The Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center (KBSTRRC) seeks an experienced Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Coordinator to manage all aspects of sea turtle care and husbandry. Responsibilities for this full-time position include conducting turtle admission evaluations, drawing blood and running diagnostics, taking radiographs, preparing weekly food logs and charts, administering medication, feeding and tube feeding, entering data into our RaptorMed patient database, preparing reports for governing agencies, organizing releases, and managing volunteers and interns. Minimum two years of full time sea turtle rehabilitation experience and demonstrated proficiency in rehabilitation skills including drawing blood, taking radiographs, administering medication, tube feeding, and wound care required. Please note this is not an entry level position.
Job Tag: Conservation
Postdoctoral Scholars – Cooperative Institute for Climate, Ocean, and Ecosystem Studies
The Cooperative Institute for Climate, Ocean, and Ecosystem Studies (CICOES) seeks applications for Postdoctoral Scholars with research interests in climate, oceanography, and/or ecosystem science including management and policy. We anticipate offering two to three Postdoctoral Scholar appointments. Postdocs are appointed at the University of Washington (UW) and may be located on UW campus or at one of our National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) sponsored laboratories: the Alaska Fisheries Science Center (AFSC), the Northwest Fisheries Science Center (NWFSC), and/or the Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory (PMEL).
Appointments are based on the strength of the applicant’s research proposal, the fit to CICOES’ research portfolio, and the composition of the mentoring team. Applicants are expected to conduct research in at least one of CICOES’ nine research themes: climate and ocean variability, change, and impacts; earth systems and processes; environmental chemistry and ocean carbon; marine ecosystems; ocean and coastal observations; environmental data science; aquaculture science; human dimensions in marine systems; and polar studies. Applicant proposals must address research goals that are relevant to both CICOES and at least one of the NOAA programs at AFSC, NWFSC, or PMEL. In addition to their university-based mentor, the Postdoctoral Scholar will conduct research in association with a CICOES and/or Federal scientist mentor located at AFSC, NWFSC, and/or PMEL. A central foundation of this program is to foster collaboration between CICOES and NOAA Laboratories.
The impact of CICOES’s environmental research is felt by communities all over the world, and a broad variety of perspectives and life experiences is essential to the success of our research. We encourage candidates from groups historically and currently underrepresented in these fields to apply. Please read our institutional commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion at the end of this ad.
Appointments are 100% FTE for 12 months, renewable for a second 12 months subject to approval and availability of funding. A competitive salary, a small research/travel budget, and a relocation stipend are included in the award. The salary range is between $5,837 and $6,072 per month, commensurate with experience and qualifications, or as mandated by a U.S. Department of Labor prevailing wage determination.
Qualifications
A Postdoctoral Scholar is an academic appointment that requires evidence of a conferred PhD in a CICOES relevant field by the appointment start date (approximately September 2024). Candidates cannot exceed 5 years of Postdoctoral experience from the start of their first Postdoctoral appointment to the end of the CICOES Postdoctoral appointment.
Forest Improvement Forester
Department Overview: The Department of Natural Resources and Conservation’s (DNRC) mission is to help ensure Montana’s land and water resources provide benefits for present and future generations. The Department consists of the Director’s Office; the Conservation and Resource Development, Forestry, Trust Lands Management, and Water Resources Divisions; the Reserved Water Rights Compact Commission; the Board of Oil and Gas; and an extensive network of 35 field offices.
Job Overview: These positions perform professional forest improvement and forest management activities under the general supervision of the NWLO Area Forester.
The incumbent plans, coordinates and implements projects necessary to oversee forest improvement treatments on trust parcels including thinning, timber stand improvement, hazard and fuels reductions, forest regeneration projects, and weed management. The incumbent may be required to assist in projects on trust lands to sell timber, assist in road maintenance needs and other related activities. The incumbent may also be required to assist in prescribed fire treatments. These forest improvement and forest management activities will occur on the Kalispell, Libby, Plains, Stillwater, and Swan units.
The incumbent may be tasked with supervising a seasonal forest technician(s) to accomplish field work.
