Job Tag: Conservation

The Land Conservation Specialist position is responsible for managing the County’s Land Conservation and Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) Program and related aspects. This position provides technical expertise and policy guidance to County staff, elected officials, and landowners. This position also provides an oversight of program funding, and recommendations for program improvements and expansion. Does related work as required. Work is performed under general supervision.

The hiring range for this position is from $76,044.80 to $104,561.60 based on experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Advanced knowledge of conservation practices and principles including but not limited to agriculture, forestry, conservation biology, or similar fields;
Strong understanding of real estate transactions and conservation finance;
General knowledge of urban planning, land development, and engineering practices;
Exceptional negotiation skills;
Effective and professional verbal and written communications including editing;
Exceptional interpersonal and collaboration skills;
High level of organization with the ability to successfully manage multiple projects;
Ability to work independently;
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with professional colleagues, employees and representatives of other public agencies.

Education and Experience

A combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university, preferably with major coursework in Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management or related field and 5 years of experience with land conservation programs or related. A master’s degree is preferred. Previous leadership/supervisory experience or training is desired, this may include completion of training courses focused on leadership or supervisory development. Proficiency with ArcGIS is preferred.

Trout Unlimited (TU) brings together diverse interests to care for and recover the rivers and streams on which we all depend. We are a national organization with 300,000 members and supporters organized into over 400 chapters and councils nationwide. Our dedicated grassroots volunteers are matched by a respected staff of organizers, lawyers, policy experts, and scientists, who work out of more than 25 offices across the country.

The Wenatchee-Entiat Beaver Project was established in 2018 to provide technical assistance, education, and support to the communities of Washington’s Chelan and Douglas counties to help resolve human-beaver conflicts through coexistence and relocation.

Position Summary

TU seeks to hire a self-motivated and highly capable person to implement restoration projects to benefit aquatic resources and native wild fish populations in Upper Columbia Basin watersheds in Washington State. Depending on experience, the position may be titled Project Manager or Senior Project Manager.

The Beaver Restoration Project Manager will work closely with the Beaver Coexistence and Relocation Specialist and Restoration Program Director to implement TU’s beaver-based restoration program in the Upper Columbia watershed. A successful candidate will be self-motivated, well organized, and capable of completing assigned duties safely and efficiently, conducting work professionally as a public representative of TU, and working well with a team having diverse backgrounds and personalities. The primary duty stations will be the Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery in Leavenworth, WA and the TU office in Wenatchee, WA.

Competitive candidates for this position will need to demonstrate strong project management skills and technical abilities related to stream restoration, grant writing and management, hydrology, ecology, and partnership-building. The successful applicant manages projects and works with TU staff and partners to secure additional funding for project activities, conceptualize and develop new projects, and functions as part of the team, assisting other staff as necessary. The Beaver Restoration Specialist will be expected to manage projects from conception to completion including managing grants and budgets, as well as contracts, and be a leader in project-oriented habitat restoration and conservation.

Requirements

A minimum of 3-7 years relevant work experience and a college degree in fisheries, wildlife, biology, water resources, natural resources, engineering, or similar field. Years of experience and skills will assist in matching candidates with the job level.
Experience using GPS and mapping tools to navigate and develop project sites, and comfort working long hours in remote settings and under difficult conditions.
Experience with project development, implementation, and management including projects that involve development, partner coordination, securing funding, managing budgets, and reporting.
Capable of simultaneously managing multiple complex projects with multiple funding agreements, including strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Understanding of restoration project construction and management, engineering design concepts, data analysis and management
Experience with project permitting for aquatic restoration projects and in-water work
Knowledge of low-tech process-based restoration principles, methods, and practices
Superior interpersonal skills, comfort with public speaking and meeting facilitation, and ability to work constructively with a wide range of partners, personalities, and resource professionals.
Excellent written and oral communication skills, including developed grant and technical writing skills, as well as data collection/analysis and analytical skills.
Demonstrated experience indicating ability to prioritize workload, to think quickly and creatively in response to unanticipated challenges, to be highly motivated and self-directed, and possess advanced organizational and problem-solving skills.
Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and ESRI ArcGIS
Experience trapping, handling, and/or processing wildlife, particularly mammals preferred
Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs and experience with hand tools and power equipment; must have a valid driver’s license.
Multi-lingual, especially Spanish speaking preferred

