AQUATIC ECOLOGIST (GS-0408-11/12) ARCTIC NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE, ALASKA

The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is recruiting for an Aquatic Ecologist to design and implement studies of freshwater and marine resources. The Aquatic Ecologist will be responsible for inventory and long-term monitoring of aquatic ecosystem components, including flora, fauna, and physical processes. This position will be based in Fairbanks, Alaska and will report to the Arctic Refuge’s Supervisory Ecologist as well as to the National Wildlife Refuge System’s Inventory and Monitoring Program. The successful candidate will have a strong background in aquatic ecology, including demonstrated ability to: (1) identify information needs for aquatic-resources management; (2) implement appropriate and scientifically sound studies; and (3) prepare reports and publish results in peer-reviewedscientific literature. He or she will have the desire to work in spectacular, remote areas under challenging environmental conditions, and will be a skilled communicator with demonstrated leadership qualities.

The 19.3-million acre Arctic Refuge is located north of the Arctic Circle in northeastern Alaska. Within refuge boundaries there are 7.2 million acres of designated Wilderness, the highest mountains of the Brooks Range, 18 major, free-flowing rivers (including 3 designated Wild Rivers), and numerous streams, lakes, wetlands, estuaries and coastal lagoons. The refuge provides unparalleled opportunities for studying ecological processes and trends in intact, naturally functioning arctic andsubarctic ecosystems. Refuge habitats are extremely varied, hosting a high diversity of forest, alpine, tundra, freshwater and marine-associated species. Two hundred species of birds, 45 species of mammals, and 36 species of fishhave been documented on the refuge. Varied topography, soils, and ice-associated features, in combination with extreme seasonality, result in a wide range of plant communities and interesting assemblages of flora and fauna. The refuge is a world-class destination for wilderness adventure and hunting, and is used by local rural residents for subsistence hunting and gathering.

For more information about this opportunity, please see the job announcement at http://www.usajobs.gov/ (Vacancy Announcement Number R7-11-429323-CS for all U.S. Citizens, and R7-11-429245-CS for current Federal employees). Applications must be received by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on 23 May 2011. For additional information, pleasecontact Arctic Refuge Supervisory Ecologist Dr. David Payer at 907- 455-1830 or david_payer@fws.gov.