Job Tag: Conservation

This position is for a dynamic individual who is passionate about conservation and prepared to take on a shifting array of tasks and projects in support of WeConservePA’s mission to help people care for, wisely use, and enjoy what nature offers. As part of a small staff pursuing ambitious goals and implementing a robust and ever-evolving work program, the project assistant must be self-motivated, creative, resourceful, capable of deep focus, and organized. They must have strong written communication skills. They must be comfortable working directly with people and in addressing multiple projects and needs concurrently.

The project assistant reports directly to the executive director and will work—depending on the nature of a particular project—solo or in partnership or in an assisting role with other members of staff.

The position offers the right individual responsibility and opportunity to advance within the organization.
ELEMENTS OF THE POSITION

The exact mix of projects, tasks, and responsibilities taken on by the project assistant will depend on the organization’s ongoing strategizing and current opportunities and needs. Depending in part on the project assistant’s particular set of skills and talents, work elements could include any or all of the following and more:

Preparing email, social media, web, and print communications—including writing original content, graphics, and overall design.
Organizing online seminars and annual in-person conference (160 or more attendees) for Environmental Advisory Council volunteers and municipal staff.
Assisting with the planning and execution of multi-day, large-scale events—the annual Pennsylvania Land Conservation Conference and biennial Pennsylvania Greenways & Trails Summit—as well as smaller events and meetings.
Assisting with legislative outreach.
Direct outreach to member and allied organization staff and volunteers on various matters.
Administration of WeConservePA grant programs (e.g., the Conservation Easement Assistant Program).
Assist with implementation and ongoing management of new CRM, donor management, and events registration system.

QUALIFICATIONS

Ability to manage multiple assignments and deadlines
Strong attention to detail and accuracy; solid research skills.
Competent in the use of office productivity software (Microsoft 365)
Demonstrated experience with CRMs and visual design tools such as Canva and Adobe Illustrator and InDesign is a plus.
Enthusiastic self-starter and practical problem-solver; outstanding analytical skills,
creativity, and resourcefulness.
Exceptional writing and interpersonal skills.
Skilled in project management and keeping multiple projects flowing simultaneously.
Comfortable working independently and as a team member.
Personal commitment to conservation.

The Forestry Specialist plays a key role in supporting and advancing Openlands’ urban forestry initiatives by combining program development, volunteer engagement, community outreach, and technical arboriculture expertise. Working in collaboration with other Openlands team members and external stakeholders, this position leads and supports a suite of forestry projects, including community tree plantings, maintenance events, volunteer trainings, and continuing education. The Forestry Specialist also serves as a critical liaison to the TreeKeepers network, neighborhood groups, and partner organizations to promote long-term urban forest stewardship.

This in-person full-time, exempt position requires flexibility for seasonal weekend and occasional evening work and reports to the Director of Forestry.

Essential Functions
• Design, coordinate, and lead community-driven urban forestry projects
• Manage and facilitate the Openlands TreeKeepers Course and TreeKeepers newsletter, including instructor coordination, material development, and participant recruitment.
• Develop and implement specialized training and continuing education events for volunteers and professionals.
• Plan and execute tree planting projects, including site selection, permitting, contractor coordination, tree species selection, and material procurement.
• Collect, track, and report data on plantings, tree care activities, and volunteer engagement for internal use, grants, and communications.
• Recruit, train, and support TreeKeepers, volunteers, neighborhood leaders, and community groups in tree stewardship.
• Lead volunteer workdays, stewardship events, and public engagement initiatives across the region.
• Cultivate and support a growing Spanish-speaking contingent within Openlands Forestry programs to increase accessibility and inclusivity.
• Expand partnerships with local organizations and TreeKeeper Chapters to broaden the program’s impact and reach.
• Respond to citizen and community inquiries related to urban forestry and tree care.
• Lead and support community meetings and informational sessions
• Represent Openlands at regional and national conferences, community events, and partner meetings.
• Provide technical guidance an serve as a point of expertise and an ambassador, both internally and externally, to support and enhance policy, planning, and communication efforts across the organization
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education, Skills & Abilities