Salary Description
$60,000 – $77,000 + full benefit package

Buzzards Bay Coalition (BBC) seeks an experienced ecological restoration professional to join our Watershed Protection team helping to increase the pace of implementation for ecological restoration projects in the Bay’s watershed. The Watershed Restoration Project Manager will manage the development, design/engineering, permitting and implementation/construction of coastal, wetland and riverine ecological restoration projects throughout the Buzzards Bay watershed. Projects include saltmarsh and freshwater wetland restoration (including wetland restoration in retired cranberry bogs), stream channel and bank restoration, and addressing fish passage barriers including removal of dams and replacement of culverts. The full-time position will work closely with the Coalition’s Senior Restoration Ecologist and Vice President of Watershed Protection.

The Restoration Technician (RT) works under the supervision of the Director of Estuary Science and Restoration to support research on carbon storage within land and marsh habitats. The RT works both independently and collaboratively with Center staff, scientific partners, volunteers, and contractors to implement research, monitoring, and restoration activities outlined in the Center’s work plan.

Primary responsibilities include conducting field work, performing vegetation assessments, and collecting and processing soil samples for restoration and monitoring projects. Duties may also include data collection and analysis, permit coordination, and assisting with the preparation of reports and technical documents.

This is an entry-level, grant-funded position with a term not to exceed one year. The Center supports the professional development of people from diverse backgrounds.

Preferred Qualifications

Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in environmental or marine science, ecology, biology, chemistry, natural resource management, forestry, or a related field.
Experience collecting and analyzing scientific data in field and/or laboratory settings.
Familiarity with clean chemistry techniques.
Proficiency in soil sampling.
Independent proficiency in woody plant identification.
Proficiency using scientific or technical equipment and software tools, including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and GIS (ArcGIS Online preferred).
Excellent verbal and written communication skills and strong interpersonal abilities.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively both independently and in multidisciplinary teams.
Strong organizational skills with consistent attention to detail.
Demonstrated problem-solving ability and adaptability in changing work environments.
Ability to use digital information systems to enter, organize, and report on data.
Willingness and ability to work in varied environments and weather conditions, including from small boats.
Desire for continued professional growth and learning.
Ability to communicate in Spanish is preferred.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

This is a full-time position at 40 hours per week, typically worked across five eight-hour days. Work is performed in both office and field environments, and the position is not suitable for full-time remote work.
Field assignments may require bending, climbing, crawling, kneeling, lifting up to 50 pounds, pulling, reaching, sitting, standing, stooping, traversing uneven terrain, performing in-water work, and occasionally operating in adverse weather conditions requiring specialized clothing or safety precautions.

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources protects, enhances, preserves, and wisely uses natural, cultural, and recreational resources for the benefit of Indiana’s citizens through professional leadership, management, and education. The Division of Forestry promotes and practices good stewardship of natural, recreational, and cultural resources on Indiana’s public and private forest lands. This stewardship produces continuing benefits, both tangible and intangible, for present and future generations. Some key initiatives of the forestry program include: Urban Forestry, Fire Management, Forest Health, Forest Legacy, and Forestry Education.

The Indiana Division of Forestry’s Community Urban Forestry Program provides guidance and grants to communities for the development and caretaking of urban forests. An urban tree canopy is part of a community’s infrastructure and creates valuable environmental, economic, and social benefits. Well-managed urban forests pay back nearly three times the cost to plant and maintain them.

Role Overview:

85% of forestland in Indiana is in private ownership. District Foresters work one-on-one with private forest owners to help understand the importance of the resource they own and how to manage it for future generations and for the enviromental benefits forests provide for all Hoosiers. District foresters administer the Classified Forest & Wildlands Program in a multiple county area. They write management plans and practice plans (tree planting, timber stand improvement, invasive species) for landowners. District Foresters provide the techinical assistance for federal programs through Farm Service Agency & Natural Resources Conservation Service.

