Post-Doctoral Fellow in Wild Pig National Damage Assessment

Posting Details

Job Title

Post-Doctoral Fellow in Wild Pig National Damage Assessment

Posting Number

P0329F

Job Description Summary

The School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences at Auburn University is seeking a qualified individual for a postdoctoral Fellowship to provide leadership and support for the National Damage Assessment Program ( NDAP ) of the USDA’s Feral Swine Eradication and Control Pilot Program at Auburn University, in Auburn, Alabama. The NDAP is a joint damage assessment program among principal investigators from Auburn University, Texas A&M University, and Colorado State University and funded through a grant by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service ( NRCS ).

The Feral Swine Eradication and Control Pilot Program ( FSCP ) was established by the 2018 Farm Bill in response to the threat feral swine pose to agriculture, native ecosystems, and human and animal health. The USDA NRCS and USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service ( APHIS ) have been directed to work cooperatively in pilot areas to study and assess the nature and extent of damage caused by feral swine, remove them, and restore the land. The USDA NRCS funded approximately 34 pilot projects in 12 states (Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Texas) during 2020-2021 with state and NGO project partners within each state to address this mission. The purpose of the National Damage Assessment Program is to coordinate the collection of standardized damage data and information on the reduction of feral swine damage to agriculture among all project partners through implementation of the Feral Swine Eradication and Control Pilot Program.

The NDAP provides training to project states on data collection, collates survey data collected by partners, and analyzes data for reporting, research, and publication purposes at a national/project-wide level. Quantitative survey data, monitoring outcomes, and case study data will be collated into final products showcasing FSCP outcomes following feral swine removal and implementing restoration on the impacted lands. The person selected for this position will work under the supervision of the Auburn University academic partner on the campus of Auburn University to provide support and leadership for NDAP project partners. Specifically, this position will work with project partners to ensure timely and accurate data collection, collate outputs from other monitoring activities occurring within pilot projects, and develop semi-technical products to communicate the outcomes of the NDAP . This position will work closely not only with project partners in each of the FSCP states, but also with the other academic partners of the NDAP, NRCS Outcomes Team, and the USDA APHIS National Feral Swine Damage Management Program. In addition to these responsibilities, there is considerable opportunity to analyze and publish previously collected datasets.

This is a 24-month, limited-term, non-tenure track position and is funded by the School of Forestry and Wildlife Science through a grant from the USDA NRCS for up to two years. Continued employment is contingent on the availability of funding and satisfactory performance.

Minimum Qualifications

Candidates must possess a Ph.D. or equivalent degree in wildlife, biology, or a closely related field at the time appointment begins. The successful applicant will demonstrate commitment to timely completion of deliverables, ability to communicate science to non-technical audiences, ability to work collaboratively with project partners from various agencies, and aptitude for publishing in peer-reviewed journals. Excellent written, quantitative, and interpersonal communication skills are required.

In addition, the candidate selected for this position must be able to meet eligibility requirements to work in the United States at the time the appointment is scheduled to begin and continue working legally for the proposed term of employment.

Desired Qualifications

Special Instructions to Applicants

Applicants must complete the online application at this link:
https://www.auemployment.com/postings/24256 to include a letter of interest, Curriculum vitae, names and full contact information of at least three professional references, and unofficial transcripts (transcript should show conferral of Doctorate degree and date of conferral.)

Review of applications will begin August 6, 2021 and will continue until the position is filled.

More information about the School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences can be found at https://sfws.auburn.edu/ . Further questions about the position should be addressed to Dr. Mark D Smith ( mds0007@auburn.edu ; 334-844-8099).

Open Date

07/26/2021

Close Date

EEO Statement

AUBURN UNIVERSITY IS AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION / EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER . It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, sex, religion, color, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by applicable law.

Open Until Filled

Yes

References required for this position?

Yes

If yes, minimum number requested

3
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Optional & Required Documents
Required Documents

1. Cover Letter
2. Curriculum Vitae
3. Transcripts

Optional Documents

1. Other Documentation
2. Other Documentation (2)