• Bachelor’s degree in forestry, urban forestry, arboriculture, horticulture, landscape management, or a related field OR Certified Arborist with at least three years of relevant experience.
• ISA Certified Arborist credential or ability to obtain within one year of employment.
• Hands-on experience with urban forestry practices including tree identification, planting, pruning, and tree care.
• Strong experience in volunteer coordination and community engagement.
• Proven ability to manage multiple complex projects and stakeholder relationships simultaneously.
• Experience teaching, leading public presentations, and facilitating workshops or training sessions.
• Proficiency in Google Workspace, Microsoft Office Suite, and digital data collection tools.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) proficiency is a plus.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and perform physical labor in outdoor conditions throughout the year.
• Valid Illinois Driver’s License and reliable transportation (required throughout employment).
• Passion for environmental conservation, climate resilience, and equitable access to green spaces.

Salary: $60,000.00 – $65,000.00 per year

The Southeast Coastal Plain Land Steward provides technical leadership and support to a business unit and plans and directs and assists preserve management programs and stewardship of TNC land interests in the coastal plain of NC. They will assume roles in land management and restoration projects on TNC lands and with partner organizations. Specific duties will include but are not limited to managing projects, developing and administering contracts for habitat management, planning and implementing prescribed fire, planning restoration activities, assisting, coordination, and management of TNC interns, fire staff, and volunteers, monitoring conservation easements and fee lands, general preserve maintenance, and public outreach.

RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE

Performs tasks with minimal supervision and makes independent decisions based on analysis, experience and context.
Ensures program compliance with internal policies and external requirements.
May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.

We’re Looking for You:

If you’re looking for a career where you can find meaning and purpose, come join our Chapter as the Southeast Coastal Plain Land Steward! Not only will you fulfill conservation objectives in the beautiful state of North Carolina, but you’ll also contribute to conservation goals through many networks!

We’re looking for a passionate, dedicated person to help with our work. Systems Leadership, creativity, and the ability to influence without authority are key in this role. Come join TNC and apply today!

What You’ll Bring:

Bachelor’s degree and 3 years’ experience in natural resource management or similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience in prescribed fire, FFT1 qualified or experienced prescribed fire practitioner with demonstrated skill and experience.
Ability to complete arduous pack test (3 mile walk with 45lbs in 45 minutes or less).
Relationship building experience to work closely with a variety of partners, i.e., media, government officials, internal scientists.
Experience completing tasks independently with respect to timeline(s).
Experience with communication via written, spoken and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.
Experience using common software applications such as Word, Excel, web browsers, etc.
Experience conducting training.
Must have valid driver’s license.

Desired Qualifications

Multilingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.

Strong interpersonal skills, including excellent communication (verbal and written) with staff, colleagues, partners and the public, effective leadership skills, the ability to work in a team environment, an understanding of conflict
3-5 years’ experience in natural resource management, similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Single Resource Boss qualified, willingness to work towards RxB2
Ability and willingness to apply science to decision-making and guide resource management activities.
Experience interpreting and analyzing ecological monitoring data.
Knowledge of ecological land management principles.
Knowledge of current trends and practices in conservation, land management and natural resource preservation.
Experience working independently with strong problem-solving and organizational skills; coordinating multiple projects, setting priorities with realistic deadlines, and working productively without close supervision.
Ability to simplify and explain the principles of conservation science and practices to technical and non-technical audiences.
Experience developing, negotiating, and implementing contracts, agreements and plans.
Experience using ArcGIS products (mobile and desktop).
Willingness to work long hours, especially during the burn season, and/or perform physically demanding and sometimes dangerous work, at times under adverse conditions.
Familiarity with the plants, animals, and ecosystems of southeast North Carolina

Salary Range: $57,000 – $63,000 annually

The Amphibian and Reptile Conservancy (ARC) is seeking a Gulf Coastal Plains Regional Director to lead and strengthen our existing, established conservation programs across Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas. The Director provides regional strategies, supervises staff, maintains partnerships, and develops projects that connect species conservation, habitat restoration, and applied research.