Salary Statement:

The salary for this position traditionally starts at $47,320.00 but may be commensurate with education or work experience.

You must meet the following requirement to be considered for employment:

Thorough knowledge of the principles, theories, and practices of forest resources management, tree species and forest types native to Indiana.
Specialized knowledge of tree and herbaceous plant identification, fire behavior and suppression, and/or educational programming development.
Thorough knowledge of program area and program administration, including rules and regulations.
Specialized knowledge of computer operations including Microsoft Office and GIS software.
Extensive knowledge of forestry programs and ability to incorporate this knowledge in program planning.
Basic knowledge of land surveying.
Ability to supervise and direct work of others.
Ability to maintain cooperative work relationships.
Ability to effectively communicate, both verbal and in written.
Ability to effectively organize and prioritize work to achieve desired program outcomes, and apply technical knowledge to a wide variety of land situations.
Ability to successfully complete basic wildfire courses (red card certification) and prescribed burning course within 2 years of employment.
No degree is required to fill this position

You must satisfy the following requirements to continue employment:

Obtain and retain an Indiana driver’s license.
Obtain a pesticide applicator license and appropriate category within the first year of employment and retain.
Able to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

We are looking for a professional Parks Supervisor who under the general supervision of the Parks and Trails Manager, will perform as a supervisor, crew lead and project coordinator to assist the Parks and Trails Manager in overseeing the day-to-day operations and maintenance of the Town’s parks.

Some of the day-to-day duties are listed below:

Assesses Park conditions; prioritizes, plans, and performs maintenance and repairs of all town-managed areas.
Oversees and responds to irrigation issues and provides improved efficiency and cost savings recommendations.
Supervises the maintenance and repairs of parks, including an annual cycle of turf and horticulture management, signage maintenance, and facility repairs.
Supervises and coordinates the activities of all assigned park staff. Coordinates with the POST Manager to lead volunteer park maintenance efforts.
Assists in the organization and inventory of TOSV managed parks.
Operates and maintains tools and equipment, including hand tools, small power tools, mowers, trimmers and chainsaws, tractors, implements, and any other equipment and materials associated with park maintenance.
Confirms all seasonal recreation facilities are properly maintained, cleaned, shut down, and changed over for seasonal closures.
Coordinates with independent contractors and vendors, establishing, maintaining, and enforcing contracts as necessary.
Works closely with Recreation staff and other Town departments to schedule maintenance and coordinate successful activities and Town events.
Troubleshoots and maintains irrigation, adjusts heads, conducts system startups, weekly reports, winterizations, monitors and tests new installations, and plans/executes upgrades.
Oversees and inspects the maintenance of irrigation points of connection, flow meters, and flow reading devices.
Independently schedules, organizes, and performs the full range of turf, shrub, irrigation and plant maintenance: completing turf/irrigation repairs, planting, water, aerate, fertilize application, and oversee turf grass area weed control contractors.
Supervises, orders, and maintains all turf and ornamental garden needs. Maintains detailed inventory of equipment and supplies for all turf, gardens, irrigation, and ice rink needs. Purchases materials, supplies and services, including working with vendors to ensure proper delivery and quality.
Incumbent will supervise parks & trails staff on day-to-day projects. This will include prioritizing projects and defining expectations with input from the POST Manager.
Supervises parks and trails staff on daily operations and projects.
Prioritizes tasks, assigns responsibilities, and sets expectations with input from the POST Manager.
Conducts staff performance reviews with assistance from the POST Manager.

The ideal candidate has the following qualifications:

A high school diploma or equivalent with a combination of at least three years’ experience working in parks, landscape architecture, recreation, natural resources, environmental science or similar field.

Experience in horticulture turf management, athletic field management and noxious weed identification/mitigation is preferred.

Possess advanced knowledge of turf and ornamental garden care, landscaping, irrigation systems, proper use of chemicals and their applications, ice maintenance and the proven ability to analyze and recommend improvements for maintenance to increase efficiencies.

