Wildlife Employment & Training Opportunities

The Wildlife Disease Association acts as a means to distribute information on wildlife health-related job opportunities and is dedicated to providing information to wildlife professionals and interested parties about training programs and activities focused on wildlife health issues.

To post ads and opportunities, please send to the Website Editor and Newsletter Editor.

Postings will remain on the website for three months or until the application date has passed.

Positions and Training Opportunities: Click on link to view more information, or scroll through listings on this page

Graduate training in Wildlife Veterinary Pathology
Wildlife Faculty
Postdoctoral Fellowship in Amphibian Pathology and Molecular Diagnostics
Research Veterinary Medical Officer
Postdoctoral Position – Ecological Immunology in African Buffalo
Research Scientist Ecology-Epidemiology
Assistant veterinarian – Laos/Vietnam
Peace Corps - Seeking Environmental Professionals

Graduate training in Wildlife Veterinary Pathology

The Department of Veterinary Pathology and the Canadian Cooperative Wildlife Health Centre (CCWHC) at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, has on opening for a veterinarian with wildlife disease and pathology interests to pursue a  MSc or PhD degree.  The successful applicant will be expected to participate in the wildlife diagnostic service of the CCWHC and will be expected to undertake research related to wildlife diseases. The student will have ample opportunity to obtain anatomic pathology training in domestic animals and training to prepare for certifying examination of the American College of Veterinary Pathologists if desired. Various types of scholarship support are available. Qualified non-Canadian veterinarians are encouraged to apply. For further information contact via email: Dr. Gary Wobeser or Dr. Trent Bollinger. Posted 10 Dec 2008

Wildlife Faculty

Unity College seeks to hire a wildlife biologist to join our faculty beginning in the Fall of 2009.  The position is for a generalist with a background in game and nongame species and their habitats.  The successful candidate must be able to teach in the area of wildlife management and be knowledgeable about current techniques, including theory and science.  Field-based experience and demonstrated success in teaching undergraduates are also required.  Knowledge of invasive species, wildlife diseases, applied population modeling, GIS, threatened and endangered species and urban wildlife management is desirable.  Experience working with federal and state wildlife agencies is an advantage.  The primary responsibilities will be to teach, provide leadership in Unity’s wildlife programs, support opportunities for undergraduate research, and advise and mentor students.  This includes teaching existing courses and developing curricula and teaching new courses, coordinating with faculty in related programs, and leading wildlife students in educational and co-curricular activities.  We anticipate a hire at the rank of Assistant Professor, but will consider a hire at the Associate or full Professor rank for individuals whose qualifications and fit with our mission are exceptional.  Successful candidates will have a PhD in an appropriate field or demonstrate outstanding academic performance and/or outstanding professional experience.

Review of applications will begin January 5, 2009 and will continue until the position is filled.  To apply send a cover letter, CV, contact information for five professional references, a statement of teaching philosophy, and three letters of recommendation to Kathleen Hale, Director of Human Resources at khale@unity.edu.  Electronic submissions only.  For the full job advertisement go to www.unity.edu/jobs

Unity College hopes to attract employees who share a commitment to the environment and to human diversity, and who have an interest in helping students develop an understanding of the richness and complexity of individuals and society.  Equal Opportunity Employer Posted 10 Dec 2008

Postdoctoral Fellowship in Amphibian Pathology and Molecular Diagnostics

The Wildlife Disease Laboratories at the Zoological Society of San Diego are seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow in Amphibian Pathology and Molecular diagnostics in support of an Institute of Museum and Library Services funded project that will develop and refine tools necessary to control population-limiting infectious diseases (e.g. chytridiomycosis and Ranavirus infection) in amphibian survival assurance colonies maintained in zoological collections worldwide. The Fellow will be based in a newly established Amphibian Disease Diagnostic Laboratory within the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Center for Conservation Research at the San Diego Zoo's Wild Animal Park. The fellowship will provide exposure and/or training in a full spectrum of techniques applied to amphibian disease investigation including histopathology, real-time PCR and epidemiology. Training materials available for the fellowship are diverse and include diagnostic submissions from a variety of amphibian species recovery programs in the United States and Central America. Ideal candidates for this position will have a D.V.M. or equivalent degree and a minimum of two years post-DVM experience in disciplines that may include Anatomic Pathology, Epidemiology, Molecular Diagnostics or Microbiology. Opportunities to participate in the general zoo animal pathology diagnostic services at the San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park and/or to prepare for the certification examination in Veterinary Pathology are available depending on the interests and background of the applicant. Application deadline is February 2, 2009. The anticipated start date is negotiable, but the position will be available by July 2009. This is a 12-month program with an optional extension for an additional 12 months by mutual agreement. If you are interested please apply on line and e-mail your cover letter and curriculum vitae to Dr. Allan Pessier (apessier@sandiegozoo.org). Posted 1 December 2008

