by pioneering methods to breed and release them across North America. With that historic success, our mission grew to encompass all raptor species worldwide. Today we:

• Restore critically endangered species
• Research little-known species
• Train and support local conservation leaders
• Engage all ages with environmental education
• Conserve habitat

Position Overview

The Spatial Ecologist is responsible for analysis of raptor movements and distributions across the globe using data housed in The Peregrine Fund’s Global Raptor Impact Network (GRIN) database. They supervise the input of data into the GRIN database—soliciting and mobilizing historical and contemporary data from researchers around the world. The Spatial Ecologist develops and implements methods to estimate historical distributions of raptors and estimate changes in distributions as data are collected. They perform various spatial analyses to inform, for example, reintroduction efforts, species and landscape conservation, and habitat management.

Responsibilities

• Oversee mobilization of historical spatial data into the GRIN database
• Develop and implement methods to estimate historic, current, and future ranges of global raptor species
• Identify, map, and prioritize landscapes of conservation importance to raptors
• Develop and implement methods to map the distributions of threats to raptors
• Map and analyze raptor movement data from tracking devices
• Work closely with the Peregrine Fund’s project directors to produce publication quality maps and other data visualizations as needed
• Solicit and standardize data in collaboration with raptor researchers around the world

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in biology, geography, wildlife management, or related field
• Experience in spatial analysis of terrestrial vertebrate distributions or movement
• Proficiency with the most current versions of ArcGIS software and ESRI databases

Note: The successful applicant will be required to complete a background screening before final offer of employment is made

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in biology, geography, wildlife management, or related field
• Proven record of peer reviewed publications
• Experience with spatial analysis of bird distributions
• Experience with large databases of bird sightings such as eBird, GBIF, and the Avian Knowledge Network
• Experience with MaxEnt modeling
• Proficiency using R for statistical or geospatial analyses
• Experience analyzing animal movement data
• Knowledge of raptor ecology and global conservation issues
• Knowledge of publicly available geospatial data for terrestrial land cover

Compensation

• Our employee benefits program plays a vital role in demonstrating our commitment to our employees
• We are pleased to offer eligible employees a benefits program that is comprehensive and among the best among our peer institutions, including a 403(b) retirement program as well as health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance

~ The Peregrine Fund is an Equal Opportunity Employer ~