Essential Functions (Major Duties or Responsibilities): These job functions are the essential duties of the position and are not all-inclusive of all the duties that may be assigned to the incumbent.
A. Forest Improvement Projects (70% of time)
Plan, coordinate and implement forest improvement activities on state endowment trust lands to provide for the sustainable use of the land and associated resources, and to ensure adherence to state and federal laws and regulations.
Coordinate, design, and plan forest improvement projects to include thinning, timber stand improvement, hazard and fuels reduction, and weed control.
Establish and mark project boundaries.
Design and implement forest improvement timber cruises.
Assist in forest improvement project contract preparation.
Implement forest improvement projects by administering contracts.
Assist in implementing prescribed fire projects.
Conduct field work to verify and update inventory and treatment records.
Assist in forest regeneration projects to include planting contract administration.
Implement the habitat conservation plan and ensure compliance with silvicultural prescriptions.
Work within assigned allocation of budget and capital while ensuring goals are met.
Perform activities in wildland fire management that relate to the responsibilities of the NWLO.
B. Other Duties as Assigned (20% of time)
This position performs a variety of other duties in support of ongoing Division and Department operations including assisting with initial attack and other fire suppression, assisting in timber sale field preparation, road design, road layout and road maintenance and other forestry related activities.
C. Supervision (10% of time)
This position may supervise 1-2 seasonal forest technicians to accomplish field work and include assisting the NWLO Area Forester in hiring the seasonal technicians, tracking and approving time worked, technician work planning and scheduling, and mentoring.
Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience):
The required knowledge, skills and abilities are typically acquired through a Associate’s degree in Forest Management or a related resource management field and one year of job-related professional field experience. Alternative combinations of education and experience that meet the required skills and abilities listed may be considered.
Required knowledge, skills, and abilities:
The position requires knowledge of forest management principles and practices; equipment and techniques used in forest management projects and operations; forest practices and hazard reduction laws, Administrative Rules, standards, guidelines, policies and procedures related to forest management operations and activities; and familiarity of the Montana Environmental Policy Act and related laws and rules governing natural resource management. Knowledge of the terminology, principles, methods and approaches used in silviculture, ecology, hydrology, wildlife and fisheries biology. Specific knowledge of plant taxonomy, insects & disease, habitat typing, timber cruising, log scaling, harvesting systems, data collection and sampling techniques; road design and layout; fire behavior, fire suppression techniques, land surveying and timber appraisal procedures. The position also requires knowledge of DNRC and State Personnel policies, procedures, precedents, organizational structures, employment law conflict resolution and program requirements.
The position requires skill in the use and operation of tools, equipment and vehicles used in wildland fire control, forest management activities and field office operations; operation of 4-wheel drive vehicles, ATVs/UTVs and skill in the use of computer hardware and software related to forest management business operations (word processing, spreadsheets, internet, e-mail and smart devices) and specialized resource management software.
The position requires the ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing to individuals, groups and representatives from other organizations; the ability to coordinate and direct multiple resources to complete work objectives, work on multiple projects simultaneously; work well with others and maintain a positive working environment. The position often works independently and requires critical thinking skills as they work in remote work conditions and may encounter various hazards throughout a typical workday including wildlife, road conditions, hazardous terrain and encounters with the public in various high-tension settings that may require de-escalation and conflict resolution.
Organic Farm Crew Leader
The objective of the College Farm is to prepare aspiring farmers and food system innovators for leadership positions in farming, food systems, or sustainability related careers. We do this through thoughtful, intentional, and focused training; as well as cultivating a competitive, professional enterprise that produces high quality products. We aim to identify, build, and leverage the strengths, skills, interests, and passions of our employees to the benefit of the farm program as a whole.
The Crew Leader’s primary function is to effectively lead novice student workers, six month apprentices, and volunteers in tasks pertaining to the production of certified Organic vegetables.
In this capacity, it will be important for the Crew Leader to develop rapport, serve as a role model, inspire, and motivate. Additionally, the Crew Leader will drive production by setting the pace, maintaining morale, setting up crews for success, and contributing to our culture of professionalism.