A combination of three to five years of supervisory experience and safe and skillful operating practices and mechanical characteristics of a full range of grounds maintenance equipment to skillfully operate and perform routine turf, landscape, irrigation maintenance, and seasonal winter park and trail maintenance.

State of Colorado certification for restricted use of pesticides is preferred.

Possession of a valid driver’s license.

A combination of three to five years of large-scale irrigation experience, including system start-ups and blow outs, problem identification and repairs, and monitoring existing irrigation.

The Bison Technician & Preserve Assistant performs and participates in preserve operations, maintenance and management within the Grand River Grassland project area, including Dunn Ranch Prairie, Little Creek Farm, and Pawnee Prairie. Primary responsibilities will involve bison management, equipment maintenance, installing or maintaining fencing, boundary posting, restoring natural areas through tree and brush cutting, assisting with ecological burning activities, organization and maintenance of facilities, cattle grazing, and overall project functions, as assigned.

The Manager is responsible for the health, safety, and ecological integration of a managed bison herd on a restored native prairie. The person in this role will assist with managing population dynamics, veterinary care, grazing management, etc. to ensure the bison contribute positively to the preserve’s conservation goals. They may maintain fences, water systems, corrals, or other infrastructure. The Manager maintains preserve areas frequented by the visiting public and supports educational programs and tours. They may assist with the restoration of the prairie through the removal of exotic species and/or the planting of native species.

Within this position you may provide oversight to other employees as assigned as well as work both individually and as a group to complete tasks in a timely manner. You may work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances. This role requires considerable physical exertion and/or muscular strain.

What You’ll Bring:

AS/Technical or vocational degree in science-related field and 1-year related experience in land management or similar field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience managing large ungulates.

Experience recognizing plant and animal species.

Experience operating various types of equipment in a safe and efficient manner (e.g. Lawn mower, chainsaw, UTV, ATV or OHV, two-way radio, or similar equipment).

Experience working in a team environment.

Must be able to obtain a driver’s license or certifications as required. (e.g. First Aid, CPR, herbicide or pesticide application).

Desired Qualifications

Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.

1 – 2 years’ experience in land or animal management or related field.

Experience managing a bison herd

Experience working with or knowledge of natural systems.

Ability to maintain a good driving record.

Experience operating and maintaining large equipment such as tractors, skid steer loaders, and trucks with a livestock trailer.

Ability to follow instructions from colleagues/coworkers/team members.

PC and/or mobile device familiarity, including database knowledge or understanding

The Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium is looking for its next Curator of the International Conservation Center. Candidates must be dynamic and detail-oriented leaders who excel in building relationships, customer service, strategic thinking and bringing people together. This position will oversee animal care at the 1,000-acre center located in Somerset, PA.

Responsibilities include the daily oversight of a breeding herd of 2.7 African elephants and preparing and maintaining records including all aspects of elephant management. Other critical responsibilities include training, monitoring, and mentoring staff as well as participating when needed in the care of elephants to meet the long-term goals of the International Conservation Center’s elephant programs, as well as those of the other animals at ICC.

The current collection at the ICC includes elephants, bison, Bactrian camels and Allegheny Wood Rats. There are plans to add additional species to the collection over the next several years.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience with elephants includes mixed gender and multi-generational herd management, geriatric care, artificial reproduction techniques and natural breeding, and neonate care in a protected contact environment as well as proficiency with and knowledge of all AZA elephant management techniques. Experience with ungulates and other taxa is desirable.
Experience leading teams of animal professionals.
Excellent teaching, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers.
Ability to deliver and receive constructive feedback to improve team performance.

EDUCATION AND PRE-REQUISITES:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Biology, Zoology, Wildlife Management/Science or a related field, or an Associate’s degree, is required. An equivalent combination of higher education and zoological experience will be considered. High School diploma required.
Advanced knowledge of natural history and management of elephants in a zoo setting.
Minimum of five (5) years, increasing responsible experience in the care, training, handling, and breeding of elephants. Experience with male elephants preferred.
Three (3) years supervisory/management/leadership experience.
Excellent elephant handling abilities, strong leadership and partnering skills, ability to operate as a member of a dynamic and diverse team, strong organizational time management, and problem-solving skills, and proven ability to successfully develop and implement a keeper training program and operant conditioning training program for the elephants.
Completion of both AZA Principles of Elephant Management Course I and II required.
Must have a current valid driver’s license with good driving record and the ability to obtain and maintain a PA driver’s license (within 6 months of hire).
Must have the ability to foster teamwork within and across teams.
Must have astute attention to detail and a positive attitude.
Must provide documentation of current, negative TB test and Covid-19 full vaccination record.
Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, etc.). Experience with ZIMS is preferred.

