Project Officer (Threatened Birds Project) (005758)
This role is responsible for the conducting of day-to-day activities of the TMAG Threatened Birds Project. The project officer coordinates the collection of bird carcasses from TasNetworks, members of the public and other stakeholders, performs necropsies and sample collection on each bird, prepares specimens, manages data-recording and reporting, and contributes to scientific research and documentation of the results of this project in collaboration with the project coordinators. A key outcome of this work is the timely reporting of cause of death for incoming specimens to facilitate effective mitigation of deaths of Tasmania’s threatened raptors by TasNetworks and other stakeholders.
Duties
- Undertake gross necropsies of incoming threatened bird specimens that are lodged by TasNetworks and other agencies and provide expert advice on the likely cause of death and any other health-related factors that may have contributed to the bird’s death.
- Prepare new specimens of birds for both research and museum purposes such as the following: osteology specimens; study skins; spirit specimens; and frozen tissue samples.
- Document and database all collection and biological data on all relevant bird specimens.
- Liaise directly with stakeholders regarding the collection of bird carcasses.
- Develop and maintain professional networks with stakeholders to enhance the scope and accessibility of this collection.
- Provide regular and timely reports on the project to the Senior Curator of Vertebrate Zoology.
- Add to the body of knowledge on the biology of these birds by producing publications from the analysis of data generated from the processing of carcasses, including toxicology and the examination of stomach contents to determine raptor diet.
- Register specimens and retrieve information from TMAG’s databases including assisting with preparation of data for export to the Atlas of Living Australia.
- Assist members of the TMAG Zoology team on other museum projects, as directed by the Senior Curator of Vertebrate Zoology.
Essential Requirements
- An appropriate related degree and qualifications in an appropriate course of study from a recognised tertiary institution (e.g. bachelor’s degree in science or veterinary medicine).
- A current driver’s licence
Desirable Requirements
- A current Level 2 first aid and CPR certificate
- Training in off-road four-wheel driving and vehicle recovery
- Qualifications or experience in veterinary medicine (especially avian)
- Experience in examination of wildlife diet via analysis of scats or stomach contents for osteology fragments and hair identification.
Pre-employment Requirements
The Head of the State Service has determined that the person nominated for this role is to satisfy a pre-employment check before taking up the appointment, promotion or transfer. The following checks are to be conducted.
- Conviction Check (crimes involving dishonesty)
Download the Statement of Duties and Associated Documents
Statement of Duties – Project Officer (Threatened Birds Project) – 005758.docx
Statement of Duties – Project Officer (Threatened Birds Project) – 005758.pdf