The Crew Leader will be the point person for prescribed tasks throughout the workday. This will require effective communication, delegation, oversight, and follow through in addition to being safety conscious and vigilant. The Crew Leader will work closely with the farm’s three managers to identify and prioritize those tasks. This will include participation in group texts and weekly shared task lists. These forums help inform the goals of the day and week plus allow opportunities to discuss needs or concerns.  A successful Crew Leader will be comfortable engaging in direct communication and receiving constructive feedback from farm managers.  
The Crew Leader will be supported by a team of 3-4 seasonal apprentices. The Farm’s apprenticeship program is designed to provide recent college graduates with a six-month immersive introduction to farming and team leadership. Apprentices will arrive to this position with varied levels of experience, whether at our farm specifically or from other college/university farm/garden programs.
The Crew Leader will also be asked to assume individual responsibility of certain aspects of the enterprise based on their skills and interests. Successful past Crew Leaders have engaged in pest/disease management, compost production, greenhouse management, advanced tractor operation, and more. Throughout the course of the Crew Leader’s employment, the managers will encourage additional study through reading and research outside of work hours. This includes the opportunity to participate in the Pasa Sustainable Agriculture Diversified Vegetable Apprenticeship Program of which the Dickinson College Farm is an approved partner. For more information on this professional development opportunity please go to https://pasafarming.org/programs/farmer-education-and-training/
The Crew Leader position begins in early spring (date is TBD) and ends in mid-December
Required Experience:
We are seeking applicants with some developed skills that are ready to contribute to our existing production model. Therefore, applicants must have two full seasons of experience on a
commercial, diversified vegetable farm. Personnel management experience is also strongly preferred; however, we are open to candidates with a strong technical background, as well as a willingness and ability to rise to a leadership role. Some tractor operation experience is preferred but we will provide
on-the-job training of our operation protocol.
Community Conservation Field Crew Lead
Position Summary:
The Community Conservation Field Crew Lead will assist in the implementation of the District’s activities to address a wide variety of resource concerns in the urban, rural, and residential areas of Snohomish County and Camano Island. This position leads a crew in implementing green stormwater solutions, habitat restoration projects, wildfire resilience projects, and agricultural BMPs. This position reports to the Community Conservation Department Manager.
About the Snohomish Conservation District
One of 45 Conservation Districts in the State of Washington, the Snohomish Conservation District is a leader among peers with robust programs encompassing agricultural resilience, habitat restoration, urban stormwater, farm planning, youth education, community engagement and more. The District works with farmers, residents, and landowners on a collaborative and voluntary basis throughout our service area that includes Snohomish County and Camano Island. We take the mission of the District to heart – “work cooperatively with others to promote and encourage conservation and responsible use of natural resources†– as we implement successful and innovative projects.
Duties
Essential Duties
These are illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. Typical work includes:
Lead a field crew to construct rain gardens and other green stormwater infrastructure, habitat restoration, wildfire resilience, and agricultural BMP projects on private and public properties.
Coordinate project logistics with CC Department Manager and Project Manager, including scheduling, equipment rental, materials purchase, project logistics, and task assignment.
Coordinate with Engineering and Outreach staff on project deliverables.
Provide logistical leadership and problem solving on project sites to meet project deliverables.
Daily transportation of crew members, equipment, and materials to and from job sites.
Provide on-site technical assistance and professional advice on stormwater management practices, wildfire resilience and defensible space, native plant landscaping, and urban agriculture.
Assist in the coordination and presentation of workshops and events, with occasional participation on weekends and evenings.
Ensure all safety protocols are adhered to at all work sites.
Ensure administrative tasks such as the CC crew production log, timesheets, and visa tracking are completed accurately and on time by crew members.
Provide oversight to crew members to ensure completion of assigned tasks.
Perform related duties as required.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
Previous experience in a related position and ability to demonstrate competency in some or all of the skill areas needed for the responsibilities of this position.
Advanced understanding of and experience with planning and construction of green stormwater infrastructure projects such as rain gardens and bioswales and rain catchment systems.
Familiarity and experience with landscape design concepts, wildfire resilience, and urban agriculture and a willingness to expand those skills if necessary.
At least 2 years of professional experience in construction, landscaping, habitat restoration or other similar work.
