Wildlife Disease Surveillance Specialist (Part-Time)

Colorado State University; Pennsylvania; On-site; USD 40,000 - 57,000; Part time

Job summary

Colorado State University seeks a wildlife disease specialist to design a comprehensive wildlife disease surveillance plan for a national park within a One Health framework. The role emphasizes independent work and team collaboration, with strong emphasis on epidemiology, biosafety, and stakeholder communication.

The position is part-time (approximately 10 hours weekly) for 6–9 months, with potential extension.

Qualifications

• Graduate (PhD) or professional (DVM) degree in biological, wildlife or veterinary related fields.
• Experience in wildlife health, epidemiology and diagnostic interpretation.
• Familiarity with biosafety/biosafety practices.

Responsibilities

• Refine goals, objectives, scope and components of the plan with NPS veterinarian and park natural resource managers.
• Identify and prioritize diseases of concern for focal species, considering spillover risks to wildlife and humans.
• Develop surveillance strategies aligned with park management and research operations.
• Establish sample collection, submission and archive protocols and data management plans for surveillance data.
• Develop disease outbreak and wildlife mortality response protocols with reporting and communications.
• Train park personnel and partners in surveillance strategies and safe practices.
• Define a process for structured annual review with partners to evaluate plan effectiveness and emerging threats.
• Maintain timely communication with NPS veterinarian and park managers.

Skills

Wildlife disease

Epidemiology

Diagnostic interpretation

Biosafety

Communication skills

Education

PhD or DVM in biological/wildlife/vet fields

Tools

TEAMS

MS Office 365

Adobe software

Job description

Colorado State University seeks a wildlife disease specialist to design a comprehensive wildlife disease surveillance plan for a national park within a One Health framework. The role emphasizes independent work and team collaboration, with strong emphasis on epidemiology, biosafety, and stakeholder communication.

The position is part-time (approximately 10 hours weekly) for 6–9 months, with potential extension.