The regional portfolio includes gopher tortoise headstarting and black pinesnake monitoring at Camp Shelby and surrounding landscapes; dusky gopher frog habitat recovery; Houston toad restoration and reintroductions in Texas; Red Hills salamander Cooperative Benefit Agreements and monitoring in Alabama; and aquatic habitat restoration and monitoring for flattened musk turtles and black warrior waterdogs in the Bankhead landscape. Working closely with ARC’s National Programs Director, other Regional Coordinators, and National Strategy Programs, the Coordinator ensures these programs are well supported, scientifically sound, and positioned for long-term continuity. The position combines staff leadership, partnership development, strategic planning, and grant and project management with regular field engagement.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in wildlife biology, ecology, natural resources, or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience.
Demonstrated experience managing conservation projects, including work planning, budgets, reporting, and juggling priorities.
Experience supervising and mentoring staff and coordinating geographically dispersed teams.
Working knowledge of southeastern amphibian and reptile ecology, conservation needs, and monitoring methods.
Strong communication and partnership-building skills, including technical writing and collaboration with agencies, landowners, and conservation organizations.
Strong organization, judgment, and initiative, with the ability to maintain reliable project and data records and solve problems independently and collaboratively.

Preferred Qualifications

Advanced training or experience in strategic conservation planning, program development, and securing and managing grants.
Experience with regional focal species, conservation husbandry, headstarting, reintroductions, or post-release monitoring.
Experience restoring longleaf pine, wetland, or stream habitats and coordinating contractors or technical specialists.
Familiarity with military installation, USFS, or private lands conservation, including NRCS programs
Technologically savvy, with a proficiency in GIS or landscape-level ecological data synthesis and analysis.

Physical Requirements

Ability to hike up to 10 miles per day over steep, rough, or uneven terrain while carrying at least 50 lbs of equipment to remote project sites.
Physical strength to lift and carry a minimum of 50 lbs of specialized gear (e.g., mesocosm tanks, drift fences).
Capability to wade in rivers/streams and perform physically taxing aquatic activities (e.g., snorkeling, fish shocking).
Agility to perform considerable climbing, balancing, stooping, and walking off-trail through dense vegetation.
Physical capacity to engage in manual labor, including habitat restoration tasks such as shrub and tree removal and equipment maintenance.
Strength and quickness required for safe handling of wildlife and self-protection from potentially dangerous animals.
Willingness and ability to work outdoors year-round for extended periods (e.g., 10-hour days, night surveys) in all weather conditions, including extreme heat, cold, rain, and wind.
Proficiency in operating 4×4 vehicles on rugged roads and machines such as tractors, boats, or ATVs.
High attention to detail and sharp sensory requirements to accurately identify species and notice subtle changes in behavior.

Continually sitting at a desk and working on a computer for prolonged periods .
Continually required to hear, talk, and utilize visual acuity to operate equipment, read technical information, and or use a keyboard.

Compensation: $70k + benefits package

The National Aquarium is seeking a Conservation Programs Manager to manage Conservation Programs work including budget preparation, grant writing and management, implementation of work plans including extensive management of paid and unpaid labor, extensive multi-day field work, and data collection and analysis. The manager tracks all technical and financial aspects of the programs, including communication of results through technical and lay presentations, evaluation of project results and preparation of summary reports including detailed financial reporting, coordinating multiple projects, each in different phases at once.

QUALIFICATIONS:

· Bachelor’s degree in environmental science or related field with strong background in tidal wetlands ecology and biodiversity, or related science coursework and a thorough knowledge of environmental science, estuaries, and tidal wetland ecology demonstrated through at least 2 years of progressively responsible hands-on experience

· 1+ year of experience writing grants and managing projects with demonstrated experience in management of field work reporting and budget tracking is required

· Significant analytical, problem solving skills, and decision-making skills are required

· Ability to speak about conservation initiatives to the general public, including presentations to colleagues and interactions the media. Must have strong written and oral communication skills

· Ability to set and shift priorities and efficiently manage and conduct multiple projects/activities concurrently

· Excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills including fluency with Microsoft Office applications

· Must be prepared to work in various outdoor terrains and weather conditions.