A Bachelor’s degree in a compatible field of study (alternative combinations of education and experience will be considered).
Crew management skills.
Basic knowledge of drainage and water conveyance principles.
Ability to motivate individuals to adopt and implement resource management practices on their property, which may include speaking in front of public groups, organizations, or clubs.
Ability to provide excellent customer service.
Flexibility and willingness to take on multiple projects.
Ability to organize and schedule.
Ability to operate a motor vehicle safely to and from the field.
Experience with heavy equipment, power tools and trailers.
Experience leading a crew to perform time-sensitive projects.
Field training experience. Must be able to properly train crew members on heavy equipment, construction safety, District BMPs.
Familiarity with construction safety practices.
Preferred qualifications
Experience in independently providing technical assistance.
Familiarity with plant identification.
Certification in pesticide and herbicide application.
Experience speaking to landowners and other members of the public about projects and their purpose.
Conversational Spanish language fluency.
Environmental Analyst – Wetlands & Long Island Sound
Who We Are
NEIWPCC is a regional commission that helps the states of the Northeast preserve and advance water quality. We engage and convene water quality professionals and other interested parties from New England and New York to collaborate on water, wastewater, and environmental science challenges across shared regions, ecosystems, and areas of expertise.
How You Can Help
We’re looking for a passionate environmental analyst to join our team of dedicated and resourceful water experts. As a part of the Water Quality Division, you will work collaboratively with internal and external partners to support NEIWPCC’s clean water priorities in the Northeast. In this role, you will:
- Serve as the project officer for the Long Island Sound Study by drafting and implementing workplans, budgets, contracts and grants, and supervising regional staff implementing the program.
- Organize and lead workgroup meetings of state and federal stakeholders on wetland and biological assessment subjects.
- Work with NEIWPCC leadership to identify and address regional priorities associated with the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) and Clean Water Act.
What We Are Looking For
The successful candidate will have:
- A master’s degree in environmental studies, natural science, public health, earth science, biology, chemistry, or related field, and related technical or professional experience.
- Knowledge and experience with aspects of water quality, wetlands, monitoring, and watershed management.
- Experience working with a broad range of stakeholders in implementing environmental programs.
- Knowledge and experience supervising remote staff or contractors.
- Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and computer skills.
What We Offer
The anticipated annual salary range for this position is $69,000 to $85,000. NEIWPCC offers an outstanding comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees:
- Pays 75% of premiums for health, dental and vision coverage.
- Contributes 10% of annual base salary to employee retirement plans.
- Provides 15 paid vacation days, 15 paid sick days, paid holidays and volunteer leave per fiscal year.
- Offers tuition reimbursement and professional development support.
- Qualified employer for the Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness program.
Position Logistics
This full-time position will work 7.5 hours per day and is based out of NEIWPCC’s Headquarters office in Lowell, MA. Duties will be performed largely in an office setting with occasional travel, for which a valid driver’s license and private means of transportation are required. After six months of employment, this position may be eligible for a partial telework schedule for office-based duties, subject to approval and determined by program and office needs. Proof of COVID-19 vaccination required.
To Apply
Submit a cover letter, resume, and a brief writing sample by email to jo**@*****cc.org by January 5, 2024. Please reference #24-Lowell-002 in the email subject line. Application review will continue on a rolling basis until the position is filled. A full position description may be viewed at: https://neiwpcc.org/about-us/careers.
NEIWPCC’s Diversity Commitment
NEIWPCC is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion. NEIWPCC is an equal opportunity employer, and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of their race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identification, marital status, physical and mental disability, ancestry, genetic information, age, political or union affiliation, pregnancy or related medical conditions, military service or application for military service, veteran status, or any other status or classification protected by applicable law. Physical or mental disabilities will be considered only as they may relate to the candidate’s ability to fulfill bona fide job requirements. This policy refers to all personnel practices including employee recruiting, hiring, transfers, promotions, training, disciplining, terminating and all other conditions. Read more about NEIWPCC’s commitment to diversity here: https://neiwpcc.org/about-us/diversity-equity-and-inclusion/.
