The San Juan Bay Estuary Program (ESTUARIO) is seeking undergraduates, recent graduates, or graduate school enrolled students to assist as the Estuario Bird Fellow in developing a Bird Biodiversity Index and Data Analysis. The objective is to enhance the scientific value of ESTUARIO Bird Census Data by creating biodiversity and biological index based on the ESTUARIO Bird Census Data collected since 2017. The Bird Fellow is expected to perform other population data analyses that translate field observations into useful information for population dynamic tracking (time series), including numerical indicators that capture and reflect general environmental conditions and trends.
Since 1999, the ESTUARIO has sponsored a Christmas bird count in different areas in the San Juan Bay Estuary Watershed. The Gamaliel Pagan Bird Census is performed in coordination with the Christmas Bird Count sponsored by the National Audubon Society.
The Gamaliel Pagan Bird Census is conducted from December 14 until January 5 each season.
RESPONSIBILITIES
The Bird Fellow will perform the following tasks:
- Review, analyze, and compile the bird census data obtained since 2017 as a product of the bird census activities lead by the ESTUARIO.
- Develop appropriate methods of statistical analysis using information from the collected data to guide the development of the model that would yield quantitative analysis of abundance or tren in population size
- Recommend protocols as needed to make the census a more reliable source of bird population data.
- Coordinate meetings with the ESTUARIO Education Manager and the ESTUARIO Scientific Director to discuss observations, findings, and recommendations.
- Perform the necessary data analysis to develop the Bird Biodiversity Index within three months
- Present a final report and perform a presentation to the ESTUARIO Staff and the Scientific and Technical Advisory Committee (STAC). Incorporate input from STAC members.
- Prepare a webinar to present, explain, and discuss the newly develop Bird Biodiversity Index.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate school program or a recent graduate in wildlife biology, environmental science, ecology, or related field preferred.
- Availability for three months
- Knowledge of birds and bird conservation, especially related to urban protection and threats to birds
- Excellent written and spoken (English and Spanish) skills
- Excellent analytical and writing (English) skills
- Sound planning, time management, and administrative skills
- Excellent computer skills with proficiency in GIS, Microsoft Word, Excel, PPT
HOW TO APPLY
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume/CV by email no later than December 11 2020, to: [email protected]. The email must be directed to [email protected] and must specify in the subject the title of the position, “Estuario Bird Fellow.”
THE SAN JUAN BAY ESTUARY PROGRAM
The San Juan Bay Estuary Program (SJBEP) is part of the National Estuary Program (NEP), created under Section 320 of the Clean Water Act (CWA), and managed nationally by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). Its mission is to improve the water quality of the San Juan Bay Estuary. Per Section 320 of the CWA, each of the 28 entities affiliated to the NEP must submit to EPA Administrator a Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP) to guide the restoration efforts of the most critical coastal ecosystems for the economy of the Nation. The primary responsibility of each organization under the NEP is to coordinate and measure the plan’s implementation in partnership with the community, state, local, and federal governments and Academia.
The Corporation for the Conservation of the SJBE provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or genetics.