· Responsible for care and maintenance of equipment, supplies, and vehicles, associated with field projects.

· Complies with safety protocols and takes proactive measures to prevent unsafe work practices

· Willingness to travel and work weekends, evenings and holidays if necessary.

· Ability to speak and understand Spanish is desired however not required.

TOTAL COMPENSATION INFORMATION

Salary range ($58,660-$71,399 Annual). National Aquarium provides an excellent benefits package, including four weeks paid time off, and six paid floating holidays and up to four weeks of paid family leave. Employees are eligible for health care (single and family) after 30 days of full-time work. Conservation day leave and 401(k) plan with employer match available.

Working out of the Washington, DC office, the Manager, Coastal Resilience (Manager) is a member of the Marine and Coastal Conservation team and will have programmatic, communications, and administrative responsibilities for grantmaking associated with NFWF’s coastal resilience programs. The Manager is responsible for managing active grants, interacting with existing and potential grantees, supporting proposal review, providing technical assistance to applicant and grantees, reviewing and approving grantee reports, coordinating with the Grants Administration team to assure the effective implementation of the Foundation’s grant administration policies, contributing to broader program management activities (e.g., reviewing contractor deliverables, supporting development of funder reports), and closely coordinating program efforts with the Director, Marine and Coastal Conservation (Director); Program Director, Coastal Resilience (Program Director); and Senior Program Manager, Coastal Resilience (Senior Program Manager) and other Foundation staff, including the Science and Evaluation team.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Support proposal review, contracting, and management of active grants/contracts with the Grants Administration Team, Senior Program Manager, and the Program Director.
Work with program advisory committees to solicit, review and develop funding recommendations.
Work through established NFWF processes to finalize grant award decisions; develop, coordinate, and implement project-specific technical assistance plans/strategies with grantees; negotiate milestones with grantees; and monitor progress of each grantee (using Foundation technical and financial tracking databases).
Assist in funding source management tasks for coastal resilience and marine conservation programs (including subgrants), including assisting with preparation of grant applications and amendments, preparation and submission of financial and programmatic reports, and engagement of agency project officers.
Participate in Foundation-wide efforts to ensure compliance with requirements regarding use of funds, data management, and quality assurance, or other compliance matters. Ensure activities are communicated and coordinated with the Director, Program Director, other Foundation staff as appropriate and Foundation agency liaisons.
Contribute to efforts to communicate outcomes from coastal resilience grants, including reviewing and providing input on contractor deliverables assessing grant outcomes.
Support engagement and outreach to potential applicants, grantees, and other partners about NFWF funding programs and lessons learned and accomplishments of grant-funded projects.

SECONDARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Keep abreast of scientific and policy developments that may affect the Foundation’s work to promote nature-based solutions for enhancing coastal resilience.
Recommend new processes where needed, to improve existing processes.
As requested, serve as spokesperson for the Foundation regarding coastal resilience programs, their conservation objectives and accomplishments.
Prepare and/or assist in the preparation of various descriptive and evaluative reports as directed.
As necessary, support work with contractors to meet deadlines and accomplish objectives.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Director, Program Director, and Senior Manager.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, SKILLS)

Advanced degree or equivalent experience with concentration in ecology, conservation sciences, biology, engineering, or related field preferred and at least three years relevant experience.
Experience working in coastal resilience and/or management and liaising with coastal and marine conservation interests preferred.
At least one year of experience in program or grants management and administration, or other related experience preferred.
Strong attention to detail and follow-through; ability to organize and prioritize work and meet deadlines.
Experience coordinating the work of others, including across interdepartmental teams, and with a variety of partners/collaborators.

COMPENSATION

$84K per year (Starting range based on experience)

Note: Salary is negotiable and may be higher depending on the candidate’s skills and experience.

The Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority seeks a Seasonal Natural Resources Technician to assist our agency in our Natural Resource protection and stewardship work.

