Job Tag: Conservation

Green Mountain Conservation Group (GMCG) seeks a goal-oriented, strategically minded Executive Director (ED) to lead our organization into the future. GMCG was founded 27 years ago by citizen activists opposed to the siting of a waste transfer station over the state’s largest stratified drift aquifer at the base of Green Mountain. Since then, GMCG has grown into a highly regarded, science-based organization working on behalf of more than eight communities in New Hampshire and Maine that rely on the aquifer for their drinking water. Through our innovative research, education, advocacy and land conservation programs, GMCG has become a regional leader in inspiring communities to protect the aquifer and its associated natural resources for future generations.

The ED leads a skilled and experienced staff composed of three 30-hour employees, a part-time bookkeeper and two to four seasonal AmeriCorps members, and is responsible for overall management, fundraising, staff development, and strategic initiatives. The ED is also responsible for managing the organization’s $340,000 annual operating budget and for overseeing our headquarter facilities on the banks of the scenic Ossipee River in Effingham, NH. You will be joining at a key moment, as we seek to refine our strategic direction, expand our donor base, increase program-generated revenues, and deepen partnerships with local environmental groups. The ED will play a leadership role in engaging a volunteer Board of Directors in setting annual goals and identifying major donors to help meet the financial goals of the organization.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership

Work with the Board of Directors and staff to conceive and implement innovative, effective, science-driven watershed conservation programs needed to protect water quality and natural resources in the Greater Ossipee region.

Serve as the organization’s lead development officer and work to secure major gifts and to support fundraising events and special campaigns.
Facilitate collaborations with partner organizations on projects that align with our mission/strategic plan.
Lead staff in implementing the strategic plan.
Track and regularly report on the organization’s progress toward meeting its strategic goals.

Development

In coordination with the Development Committee, identify prospective private and public sector funders to expand our donor base, and establish and execute long-term and annual fundraising plans.
Manage grant proposals and ensure that deadlines and deliverables are met.
Create and execute a plan for increasing program-generated revenue.

Financial management

Oversee the financial activity of the organization and meet financial goals set annually with the Board of Directors.
Monitor cash-on-hand and short and long-term funding needs.
Ensure proper management of investments, funds, assets and loans; control costs responsibly; and authorize purchases and disbursements.
Work with the Board Treasurer, Finance Committee, and bookkeeper to develop an annual budget and produce regular reports on the financial status of the organization.
Retain and work with a reputable CPA to ensure the timely completion of the annual financial review and federal tax return.

Organizational Management

Direct the day-to-day management of GMCG and ensure effective, efficient administration of all operations.
Hire and supervise staff, evaluate their performance and provide on-going professional guidance and coaching as needed to formulate and prioritize projects in the program areas (currently: Water Quality, Education, and Advocacy) according to the goals of the strategic plan.
Coordinate with the Land Committee and local land trusts to evaluate and refer land conservation opportunities and ensure that the organization is fulfilling its responsibilities as a steward of 2,600 acres of existing fee-owned lands and conservation easements.
Ensure the well-being of all GMCG staff and AmeriCorps members through direct communication and team meetings.
Annually evaluate staff compensation and benefits to maximize employee morale, retention and productivity.

Policy, Planning and Advocacy

Proactively engage the Board, staff, and partner organizations to analyze, develop, and advocate for positions on critical legislation, legal challenges, regulations, policies and plans relevant to watershed protection.
Present GMCG’s positions in letters, public meetings, and hearings and advise the Board of Directors on the role GMCG should take in the face of controversial issues and threats to the watershed.
Serve as lead spokesperson for the organization, articulating GMCG’s positions as appropriate at public meetings, public hearings, conferences and other venues in coordination with the Board of Directors.

Community Relations, Communications and Marketing

As the chief spokesperson for GMCG, represent GMCG at private and public forums, including at meetings of local watershed municipalities, state and federal agencies, universities, summer camps, lake associations, land trusts, businesses, individuals and other nonprofit organizations.
Work with the board and staff to communicate GMCG’s work and successes to the media and the public including writing, editing and approving press releases, brochures, newsletters, fundraising letters, and other outreach materials.
Ensure the quality and consistency of all mass communications, including GMCG’s website, public presentations, public awareness campaigns and social media strategy.
Ensure that GMCG’s mailing lists and databases are accurate and up-to-date.

