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Career Opportunities

Non-Game Biologist/Herpetologist
Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program

• Type: Full-time, contract-funded position, with funding available through 2010
• Employer: Western Pennsylvania Conservancy
• Location: Pleasant Gap, Centre County, PA
• Salary: Competitive salary and benefits
• Closing date: May 15, 2009

Description: The Non-Game Biologist/Herpetologist is responsible for assisting in protection, conservation, management, and research efforts concerning native Pennsylvania reptiles and amphibians, as well as nongame fishes and other aquatic organisms. The position will be based in central Pennsylvania at the offices of the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission (PFBC), which regulates and protects reptiles, amphibians, and aquatic animal species in Pennsylvania. This position will support, assist, and be co-supervised by Western Pennsylvania Conservancy (WPC) and the PFBC nongame and endangered species biologist.

Job responsibilities:

• Conduct in-office reviews of development permit applications for the presence of endangered, threatened, and special concern amphibian, reptile, and aquatic species.
• Collection, management, analysis, and interpretation of data pertaining to the state’s endangered, threatened and special concern amphibian, reptile, and aquatic species.
• Review, processing, and monitoring related to collection permits and resulting data.
• Respond to requests for information about reptiles and amphibians, endangered species, and other nongame issues.
• Serve as the PFBC liaison to the Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program (PNHP) and help to implement joint initiatives.
• Special projects may include field surveys for endangered and threatened species. Field work may involve long hours in adverse conditions and extensive travel throughout the state.

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in zoology, ecology, or biology, with a concentration in herpetology and/or fisheries or a related natural science area or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Knowledge and experience with Pennsylvania's native reptiles and amphibians primarily, but also fish and aquatic invertebrates, and their habitats.
• Ability to evaluate habitat conditions and collect and process specimens.
• Experience with statistical analysis of animal data and a variety of environmental data on ecological communities.
• Familiarity with the methodology of the network of natural heritage programs, remote sensing applications, and geographic information systems.
• At least 3 years of professional experience in the field of herpetology or wildlife management.
• Functional computer skills: word processing, spreadsheet and database use, other standard office software.
• Ability to work independently.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work in variable weather conditions, remote locations, and at times under physically demanding circumstances.
• Valid driver’s license.

Application Instructions:

Email resume and cover letter, including salary expectations to wpcjobs@paconserve.org and list herp021 in the subject line of the email. Deadline for applying is May 15, 2009.

The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy is an equal opportunity employer.