Our mission is to conserve the natural environment, support agriculture, and connect people to nature by protecting open spaces, natural areas, and working farms and ranches for future generations. Since 1993 the Open Space Authority has protected thousands of acres of natural and working lands across the Santa Clara Valley. Our agency manages and conserves a network of open space lands and natural resources, while providing compatible opportunities for hiking, biking, and equestrian uses, with a focus on increasing equity of access to the outdoors for all our constituents.

We know our continued success depends on our employees and the work they do. We are committed to providing a collaborative and inclusive work environment that encourages growth and development; and acknowledges individual and team achievements.
The Ideal Candidate

As a member of the Natural Resources department, you will be an integral part of the Authority’s work to enhance our natural habitats within the Authority’s preserve network and partner agency’s landscapes that we help to protect.

You will support the implementation of the Authority’s integrated pest management work. Your activities will focus on vegetation management, from working with grazers to implementing invasive controls under guidance from the Authority’s Qualified Applicator Certificate (QAC) holders. You will also complete active monitoring of flora and fauna.

You will support the implementation and monitoring of restoration projects including routine maintenance of plants, irrigation, and weed abatement at restoration sites. The Seasonal Natural Resource Technician will also assist with Land Steward volunteer events where they will engage with members of the public in restoration projects.

You are a patient and observant planner, skilled at combining different tools to achieve desired results, and deeply mindful of how actions impact ecosystems. Persons in this position may be required to work alone, work early mornings and nights, in the dark and all weekends. This position requires the willingness and ability to work outdoors in rugged terrain, walk over rough, hilly, uneven or unpaved ground and with exposure to natural elements. We offer an excellent opportunity to make a difference and work with a mission driven workforce.
Shift Details
This person is expected to work 32-40 hours per week. As a seasonal position there are a maximum of 1,000 hours available. This position is expected to begin in January 2027.
Qualifications

The ideal candidate will possess any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth (12th) grade or some college-level coursework in park maintenance, resources management, or related field.
Proficiency in identifying local flora and fauna and experience performing habitat quality assessments.
Strong data entry skills and experience with wildlife and vegetation survey techniques.
Possession of a valid California Driver’s License and a clean driving record. Experience with off-road driving is a bonus.
Knowledge of tools such as CalFlora and ArcGIS programs for field data collection and mapping
Additional experience with the Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Suite.

Note: This position is required to take and pass a pre-employment background check.

If you are excited by the opportunities and challenges offered in this position, we encourage you to apply, even if your experience is non-typical or if you are not sure you meet every one of the qualifications described.

Compensation & Benefits

The salary range for this full-time, non-exempt position is $40.46 hourly. Paid sick leave is also provided in accordance with California requirements. As seasonal positions, these positions are not eligible for other benefits.

The Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay (Alliance) is a regional nonprofit organization whose vision is clean streams and rivers flowing through resilient landscapes, cared for by the people who live, work, and play in the Chesapeake Bay watershed; and whose mission is to bring together communities, companies, and conservationists to improve our lands and waters. The Alliance was founded in 1971 and has offices in Annapolis, MD, Lancaster, PA, Washington, D.C., and Richmond, VA.

Job Description

This position will work on the Alliance’s Forest Team on a wide range of reforestation, restoration and outreach projects in Pennsylvania. The position requires strong organizational and time management skills, careful attention to detail, administrative and project coordination experience, and the ability to form strong relationships and work collaboratively with a variety of audiences. This position will involve fieldwork and outreach including training volunteers, meeting with landowners, and implementing, monitoring, and maintaining tree planting projects. It will also entail extensive administrative duties and grant coordination. Candidates can expect a fast-paced work environment in both the office and field, with opportunity to grow and help shape future projects.