Board Coordination and Support

Actively engage and work closely with our Board of Directors, keeping them informed in a timely manner of all relevant organizational activities.
Work with the Chair of the Board and the Executive Committee to develop recommendations and agendas for Board meetings and assist other Board committees as needed.
Assure optimal communication between Board and staff.
Assist the board with recruiting and training of new board members and volunteers.

Buildings and Grounds

In coordination with the Facilities Committee, ensure the ongoing maintenance and upkeep of our headquarters, the Blue Heron House, and the Huntress House, our AmeriCorps housing.

Preferred Qualifications, Skills, Attributes

At least five years’ experience working in the nonprofit sector in roles with significant responsibility.
Fundraising experience with demonstrated success attracting major gifts.
Strong management skills including budgeting, staff management and grant writing.
Understanding and appreciation of local and state government policies, practices and procedures including municipal boards governing land use and conservation.
Demonstrated record of collaboration and coalition building.
Strong communication skills and public speaking experience.
Demonstrated experience developing and implementing advocacy campaigns.
Demonstrated commitment to environmental protection through volunteer and/or professional service.
Understanding of basic ecological and watershed principles.
Previous experience working with a Board of Directors.
Strong interpersonal skills and commitment to working with and inspiring partners, volunteers and donors.

Hours, Schedule, and Compensation

This is a full-time position with a salary range of $65-75K, commensurate with your demonstrated abilities. Benefits include health insurance, paid vacation and maternity/paternity benefits. Schedule is flexible but requires some evening and occasional weekend work. This is not a remote position, however, some remote work may be acceptable.

Gilbert has an exciting opportunity for a Water Conservation Specialist I who is innovative, driven, and passionate about water conservation. The Water Resources Specialist identifies causes of high-water consumption and customizes solutions to reduce water use. This position educates the public on where Gilbert water comes from, the importance of conservation, and tangible actions to save water. This position also maintains Gilbert’s compliance with the Arizona Department of Water Resources.

Some of the Essential Duties and Responsibilities include:

Performs outdoor water audits and provides assessments to explain and implement water conservation techniques and objectives for residential, commercial, homeowner’s association, and reclaimed water users.
Responds to citizen and water system customer inquiries, complaints, and information requests.
Investigates high water-use complaints.
Offers plant and landscaping recommendations for more efficient use of water and irrigations systems.
Implements overall water use auditing methods.
Monitors meters of high usage customers and coordinates conservation efforts.
Reports meters working improperly or not at all.
Develops and maintains water use reports, conservation, and educational monitoring and performance records and water use information files and databases.
Works in a safe manner and reports unsafe activity and conditions. Follows Town-wide safety policy and practices and adheres to responsibilities concerning safety prevention, reporting and monitoring.

About You

The ideal candidate for this position will be passionate about talent management and the employee experience. We’re looking for a solution-oriented individual who researches and produces tangible actions to save water in the Gilbert community. This position requires someone who is adept at finding common sense, well-reasoned approaches to difficult problems.

The Water Resources Specialist represents Gilbert to key water stakeholders, and embraces the challenge to be driven, kind, bold, and humble. This person is excited and passionate about educating the community about water – where it comes from and how to conserve it. Strong written and verbal communications are required as well as emotional intelligence and interpersonal savvy. The Water Resources Specialist should quickly establish themselves as a trusted resource of knowledge for all things water in Gilbert, AZ.

At Team Gilbert, we hire outcome-oriented problem-solvers who love what they do! Here are some position requirements:

Associates degree (A.S., A.A.) or two-year technical certificate. Preference for education and training in Environmental Science, Sustainability, Public Administration, Landscape Architecture, Horticulture, or related field.
2 years of experience in customer service.
Ability to problem solve (in the office and in the field) and analyze data to support program efforts.
Exceptional skilled communication, both verbal and written.
Diplomatic in building relationships with customers, other stakeholders, and outside organizations.
Eager to learn, innovate, adapt, and improve processes as needed.
Valid Arizona Driver’s License.
Any combination of education and experience sufficient to perform the role.