Thurston Conservation District is looking for an experienced self-starter who is a dynamic, energetic, highly organized creative thinker with an interest in natural resources conservation and supporting local agriculture. The successful applicant must have a strong work ethic to become part of a cohesive team of passionate individuals in a hands-on and rewarding work environment. The Natural Resource Specialist is responsible for utilizing District and partner programs to benefit both the landowner/operator and the soil, water, air, plant, animal, human and energy natural resources present on the property. This position will work directly with a highly collaborative and professional technical team, under the mentorship of the Agriculture Program Manager, to identify, develop and implement projects that address natural resources, habitat concerns, and agricultural priorities of cooperators. This position works directly with community members to help them meet their land-based goals in a non-regulatory and voluntary environment. This position works with farmers, landowners, and residents in Thurston County to provide technical assistance, conservation plans, and project development for their properties and operations. The Natural Resource Specialist assists community members with identifying and implementing a wide range of natural resource conservation practices using Natural Resource Conservation Services’ conservation assessment tools and supports the implementation of cost share projects. A primary focus will be small farm planning and technical education.

Bat Conservation International (BCI), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to ending bat extinctions worldwide, seeks a Restoration Team Lead to join BCI’s HP&R Program. The Restoration Team Lead must be highly collaborative and enjoy working within an environment that is mission and results-driven, and contribute to the mission of BCI, the HP&R program, and lasting, positive ecological change.

Primary Responsibilities and Expectations

The Restoration Team Lead will lead, manage, and occasionally perform a variety of conservation activities that benefit bats and their habitats including, but not limited to: surveys of springs and seeps, restoration of various water and foraging resources, post-wildfire restoration of forested and desert landscapes, inventory, survey, restoration of historic buildings serving as roosts, conversion of abandoned mines with water to bat friendly wildlife drinkers, repopulating areas with wild agaves, restoration of roosting and foraging habitat in forest stands, maximizing such habitats through various techniques such as prescribed fire and selective thinning and fuel removals, cliff ecology work and the management of those habitats, environmental compliance to include all aspects of the NEPA process and, cultural resource surveys typically of Historic resources but also fielding other core areas of surveys as well, and participating in program and team certification and training.

This position is ideal for a biologist, ecologist, natural resource manager, or conservationist with interest and experience conducting/managing restoration work across various landscapes, managing and coordinating collaborative projects, managing a diverse staff with a variety of skillsets, and communicating with various partners and stakeholders. A primary duty will be to develop and manage staff, workflows, partnerships, project work, grants and agreements, and internal and external collaboration to improve efficiency and increase opportunities coming into the team.

Required Knowledge/Experience

MS degree in a relevant field such as biology, ecology, wildlife, conservation, or a related field or a B.S. degree plus 8 years at least of relevant professional experience.
5+ years of experience leading teams and supervising staff.
Proficiency in written and verbal communication skills in English.
Proficiency in contract management.
Proficiency and confidence in spoken communication by email, Zoom communications, in-person meetings and in-person presentations.
Proficiency in data management
Proficiency in a wide variety of restoration practices such as Processed Based Restoration, etc
Demonstrated ability to manage projects, including management and coordination of remote staff and external partners
Demonstrated ability and interest in proposal writing to support restoration projects.
Ability and interest in communicating results to a wide range of stakeholders and audiences
Proven success with managing multiple tasks/projects simultaneously and accurately with attention to detail and the ability to prioritize under the pressure of deadlines
Ability to work, communicate, and ask for support effectively with all levels of staff, government agencies, industry, landowners, and other partners.

Salary: $85,000+ annually + benefits