Specific Duties of this Position:

Coordinate tree planting projects in the field, including landowner contact, plan writing, planting, maintenance, monitoring, and administration.
Coordinate project implementation directly with contractors, including communication and assisting throughout the contracting process.
Coordinate and train volunteers (in large groups and individually) on project sites, may provide on-site direction to seasonal employees and interns as delegated.
Assist in pursuing funding that enables the Alliance to meet its Strategic Goals through the Forests Program. Includes leading and/or collaborating in multiple, varied, successful grant proposals and similar programmatic funding efforts.
Assist with components of grant budgets and reporting, including payments, invoices, procurement and contracting, reimbursements, and other similar tasks.
Participate in and lead various outreach efforts, including presentations, events, and similar activities.
Participate in workgroups, collaboratives, and partnerships with other conservation organizations.
Participate in Alliance strategic planning efforts, internal committee, and problem-solving oriented teams as assigned. Contribute to the Alliance’s various Forests Program team efforts.
Support external communications and partnership development.
Other Forests Program-related tasks, as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications & Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in forestry, wildlife biology, natural resources management, biology, environmental science, or a relevant field. A Master’s degree may be substituted for 1 year of experience. Candidates with alternative education, but with extensive relevant professional experience, will also be considered.
2+ years relevant professional experience (including any internships) related to this position.
Experience in project coordination and administration
Technical knowledge of tree ecology, species identification, forest health assessment, and reforestation practices.
Ability to work outside, sometimes in harsh conditions and long days, and occasional weekend work. Ability to lift and carry 50 pounds of weight.
Strong communications skills, internally as part of a team and also with external audiences.
Great time management skills, including the ability to effectively prioritize tasks.
Problem-solver, objective decision-maker.

Supervision: The Forests Projects Coordinator reports directly to the Forests Program Manager.

Hours and Location: The Forests Projects Coordinator is based at the Alliance’s Lancaster, Pennsylvania office. Successful applicants will be required to reside within a one hour drive of the Lancaster, PA office. Much of the work will be in person, but the Alliance has a flexible work environment and remote work is permitted when possible. Some evening and weekend work may be required, especially during spring and fall planting seasons. Travel throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed is needed at times with most travel consisting between 30 minutes – 2 hours from the office. The position advertised is exempt, full-time (40 hours per week).

Wages and Benefits: $50,000 – $56,000 annual salary, commensurate with experience. Competitive benefits include: health, dental, and vision insurance, 403b retirement fund, life insurance, professional development opportunities, vacation, sick, and holiday and other leave, and more.

The Middlebury Area Land Trust (MALT) seeks a highly organized and collaborative Conservation & Lands Manager to lead the stewardship and day-to-day management of MALT’s growing portfolio of conserved lands.

This is first and foremost a land management and stewardship position. The Conservation & Lands Manager will report directly to MALT’s Executive Director and will take primary responsibility for the day-to-day care of MALT-owned lands, monitoring MALT’s conservation easements, and maintaining strong relationships with landowners, municipalities, conservation partners, and other stakeholders.
The position will oversee stewardship of MALT’s six properties totaling approximately 450 acres and the annual monitoring of 24 conservation easements protecting approximately 2,100 additional acres. The Manager will also work with municipalities and other partners to help steward approximately 450 acres of additional public and conserved lands. Together, these properties represent a diverse network of forests, fields, wetlands, wildlife habitat, trails, and other natural and recreational resources.
The Conservation & Lands Manager will be expected to understand this portfolio at both the landscape and individual-property level. Working closely with the Executive Director, the Manager will establish clear annual stewardship priorities, maintain and update property management plans, identify future needs, develop work plans and budgets, and ensure that MALT has the systems and resources necessary to steward these lands.
Day-to-day responsibilities will span forest and habitat management, invasive species control, mowing and brush management, conservation easement monitoring, property infrastructure, and coordination of higher-level trail stewardship needs. The Manager will perform some fieldwork directly, but an equally important part of the position is making sure the work gets done effectively—planning projects and helping to coordinate contractors, volunteers, interns, AmeriCorps members, and seasonal trail staff to implement an integrated stewardship program across MALT’s lands.

Qualifications
Required or Strongly Preferred
Bachelor’s degree in natural resources, forestry, ecology, environmental science, conservation, land management, or a related field; or equivalent significant professional experience managing conserved or natural lands.
Strong organizational and project-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple properties, projects, contractors, schedules, and priorities simultaneously.
Good interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to work diplomatically with landowners, volunteers, contractors, community members, and organizational partners.
Good written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work independently while functioning effectively as part of a small, highly collaborative staff..
Willingness and ability to occasionally perform hands-on stewardship work using appropriate tools and equipment.