Desirable Qualifications:

1 year of experience in water industry, such as conducting facility water audits or outdoor irrigation audits; implementing public programs in water or environmental conservation, life sciences, or water resources; reviewing building/landscape plans.
Thorough working knowledge of Arizona’s water resources and policies governing use as well as urban landscape irrigation principles, methods, and water efficiency technology.

Athens Land Trust (ALT) is an innovative and adaptive community and conservation land trust in Georgia. Founded in 1994, our mission is to improve quality of life for all by preserving, protecting, and strengthening the fabric of the community through education and the stewardship of land for purposes of affordable housing, conservation, agriculture, and economic development. We respond to community-identified needs and build individual and collective power among historically marginalized people.

The Executive Director is responsible for administering ALT’s programs, policies, and goals, and works with the Board of Directors (the Board) to establish these. Responsibilities include program development and implementation, administration and financial management, fundraising and membership development, supervision of staff and volunteer efforts, community outreach and education, and collaboration with the Board . The Executive Director is responsible for the day-to-day management of ALT and is under direct supervision of the Board.

Specific duties are as follows:

Oversees a team of 20 employees and manages a budget in excess of $3 million.
Manages the ALT Affordable Housing Program, including oversight of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME funds and associated projects.
Supervises the ALT Land Conservation Program to ensure strategic alignment with organizational goals.
Strategically secures funding through proficient grant-writing, direct solicitation of donations, housing development initiatives, and execution of special events.
Provides leadership in human resources management, including recruitment, termination, and regular performance evaluations of staff members.
Reports to and maintains transparent communication with the Board regarding organizational strategies, financial status, and programmatic outcomes.
Cultivates strategic partnerships and fosters collaborative relationships with external stakeholders to advance ALT’s ‘s mission and enhance its community presence.
Innovates and evaluates new housing initiatives, conducting thorough feasibility assessments for proposed projects.
Oversees ALT’s public relations efforts, including content development for newsletters, website management, and other promotional activities.
Ensures compliance with the regulatory obligations of 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, maintaining accurate records and filings.
Represents ALT at community forums, government events and strategic engagements to promote organizational interests and broaden community support.
Formulate and execute a long-term strategic plan for the organization.

Qualifications:

The ideal Executive Director reflects a combination of leadership, management, technical expertise, and a deep commitment to the organization’s mission of preserving and stewarding land for future generations. Specific qualifications include:

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as environmental science, natural resource management, nonprofit management, public administration, business administration, or a related discipline required; Master’s degree preferred.
Significant experience (5-10 years or more) in leadership roles within nonprofit organizations, ideally including experience in conservation, land management, housing and community development, or related fields.
Proven success in managing complex programs, fundraising, financial management, and strategic planning.
Experience in advocacy, public policy, and community engagement.
Experience with land acquisition, stewardship, and conservation easements is a plus.
Experience with youth and/or workforce development is a plus.

Skills and Knowledge:

Strong leadership and management skills, including experience in supervising and motivating staff, managing budgets, and overseeing diverse programs.
Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to effectively engage with stakeholders including Board members, staff, donors, government agencies, elected officials and the public.
Strategic thinking and planning skills, with the ability to develop and implement long-term organizational goals and initiatives.
Financial management skills, including organizational budgeting, financial analysis, and fundraising strategies. Knowledge of nonprofit governance, compliance, and legal requirements, including tax-exempt status (501(c)(3)) regulations.
Experience in working with diverse communities and fostering inclusivity and equity within the organization’s operations and programs.

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth’s flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers.

Job Summary

The Department of Environmental Conservation seeks talented applicants for a full-time (9-month academic year), non-tenure-track appointment as Lecturer in Wildlife Conservation. Start date is January 26, 2025 with an initial appointment for two years. The successful candidate will serve, as do all other faculty, as a mentor to students from underrepresented groups within the Department. The University of Massachusetts Amherst places special emphasis on faculty-student interaction and a commitment to teach and attract a diverse student body.

