Associate Population Biologist, AZA Population Management Center

The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Population Management Center (PMC) at Lincoln Park Zoo is a specialized team of scientists advising the cooperatively managed AZA Animal Programs (Species Survival Plans® (SSPs), SAFE Programs, AZA Studbooks), with an ultimate goal of improving the viability of zoo and aquarium animal populations.  The Associate Population Biologist provides scientific analyses and guidance to the Animal Programs, collaborates with staff at zoos and aquariums around the country to support the management of ex situ population, and collaborates on software and research related to the management of small populations of animals. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Work with Studbook Keepers and Program Coordinators from zoos and aquariums around the country to prepare pedigree (“studbook”) databases for analyses, complete standard demographic and genetic analyses on the populations, and develop recommendations for future breeding and transfers.
• Write reports on population analyses and breeding and transfer recommendations, and facilitate communication of these to zoos and aquariums participating in the Animal Programs.
• Analyze databases and other records to resolve issues related to animal population management.
• Provide assistance (via phone, email, virtual, or in-person) to Studbook Keepers and Program Coordinators on questions related to database analyses and population management.
• Provide training on population management topics to zoo and aquarium professionals, Lincoln Park Zoo visitors and staff, and other audiences, as needed.
• Travel to AZA conferences and meetings to represent the AZA PMC.
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of population management software.
• Dependent on background and capabilities, participate in research and/or projects in population biology, data management, or other aspects of cooperative Animal Programs.
• Participate in the Lincoln Park Zoo Conservation and Science Department’s team approach to ongoing population biology research and/or data management projects.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of the AZA PMC at Lincoln Park Zoo.
• Complete work via a blend of remote working from home and in-person working in the office in Chicago, with an expected start date in early June.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES OF A SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE

• Master’s Degree in biology or closely related scientific discipline is preferred, or equivalent experience.
• Strong computer and organizational skills.
• Detail-oriented, capable of handling multiple tasks, and able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong scientific and professional written and verbal communication skills, including comfort with speaking publicly to a variety of audiences.
• Well-developed interpersonal skills. Ability to work well with diverse people in the AZA community – tactful, mature, flexible. Able to facilitate large meetings with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong background in population biology, use and interpretation of simulation and deterministic models, and broad knowledge of species biologies.
• Experience with zoo and aquarium based population management Animal Programs and software (e.g., PopLink, ZIMS for Studbooks, PMx, PMCTrack), preferred.
• Experience working with aquatic species, their husbandry, and/or aquariums, preferred.
• Ability to professionally represent the AZA PMC at external meetings.
• Commitment to wildlife conservation through management of wild and zoo and aquarium populations.
• Willingness to participate in the Lincoln Park Zoo’s team approach to projects.  

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to work at a desk/computer for seven hours per day.
• Ability to travel to conferences on behalf of the AZA PMC.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able to work up to five weekends per year, to participate in conferences.
• Availability to work one Lincoln Park Zoo special event that may occur outside of regular work schedule, including evening, weekend or holiday, as required.
• Provide proof of COVID 19 vaccination.

SALARY RANGE

• $46,000-48,000
• Lincoln Park Zoo is committed to an environment that is inclusive and welcoming.
• Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and others who identify as nonwhite, people with disabilities, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and those with lived experience with racism and/or misogynoir are encouraged to apply We celebrate the diverse qualities, perspectives, values and experiences of all people.
• For Wildlife.
• For All.

Salary

• $46k-$48k