Helpful Experience
Experience in several of the following areas would be particularly valuable:
Conservation easements and annual easement monitoring
Forest management and silviculture
Wildlife habitat and biodiversity management
Invasive species management
Trail planning, construction, or maintenance
GIS and natural-resource mapping
Conservation project development and land transactions
Contractor and project management
Volunteer or seasonal crew supervision
Municipal or nonprofit land management
Operating tractors, mowers, brush cutters, chainsaws, or other land-management equipment

Fairfield Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) located in Lancaster, Ohio is seeking a Wildlife/Education Specialist. This is a full-time position with a minimum of a 4-year college degree or equivalent experience in agriculture, engineering, soil science, forestry, natural resources, environmental science, wildlife management or related field. A valid Ohio driver’s license and insurable under the District’s automobile policy is required.

Duties

Essential Functions include but are not limited to:

I. Essential Ag/Urban Technical Functions:

Surveys, designs, layouts, inspects, and performs as-builts according to NRCS National Conservation Planning and Procedures Handbook, NRCS Standards and Specifications, and other related handbooks.
Assists in administering the State Pollution Abatement Program, the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), H2Ohio, Emergency Conservation Program (ECP), and Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP).
Develops a thorough understanding of the Engineering Field manual, the Agricultural Waste Management Field Handbook, Extension 604 bulletin, and relevant Midwest Plan Service handbooks.
Utilizes computer-aided drafting, engineering software, and modern surveying techniques to produce quality documents in an efficient manner. This may require courses offered by consultants or colleges.
Assists with inspections of construction sites for compliance with Ohio EPA NPDES Phase II Permit and local regulations.
Assists with inspections of infrastructure on construction sites for compliance with local regulations.
Assists with inspections of new home construction sites for compliance with drainage, erosion, and sediment control regulations for local communities.

II. Essential Wildlife/Educational Functions

Serve as the backup for Silviculture Pollution Abatement complaints in accordance with ODNR procedures
Assist landowners with District’s no-till seeder, and tree planter
Complete pesticide application training for knowledge for contracted conservation partners and special projects
Assist NRCS staff with cost-share programs, mid-contract maintenance checks and contract compliance on private land enrolled in USDA programs
Assist county residents with food plots and wildlife habitat improvements
Liaison between conservation groups and events to promote habitat and education
Liaison between conservation groups and events to promote habitat and education
Assist county residents with nuisance animal problems. Maintain list of hunters/trappers to assist landowners.
Assist county residents with questions and concerns related to pond vegetation and fish management.
Organize and host at least one wildlife workshop annually (pond clinic/etc.)
Follow the ODNR-Division of Wildlife procedures for deer damage permits. Maintain the ODNR-Division of Wildlife’s database of crop damage complaints.
Be familiar with Ohio hunting and fishing regulations

III. Other Duties and Responsibilities

Develops a basic skill level for utilizing GPS/GIS technology.
Work toward obtaining NRCS job approval authority.
Provides ideas, suggestions, and actively participates in developing the District newsletter, articles to the newspaper, and creating topics for radio shows.
Assists other staff in updating and reporting technical workload and creating monthly board reports.
Participates in maintaining and developing demonstration projects sponsored by FSWCD.
Coordinates utility locations with OUPS and with utility company representatives.
Plans various tours and workshops (contractors workshop, etc.).
Uses & keeps up-to-date Division of Soil & Water and Fairfield Co. approved timekeeping system for time.
Performs other related duties as required or assigned.

Qualifications

Four-year college degree or equivalent experience in agricultural, engineering, soil science, forestry, wildlife management, natural resources, environmental science or related field.

Must have a valid Ohio driver’s license and be insurable to drive District vehicles.

Licensure or Certification required to be obtained within 2 years

Small Unmanned Aircraft System Remote Pilot Certificate

Project Wet (EPA), Wild (ODNR-Division of Wildlife), & Learning Tree (ODNR-Division of Forestry)

Salary Range: $22.01 – $29.16 Hourly