Essential Functions

Teaching responsibilities include 19 course credits per year encompassing roughly 5 courses, including some or all of the following courses: Introduction to Wildlife Conservation, Wildlife Sampling and Identification (a field-based lab course), Wildlife Habitat Management, Quantitative Ecology, and Vertebrate Field Ecology. Service responsibilities, constituting roughly 20% of the appointment, will include undergraduate advising, serving on one or more departmental committees; committee assignments will be made in consultation with the successful candidate based on their interests and expertise.

Other Functions

Work collaboratively and effectively to promote teamwork, diversity, equity, and inclusiveness.
Work in partnership with colleagues within the CNS community and across the campus to support the Dean’s strategic priorities.
Perform other duties as assigned in support of the mission and goals of the College of Natural Sciences.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum of three (3) years graduate education in any aspect of wildlife or animal ecology and conservation.
Demonstrates an understanding of and commitment to the conservation of biological diversity.
Demonstrates a strong commitment to undergraduate and graduate education, and a desire to excel as a teacher, mentor, and scientist whose interests are broad and support the pedagogy that allows students to gain the ability to analyze and solve complex problems in environmental sustainability.
Creative and collaborative attitude.

Preferred Qualifications

PhD and demonstrated teaching experience at the university level.

The Conservation Specialist Position, working within the Conservation Services (CS) Division, provides technical assistance, planning assistance and program information related to agricultural best management practices (BMPs), stream restoration techniques and non-point source (NPS) water quality issues to individual landowners, farmers, and conservation districts. The position is responsible for implementation and coordination of conservation programs that may include the West Virginia Agricultural Enhancement Program (AgEP), Environmental Protection Agency Non-Point Source 319 Program (319), Chesapeake Bay Program (C Bay) and educational programs. There is considerable interaction with the general public, and local, state, and federal agencies. This position will perform related work as required and other duties as assigned.

Work Environment:

This position is a combination of office work and fieldwork that may include but is not limited to; traversing rough terrain, exposure to inclement weather, aerial flights, contact with livestock, operation of small watercraft, and use of bio-security measures. Some travel with overnight stays may be required.

Responsibilities:

· Provides technical evaluation and follow-up assistance to landowners.

· Provides technical assistance to conservation districts.

· Provides program assistance to district cooperators.

· Provides conservation and nutrient management planning and application assistance.

· Develops and evaluates conservation plans.

· Implements WVCA conservation programs.

· Plans, designs, and layouts conservation practices.

· Responsible for record keeping, soil sampling and evaluation, forage testing, manure/litter sample collection and submittal for analysis, water sampling and other data gathering and evaluation procedures.

· Manages projects and budgets associated with conservation programs within assigned conservation district(s).

· Writes progress reports.

· Attends conservation district board meetings.

· Maintains producer/landowner confidentiality.

· Performs monthly and quarterly inspections pertaining to the Operation and Maintenance Program.

· Collects, prepares, and distributes information.

· Complies with federal, state, and local laws, standards, specifications, and requirements.

· Works closely with watershed associations.

· Conducts watershed assessments to evaluate suitability for future project implementation.

· Assists in the development and implementation of watershed-based plans and grant proposals for funding through the 319 and C Bay programs.

· Works with county commissions, municipalities, public service districts, and other government entities to provide technical assistance and project development.

· Participates in Farm Bill Program (i.e.CREP) assessments with partnering agencies

· Conducts compliance checks for WVCA CS programs.

· Conducts field investigations and provides written reports in response to landowner watershed concerns and complaints.

· Assists with other WVCA programs as needed.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

· Ability to develop conservation programs as a team member and/or individually.

· Ability to work as a member of an interdisciplinary team working on joint and separate projects that protect or improve water quality.

· Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with officials, co-workers, and the general public.

· Knowledge of water quality monitoring and sampling procedures.

· Knowledge of the Clean Water Act.

· Knowledge of state water quality standards, 303(d) list, TMDLs, and watershed-based plans.

· Knowledge of CBay restoration efforts.

· Knowledge of storm water management practices, sediment and erosion control practices, and natural stream restoration techniques.

· Knowledge of water quality and the relationship of land treatment practices to improve or protect water quality.

· Knowledge of water quality monitoring protocols.