Summer Naturalist
Every year, ACES offers an intensive Summer Naturalist program at ACES at Hallam Lake, our visitor center and 25-acre nature preserve in the heart of downtown Aspen. Summer Naturalists receive valuable training and experience while leading guided hikes and conducting environmental education programs at Aspen Mountain, Snowmass, the Maroon Bells, ACES sites at Hallam Lake, the Catto Center at Toklat, and Rock Bottom Ranch, and at various other iconic locations around Aspen. Many of ACES employees first come to the organization through the Summer Naturalist position, including many of our small administrative staff.
The Summer Naturalist program has dual purpose. First, ACES aims to provide the best possible learning and working experience to Naturalists. The second goal is to offer informative and inspiring educational interactions through ACES’ guided tours and classes.
Since 1985, over 400 Naturalists have participated in this respected program, many moving on to meaningful careers as teachers, wildlife biologists, university professors, environmental lawyers, veterinarians, non-profit administrators, sustainability experts, and more. More than 80% of all ACES employees first come through the Summer Naturalist position, including much of our small administrative staff who focus on programming, public relations, development, and finance.
Responsibilities
Lead interpretive nature walks at Aspen Mountain, Snowmass, and the Maroon Bells in the White River National Forest
Assist with management of the Hallam Lake visitor center and 25-acre nature preserve
Learn about Rocky Mountain ecology
Teach environmental education programs for children
Conduct bird of prey programs with ACES’ resident injured birds of prey
Educate the public on ACES efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through renewable energy projects
Involvement in special projects including indoor plants and live animals, indoor trout stream and rearing troughs, garden and guided trails, and birds of prey program
Qualifications
Degree or focus of study in the natural sciences, environmental education, or related field
Strong communication skills
Self-motivated with a sincere interest in the environment
Experience working with the public
First Aid & CPR certification (completed by June 3, 2024)
Must be a US citizen
Dates of Employment
June 3 – September 2, 2024 (June 3 – 14 mandatory staff training)
Compensation
$300 weekly stipend
Shared housing provided within walking distance of ACES
Weekly food box from ACES Rock Bottom Ranch
Tuition-free participation in one or more of ACES Naturalist Field School courses
Naturalist Summer Assistance Program
Beginning summer 2022, hired Summer Naturalists will be eligible for an additional $200-$2000 of funding to help with expenses associated with the position.
Application Deadline
An online application will be available starting October 15, 2023. The application deadline is February 15, 2024
Aspen Center for Environmental Studies is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ACES does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, genetic information, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and organizational need.
Intern, Mammals and Birds – Summer 2024
Position Summary:
This program offers interns hands-on animal training experience with the Mammals & Birds team. Interns are exposed to animal care and training activities with either beluga whales, harbor seals, and Asian small-clawed otters OR sea otters, African penguins, and alcids. Interns work directly with trainers to support the daily care of the collection and learn basic operant conditioning principles. Interns will be paired with a mentor and guided through several training seminars and workshops to gain insight into operant conditioning techniques and how they are used in Georgia Aquarium’s Mammals & Birds program. This internship will give individuals the opportunity to gain valuable applied experience and make connections in professional fields .
Responsibilities:
Work alongside trainers and assist with animal diet preparation, behavioral observations, environmental enrichment, and habitat cleaning.
Play supporting roles in animal training and husbandry sessions.
Develop skills such as: diet preparation; water sampling; commissary clean-up; habitat and husbandry area maintenance; behavioral observations; environmental enrichment; data recording and data entry; assisting team with animal training, handling, and medical procedures; and other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
This internship involves substantial physical labor, and therefore interns must be able to climb stairs and ladders and should be capable of lifting at least 50lbs.
Interns must be able to work independently and as part of a team.
This internship requires a regular weekly schedule and may include weekends and holidays. Average hours per week are 35 – 40 for approximately twelve weeks.
Must have an interest or major in animal science, biology, marine biology, psychology, or related field.
Must have a high school diploma or GED.
Previous animal care experience is not necessary.
This is an experience-based, paid internship.