Research Veterinary Medical Officer

Title/Series/Grade - GS-0701-13 Promotion potential to GS-15 Announcement # - ER-2009-0009 Applications will be accepted until midnight on December 5, 2008. Duty Location – USGS National Wildlife Health Center Madison, WI Salary:  $77,670 (Step 01) to $100,976 (Step 10).  FIRST TIME HIRES TO THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT ARE TYPICALLY HIRED AT THE STEP 01.

Key Requirements: * Applicants must be U.S. Citizens. * Travel and relocation expenses are not authorized. * Travel of 1-5 nights per month may be required. * More requirements are listed within the Qualifications and Evaluations Tab.

Position Information: This is a permanent appointment with a full-time work schedule. Major Duties: This position is located in the U.S. Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center located in Madison, Wisconsin.  The objective of the research conducted by the selectee is to interpret the mechanism of diseases in wild animal hosts.  This is accomplished through animal experimentation in the laboratory or the field, evaluation of clinical presentation, gross necropsy and histopathological evaluation of infected animals.  Serve as a member of a team providing the pathology expertise required to fully understand the disease process at play in research investigations.  The selectee independently plans and conducts research on diseases of wild animals which involves the development of disease detection systems and the description of newly emerging diseases.  Conduct analysis of experimental results in cooperation with Team members, integrating results into interpretive written reports.

Please Contact - Melody Sutherland, msutherl@usgs.gov or 703-648-7471 Applications must be submitted online through USAjobs. Posted 15 Nov 2008

Postdoctoral Position – Ecological Immunology in African Buffalo

An NSF funded postdoctoral position is available to study immunological mechanisms underlying interactions between parasites in African buffalo in the wild. The position is part of an integrative study focusing on mechanisms driving interactions between macroparasites and microparasites, and the population and community-level consequences of these interactions for both parasites and hosts. The project combines field, captive, genetic and immunological studies with mathematical modeling and comparative analyses with the objective of understanding the role of within-host processes in shaping large-scale patterns of disease in wild animal populations.  The successful applicant must have a PhD and a strong background in ecological immunology or veterinary immunology. The applicant should also have an interest in applying their skills to the study of immune function and disease in a wild mammal population. The postdoc will participate in field work in Kruger National Park, South Africa, and will be encouraged to develop new studies at the interface of immunology and disease ecology that dovetail with overarching project goals. The preferred applicant will also have excellent communication, writing and quantitative skills. To apply, send a cover letter detailing your interest in the project and suitability for the position, and a CV including the names and contact information of three references to Dr. Vanessa Ezenwa, vanessa.ezenwa@umontana.edu. The position is based at the University of Montana, Missoula. Funding is guaranteed for at two years, with the possibility of an extension for a third year. The start date is flexible, but can be as early as January 1, 2009. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Posted 24 October 2008

Research Scientist Ecology-Epidemiology

The Dutch Wildlife Health Center (DWHC)'s mission is - in collaboration with other institutions - to increase the knowledge of free and captive wildlife health and further the use of this knowledge with regard to public health, health of (domestic) animals and nature conservation. In order to realize this mission, the DWHC seeks a research scientist, who will work in an interdisciplinary manner at the interface of ecology and epidemiology of wildlife disease.

The successful candidate is qualified in (medical) biology, veterinary medicine or a related field and has a PhD degree. We seek a researcher with some years of experience in wildlife ecology and health and with specific expertise in methods of epidemiological and statistical analysis or the willingness to acquire the latter within a reasonable time frame. Alternatively, an epidemiologist with knowledge of modelling and affinity for the ecology of wildlife is also qualified for this position. The candidate must be proficient in both spoken and written English. Knowledge of the Dutch language is preferred, but not a prerequisite. Publications in peer-reviewed journals and acquisition of extramural funds are expected. The successful candidate must be able to work in a team as well as independently and needs to be stress resistant. She/he will be part of a small core group that must stimulate the future development of the DWHC.

