For more information, contact:
Sigurður Halldór Árnason
Forstöðumaður, Náttúrustofa Vestfjarða
sigurdur@nave.is
Ornithologist
The Natural Science Institute of the Westfjords (NAVE) is looking for a highly motivated and qualified ornithologist. The job involves various projects related to environmental impact assessments, routine monitoring, and/or independent research in the chosen applicant’s specific field of study within ornithology.
The initial project involves using vantage point surveys, along with radar, to determine avian collision risk related to a proposed wind energy farm in the region. This represents an exciting opportunity to influence the development of environmental regulation related to the Wind Energy Industry as it grows from its infancy in Iceland.
The ideal candidate is passionate about birds, biology, and ecology. The ideal candidate should also be enthusiastic about outdoor work, have a keen interest in understanding the natural world, be good at troubleshooting, be self-sufficient, independent, patient, work well with others, and be highly organized as well as empathetic.
The ideal candidate also has experience, or willingness to learn to work with wind energy development companies for shared solutions towards more sustainable wind energy practices. The ideal candidate has a strong general background in the natural sciences and a specialisation in ornithology, avian population dynamics, or avian population ecology or comparable field.
NAVE is a life science institution focusing on terrestrial, marine, and freshwater research, with its main headquarters in Bolungarvík and offices in Hólmavík and Patreksfjörður.
Application Deadline is the 20th of April. Preferred start date is flexible.
Please send cover letter, CV, and references to sigurdur@nave.is
Qualifications:
- Must communicate effectively and be socially adept.
- Must have a M.Sc. in related field, PhD preferred and/or long working experience in a related field.
- Must have experience conducting research in the field of ornithology.
- Must be willing and able to work long hours in the field under strenuous conditions, in mountainous terrain, far from home in the sub-arctic climate.
- Must understand statistical concepts and be capable of statistical analysis using R or other.
- Must be independent, self-sufficient, and motivated.
- Must be able to write and communicate effectively in English.
- Preferably has knowledge of Icelandic or other Scandinavian languages.
- Preferably has experience conducting avian monitoring in relation to wind energy infrastructure development using the Scottish National Heritage methods and/or radar methods.
- Preferably has experience mentoring young scientists.
- Preferably has experience living and working in remote areas.
- Preferably has a strong track record of collaboration and a strong network of potential collaborators.
- Preferably has experience leading projects, creating budgets and meeting set deadlines.
- Preferably has experience in scientific publishing.
- Preferably has general knowledge about ornithological studies related to wind energy infrastructure development.
Perks of the job
- Flexible working hours.
- Flexible work locations within the Westfjords.
Perks of living in Iceland
- 30 days paid vacation each year.
- Paid health insurance.
- Paid maternity leave for up to 6 months.
- Paid paternity leave for up to 6 months.
- Stipends for certifications and employee development.
- Matching retirement fund contributions.
- Numerous union benefits.