Application Requirement: The internship application will require a resume and cover letter. Please submit as a PDF with a file name that indicates your name and the internship you are applying for. Example: John_Smith_Internship_Resume.
Ecosystem Specialist Intern – Summer 2024
Sound Transit’s PEPD department oversees the planning and development of large-scale transportation projects and oversees environmental permitting, environmental construction compliance, and ecosystem restoration throughout the Puget Sound region via our – Link, Sounder, ST Express, and Tacoma Link projects. The intern will have an opportunity to be part of the EPE team that oversees our ecosystem services and learn how ecology plays a critical role within a large regional transit system. Additionally, the intern will get exposure to a variety of environmental restoration and mitigation projects that are located adjacent to and near transit infrastructure.
PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.
JOB DUTIES:
Assist staff biologists with field investigations, overseeing mitigation plantings, post-construction mitigation monitoring to ensure mitigation sites are meeting required performance standards, and mitigation site construction oversight.
Assist with ongoing projects and research related to ecosystem services and Sound Transit sustainability goals.
Contribute to annual monitoring reports and technical memorandums.
Handle vegetation data, photo documentation, and GPS/GIS data.
POTENTIAL PROJECTS:
Mitigation monitoring (East Link Extension, Lynnwood Link Extension, Downtown Redmond Link Extension, and Federal Way Link Extension).
Evaluation and measurement of ecosystem services using previously developed tools. Areas to be evaluated include wetlands, streams, buffers, and upland vegetation communities.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Applicants must be a current college student in good academic standing, enrolled in an accredited associate, bachelor’s or graduate degree program in natural resources, environmental science, biology, or other non-technical discipline or relevant two-year certificate.
ADDITIONAL SKILLS:
Provide general support during fieldwork, including data collection, research, documentation, and summarizing information.
Knowledge of wetland and stream processes.
Apply critical thinking and problem-solving in support of ecosystem projects.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Work is performed in a standard office environment.
The Agency promotes a safe and healthy work environment and provides appropriate safety and equipment training for all personnel as required.
This is a paid internship, range of $19/hr – $35/hr (depending on role and qualifications) for those currently pursuing undergraduate degrees and higher rates for those currently pursuing graduate level degrees.
Sound Transit also offers a competitive benefits package with a wide range of offerings, including:
Health Benefits: We offer two choices of medical plans, a dental plan, and a vision plan all at no cost for employee coverage; comprehensive benefits for employees and eligible dependents, including a spouse or domestic partner.
Employee Assistance Program.
Paid Time Off: An accrual of up to 4 hours per pay period. Up to 2 floating holidays.
Full-time interns will receive an ORCA card at no cost. This card can be used on buses, trains, water taxis in the Puget Sound region, along with the Monorail and Seattle Streetcar.
In addition to compensation and benefits, you’ll find that we provide work-life balance, opportunities for professional development and recognition from your colleagues.
Tentative 2024 Internship Dates:
Semester students: May 20th to July 26th
Quarter students: June 24th to August 30th
Working Lands Biologist
Ducks Unlimited, Inc. and our conservation partners are seeking a Working Lands Biologist to deliver wetland and wildlife conservation practices on private lands within the Western Shore of the Chesapeake Bay. The selected candidate will work as part of a collaborative partnership between Ducks Unlimited and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) team, delivering Farm Bill programs to private landowners. The position’s work area includes a priority landscape for migratory bird’s dependent on wetland habitats for all or part of their life cycle. This includes waterfowl, large wading birds, secretive marsh birds, shorebirds, and migratory songbirds within the Atlantic Flyway. NRCS and Ducks Unlimited, Inc. (DU) recognize the value and need for additional staffing resources in this area to develop relationships with landowners, provide technical assistance for wetland development and management, and work with additional partners to create, restore and protect critical wetland habitats.
