Position Announcement: Bird Conservation Coordinator

The Vermont Center for Ecostudies (VCE), under the aegis of the International Bicknell's Thrush Conservation Group (IBTCG), seeks a highly motivated individual to coordinate on-the-ground bird conservation activities on Hispaniola and other Greater Antillean islands. Primary emphasis will be on networking with local partners and facilitating conservation actions for Bicknell's Thrush and montane forest habitats on each island, following recommendations in IBTCG's 2010 Conservation Action Plan for Bicknell's Thrush. Overall objectives for the position include (1) strengthening collaborative partnerships throughout the Greater Antilles and in North America; (2) developing and implementing conservation projects that include land protection, habitat management and restoration, monitoring and scientific research, local capacity building, and outreach; and (3) coordinating overall communication within the IBTCG and its partner groups relative to wintering Bicknell's Thrush conservation issues and activities in the Greater Antilles. A detailed description of job responsibilities and qualifications is available at http://www.vtecostudies.org/PDF/coordinator.pdf.

The successful candidate will have: (1) a B.S. or higher in conservation biology, ecology, social sciences, or natural resource management; (2) a minimum of 3 years on-the-ground experience in conservation biology or a related field; (3) prior work in Latin America and/or the Caribbean; (4) spoken and written fluency in Spanish and English (working knowledge of French and/or Creole is desirable); (5) excellent oral and written communications skills; (6) demonstrated strong human relations and networking abilities; (7) experience raising funds and a willingness to assist in fundraising efforts targeted at the Caribbean; (8) facility on computers (a working knowledge of GIS is desirable); and (9) a wilingness to travel extensively to and within the Dominican Republic and Haiti, as well as to other Greater Antillean islands, and Vermont. Compensation will be commensurate with education and experience, and the position will be eligible for VCE benefits.

Qualified candidates should submit a curriculum vitae and letter of interest, including names and contact information of 3 references to: Chris Rimmer, Vermont Center for Ecostudies, P.O. Box 420, Norwich, VT 05055 USA, or by e-mail to crimmer@vtecostudies.org. Deadline for applications is July 15, 2011 and the anticipated starting date is October 15.