The DWHC is recently moved to the Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University Utrecht, The Netherlands. Salary is according to scale 11 (gross € 3129 - 4284) of the Collective Labour Agreement Dutch Universities and depends on experience. Starting date is as soon as possible. To apply for this position, submit a CV, letter of intent and contact information for 3 references to P&O (M.E.J.Willemse@uu.nl). Please include the vacancy number: (12873). For further information please contact a.groene@uu.nl Posted 21 September 2008

Assistant veterinarian – Laos/Vietnam

The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) is dedicated to saving wildlife and wild lands.  WCS has field conservation projects around the globe, pioneering education programs, and the largest system of urban wildlife parks in the United States.  Together, these activities inspire people to imagine wildlife and humans living together sustainably.  WCS believes this work to be essential to the integrity of life on earth.

In 1989, WCS developed its Field Veterinary Program—the first and largest of its kind—in response to the growing recognition of the critical role that animal health plays in both development and conservation.  The Field Veterinary Program, now Global Health Programs, seeks an Assistant Veterinarian to coordinate and advise a program of avian influenza surveillance in wild birds, under an initiative funded through the National Institute of Health and National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.  The prime objective of this initiative is the collection of samples from birds at the wild-domestic interface (including wild birds in trade and free-flying). This position is based in Laos, and will work closely with an existing WCS project focusing on wildlife trade. Additional sampling will take place in Vietnam. The position is expected to evolve as funding is secured to explore the transmission dynamics of a wider range of pathogens within wildlife trade.   The Assistant Veterinarian will be responsible for helping the WCS Regional Veterinarian implement program priorities and approaches; oversee training and biological monitoring efforts; communicate with NGOs, governmental organization and with other institutions; and develop sound funding proposals to broaden the scope of the Program.

Requirements and Qualifications:

Candidates are required to have a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine (or equivalent) and at least three years of experience working with non-domestic species.  Experience working in Southeast Asia and familiarity with wildlife trade issues would be desirable. Other qualifications include: willingness to work in complex traditional and diverse cultural settings; willingness to work flexible hours; and ability to adapt approaches to local cultures and project situation while maintaining the high standards of WCS.  Foreign languages skills are advantageous.

The principle responsibilities of this position:

• To give direct oversight to research assistants on all aspects of field sampling and operations related to the field sampling for AI research and surveillance;
• To assist the Regional Field Veterinarian in training field biologists to handle wildlife and collect biological samples;
• To assist the Regional Field Veterinarian to develop health monitoring components into existing WCS conservation programs, which will involve collaboration with WCS Global Conservation Programs and other WCS entities
• To oversee export of samples, to international laboratories, including adherence to permitting and handling requirements for diagnostic samples.

• To provide complete and regular reports as required by funding agencies and sources;
• To assist the Regional Field Veterinarian in advising foreign governments on wildlife health and management issues;
• To assist the Regional Field Veterinarian in developing new surveillance programs through novel partnerships;
• To assist the Regional Field Veterinarian in providing veterinary services to field conservation projects;
• To contribute scientific and lay publications regarding wildlife health and conservation as time allows;
• To participate in public speaking, public relations work, and fund raising activities;
• To contribute to, enlarge, and uphold the Society’s policies toward the Equal Employment Opportunities for women, minorities, veterans, the handicapped, and other protected groups.

Please send cover letter and CV with subject “Laos/Vietnam Asst. Vet” to Dr. Martin Gilbert, mgilbert@wcs.org, copy to recruitment@wcs.org   Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/H/V Posted 5 September 2008

Peace Corps is Seeking Environmental Professionals!

Are you looking for a different way to share information and educate others about the environment while living and working in a developing nation?  Peace Corps may be the answer.  Founded by President John F. Kennedy, the Peace Corps was created to provide education and technical training to citizens of other countries and to foster cross‑cultural exchange.  Since 1961, over 190,000 Volunteers have served in 139 countries around the world.  Peace Corps is looking for environmental professionals who are interested in new and challenging opportunities or considering alternatives to traditional retirement. Volunteers work in local communities to create sustainable environmentally focused projects varying from potable water systems to community recycling and reforestation programs.  The education and professional background of volunteers includes: biologists, engineers, foresters, as well as educators and park administrators.  Volunteers come from all walks of life but every one shares in their dedication to the environment and improving the lives of others. Peace Corps is a 27-month commitment and provides a living allowance,  full medical and dental care, transportation to and from the assigned country, as well as readjustment funds on completion of service. Immerse yourself in a new culture and have the experience of a lifetime working with others.  For more information on the Peace Corps, and opportunities focused on the environment, click here or copy and paste the link below into your web browser. www.peacecorps.gov/index.cfm?shell=learn.whatvol.env&cid=wda