Research Fellow in Sustainable Conservation Program Development
We are not currently accepting applications for this internship
Biodiversity Assessment, Monitoring and Conservation Program (BAMCP)
Peruvian Amazon Biodiversity - Lower Urubamba Region
Center for Conservation Education and Sustainability
Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute
The Smithsonian Institution’s Center for Conservation Education and Sustainability (CCES) is seeking a highly creative and motivated research fellow to develop innovative, sustainable, and long-term conservation programs in Amazonian Peru.
Requirements
The fellow will:
- Be responsible for the design of multiple long-term sustainable community development program proposals which contribute to the conservation of habitats and species. The proposals will have defined aims, activities, community benefits and biodiversity conservation outcomes. The programs will consider local and regional biodiversity needs and priorities.
- Be expected to develop rigorous protocols to monitor the conservation outcomes of the programs in order to assess whether they are meeting their objectives.
- Be involved in developing a capacity building program for industrial operations staff on biodiversity conservation and community development related compensation programs.
This initiative will factor into a larger research effort in the area which is focused on documenting the region’s biological diversity, assessing the affects of extractive-use operations on local flora and fauna, and working with government and private-sector decision-makers to minimize these impacts.
This position is based in Washington, DC but will require extensive field work in Peru. The successful applicant should expect to spend multiple months of the year in Peru. The position is a one-year appointment with high potential for extension.
Background
CCES's goals are:
- To engage in world-class informal and formal science education
- Identify, recruit and educate the next generation of conservation practitioners
- Provide business and industry with science-based solutions for minimizing their affect on biodiversity
- Develop innovative and strategic partnerships that result in science-based conservation solutions.
Field programs carried out by the CCES are founded on scientific research, the need to integrate biodiversity conservation into industry and development activities, engagement with stakeholders in conservation planning and effective public communication of research findings. CCES has over fifteen years of experience integrating biodiversity conservation into energy development projects and has completed a number of projects during this period throughout Peru.
CCES’s Peruvian Amazon Biodiversity Assessment, Monitoring and Conservation Program is dedicated to advancing fundamental scientific discovery, capacity building and understanding of biological diversity in the Peruvian Amazon and often works through innovative partnerships with private industries working in key biodiversity strongholds.
Qualifications
The successful applicant will have:
- A Ph.D. or equivalent in ethnobiology, conservation biology, anthropology, biological sciences, natural resource management, environmental management, or related discipline appropriate to the position. Individuals that have a master’s degree combined with ample experience on these topics are also encouraged to apply.
- Research experience and publication record in peer-reviewed journals.
- Experience working in remote tropical areas. Candidates who have worked in Amazonian Peru will be strongly preferred.
- Knowledge and understanding of communal reserves. The applicant must show an understanding of both human cultures and the importance of biodiversity.
- Strong leadership, organizational, and problem solving skills, and the ability to make independent decisions.
- Positive attitude and ability to address challenges as they arise.
- Fluency in English and Spanish is preferred. Most work will be conducted bilingually.
We are not currently accepting applications for this internship