This position is dedicated to addressing wildlife, water quality, and soil health concerns and provides a unique opportunity to build relationships with a wide range of landowners. The Working Lands Biologist will work with field offices to provide technical, biological, and conservation planning expertise in the delivery of the NRCS Working Lands Programs, DU’s Conservation Delivery Programs, and will have a working knowledge of other programs available to support wetland conservation on private lands. The incumbent will have access to high quality training programs and mentorship opportunities, while providing both programmatic and technical assistance to private landowners. This is a full-time, term DU position with excellent advancement opportunities. It is co‑funded by the USDA-NRCS and DU. The successful applicant will be a fulltime employee of DU’s Great Lakes Atlantic Regional Office in Dexter, MI, but will be based out of a USDA field office in Chesapeake, Virgina. The position will work collaboratively with DU and VA-NRCS and will adhere to all subject conservation program policies and directives.
Specific Duties and Responsibilities:
(Approximate percent time spent annually accomplishing each)
60%
Provide in-the-field, programmatic and technical assistance for state and federal wildlife conservation programs to private landowners.
Conduct site visits to develop wetland habitat management plans and determine eligibility for USDA Farm Bill, DU land protection, and other private land programs.
Work closely with participating landowners to promote and enhance wetland and wildlife conservation management to improve water quality and wildlife benefits.
Assist local offices and private landowners in facilitating program applications and enrollment, support county offices in the development and assessment of project ranking, assist county offices in the development site specific conservation plans through NRCS’s Conservation Desktop (CD) program, contracts and other documentation required for participation in all wetland-friendly conservation programs.
Develop compatible use authorizations (CUAs) for approval under USDA-NRCS WRE Program.
Use knowledge of general life history of terrestrial and aquatic species to develop tree planting plans, grass planting plans, water level management plans and moist soil/emergent marsh management plans matching plant and wildlife species to hydrology, topography and landform.
Promote and encourage private landowners to participate in USDA Farm Bill programs along with the suite of other wetland-friendly conservation programs available to them as private landowners.
Work closely with the NRCS and other conservation partner staff to ensure wetland conservation programs are implemented on private land in a manner that maximizes the water, soil, waterfowl/wildlife, and other benefits of the programs.
Coordinate with other conservation interests to effectively leverage conservation resources for delivery of conservation programs.
Assist all involved agencies with wetland management workshops, promotions, and training.
30%
Provide support and lend expertise to partners on working lands projects within the work area.
Serve on a team to help create, enhance, and modify wetland conservation programs to increase product delivery.
Submit monthly activity progress reports to include names of landowners receiving technical assistance, number of acres by county of wildlife habitat planned/improved, and staff time allocated to each program request.
Annual summary report of activities.
Assist with other wetland/wildlife enhancement/restoration and private land duties as needed.
10%
Expand knowledge of coastal systems and further develop technical skills to support the design and management of wetland communities by participating in available training/educational opportunities.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:
4-yr. Bachelor of Science degree in natural resource conservation, agriculture, wildlife management, or a closely related natural resources field. At least 2 years of experience with the management of wetland or wildlife systems is highly preferred. Duties will consist of both office and field work and may require infrequent overnight travel, both in and out of state. Duties may require field work in extreme weather conditions.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Working knowledge of wetland, coastal, grassland systems, including identification skills of wetland associated flora and fauna.
Knowledge of principles used in the management of migrating waterfowl.
Specific knowledge in writing and delivering wetland habitat management conservation plans.
Knowledge of Microsoft Office and ArcGIS software.
Knowledge of the USDA Wetland Reserve Easement Program, Farm Bill Programs, and other programs that support wildlife conservation on private lands in Virginia.
Ability to work effectively both independently and as a member of a team.
Ability to work outside in a wide range of weather conditions and in remote areas.
Ability to operate and maintain UTVs/ATVs, trucks, trailers, and other field equipment.
Ability to effectively plan, organize and prioritize work activities and complete tasks to meet deadlines.
Ability to prepare and present information on conservation programs to peers and the public.
Possess strong personal skills in order to effectively communicate with private landowners, USDA staff, other wildlife professionals and the general public.
Possess good writing skills for preparation of reports, management plans, etc.
Possess a valid driver’s license and be willing to drive personal vehicle for federal mileage reimbursement rate when a fleet vehicle is not available.
Benefits/Compensation: DU offers a competitive benefits package including health and retirement benefits, paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave. Compensation commensurate with education & experience. Starting salary of $65,000/year with a variable compensation incentive program.
