You will be responsible for developing and implementing a sustainable concept for the long-term control of an invasive ant infestation on a 5 ha property, and for strengthening the future resilience of the site and its urban ecosystem against invasive ants.
Since 2009, the Abendrot Pension Fund Foundation has been the owner of the « Lagerplatz », a former Sulzer industrial site in Winterthur. Today, the Lagerplatz offers a lively and colourful mix of uses, including university facilities, studios/offices, commercial premises, retail outlets, leisure facilities, residential accommodation, restaurants/hostels, and storage space.
In spring 2023, ants of the invasive species Tapinoma magnum were discovered in the vicinity of Winterthur railway station. Monitoring commissioned by AWEL in 2023 revealed that the Lagerplatz (46,500 m²) and the adjacent SBB railway tracks (92,000 m²) and another adjacent plot of land were already heavily infested.
The Abendrot’s goal is to sustainably reduce the invasive ant population at the Lagerplatz, prevent its spread throughout the whole site and beyond, and find ways to promote the resilience and resistance of this urban ecosystem to ant invasions in the long term.
Tasks & responsibilities
Non-exhaustive list
– Monitoring Tapinoma magnum’s nests across the site
– Targeted control using environmentally friendly methods
– Careful monitoring including evaluation (conducting surveys, analyzing infestation dynamics, and maintaining a detailed GIS database)
– Developing holistic concepts for achieving the formulated objectives, including cost estimates and scheduling (as a basis for decision-making by the client)
– Planning and implementation of the measures validated by the client
– Regular exchange with specialists, researchers, and those affected in other similar projects
– Regular communication with those responsible for adjacent or neighboring infested properties, as well as with specialists, researchers, and those affected in other similar projects
– Regular information to the client and exchange on how to proceed (regular meetings + written reports)
– Information from/exchange with tenants, neighbors, authorities; support with public relations
– Long-term research & innovation:
– Developing and implementing innovative approaches to test new control methods or optimize existing strategies, e.g., by adjusting bait compositions or evaluating alternative non-chemical methods.
– Documenting results and contributing to collaborative research initiatives with academic and professional partners.
Your profile
– You are a motivated, independent, and solution-oriented professional who is capable of managing and implementing all aspects of ant control strategy, from direct control to long-term prevention measures.
– You have a master’s or doctoral degree in ecology, biology, or a related field, ideally with knowledge of invasive species management or pest
control.
– You have practical experience in field research, particularly in the monitoring and control of insect populations. Familiarity with mapping tools (e.g., GIS) and basic data visualization techniques.
– You are distinguished by the following skills and characteristics:
– Independent and self-reliant approach to work
– Interest in researching, studying, and summarizing scientific literature, particularly in the field of pest control
– Strong problem-solving and organizational skills to tackle complex ecological challenges
– Physical resilience and adaptability for active outdoor work
– Excellent communication skills to interact with stakeholders and educate non-specialists about the development of measures and the control of invasive ants
Your client
Founded in 1984, Abendrot is a Swiss pension fund with over 16,500 insured members. Its investment policy is based on the pillars of health, environment, and justice. It is exclusively interested in long-term, valuable investments. In all real estate projects, its goal is to create forward-looking and sustainable added value by actively promoting positive ecological and social developments.
You can expect an exciting challenge with a high degree of personal responsibility, a varied role in which you will work independently but in constant
contact with various stakeholders and the client.
Send your detailed application by email to: geraldine.zuger@abendrot.ch
For further information please contact Tina Puffert, Project Manager at Stiftung Abendrot: tina.puffert@abendrot.ch, Tel: 061 269 91 13
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