· Knowledge of basic GIS/GPS systems.

· Skilled in Microsoft Office Suite computer programs.

· Knowledge of basic principles and practices of conservation planning and nutrient management.

· Knowledge of modern office procedures, practices and equipment.

· Ability to assimilate data and develop detailed reports related to work performed.

· Ability to provide technical leadership and assistance in planning and implementation of best management practices.

· Ability to traverse rough terrain while carrying field/monitoring equipment.

· Knowledge of USDA Farm Bill programs.

· Knowledge of state, federal and local environmental/natural resource laws and regulations.

· Knowledge of soil fertility, animal nutrition, grassland management, plant nutrients, pesticide management, and soil and water conservation practices.

Minimum Qualifications: Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in a related field such as agriculture, biology, natural resources, or environmental science.

Keep our parks beautiful as a Conservation and Parks Technician! Join Great Parks’ team and assist us with the awesome responsibility of managing natural resources, maintaining grounds, implementing sustainable practices and conserving our parks!

The successful Conservation and Parks technician performs a variety of technical, manual and administrative labor on park grounds, trails, equipment, facilities, and natural areas. Serves as functional supervisor of part time staff, and volunteers on an assigned basis. At Great Parks, our team members work together to preserve and protect natural resources and to provide outdoor recreation and education in order to enhance the quality of life for present and future generations.

Be a part of an inclusive organization that enriches the region by inspiring nature-based experiences, celebrating cultural heritage and building strong and healthy communities through our dedicated staff, volunteers and friends

Performs various natural resource management tasks, including invasive species removal, forest management, tree planting, wildlife management, grassland management and prescribed burns.
Mows natural areas, plants native plants and harvests seed for propagation. Conducts exotic species surveys and facilitates research projects. Identifies native trees and herbaceous plants species to map plant cover and recognize management needs in natural areas.
Installs and maintains nest boxes. Assists with hazard tree assessment and applies herbicides according to label instructions.
Performs grounds and horticultural duties including mowing, planting, mulching, and maintaining plants, flowers, shrubs and trees, waters and fertilizes plants, prunes trees and shrubs, weeds landscape beds, applies pesticides, removes leaf debris.
Provides routine maintenance on nature trails and paved trails. Assists with sustainable trail building, and recognizes potential hazards to visitors.
Serves as on-call to plow snow from roadways, parking areas and walkways using trucks, plows, UTVs, and hand tools. Applies salt to roadways, parking areas and walkways.
Repairs roadways and trails by patching pot holes and sealing cracks.
Performs minor mechanical repairs and performs routine preventative maintenance to tractors, mowers, pumps, utility vehicles, trucks and other equipment; such as oil changes, lubrication of moving parts, fluid checks, belt replacement and other routine checks.
Performs rough carpentry, paints walls and ceilings, replaces signs, repairs fences, tables and other maintenance duties. Sweeps and mops floors, picks up litter, empties trash and cleans restrooms. Makes minor repairs to buildings and facilities. Completes required inspections.
Performs irrigation system repairs. Maintains sewage treatment plants. Repairs water and sewer lines and performs minor plumbing maintenance at park facilities.
Reports work progress and related information to Conservation & Parks Manager on a regular basis. Plans projects in collaboration with supervisor and others.
Maintains purchasing records and is responsible for purchasing card expenditures and reports.
Responds to public questions and needs in a respectful and courteous manner.
Performs job duties in accordance with Great Parks of Hamilton County’s policies, procedures, and performance expectations.
Maintains confidentiality of confidential and sensitive information.
Works assigned schedule, exhibits regular and punctual attendance and works outside of normal schedule as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

An appropriate combination of education, training, course work and experience may qualify an applicant to demonstrate required knowledge, skills, and abilities. An example of an acceptable qualification is:

High School Degree, GED or equivalent with a minimum of 3 years’ experience in parks & recreation, natural resources, facility maintenance, horticulture, or grounds maintenance. Or Associates Degree in Parks & Recreation, Horticulture, Natural Resources, Botany or related field can substitute for work experience.

Ability to document identity and employment eligibility within three (3) days of original appointment as a condition of employment in compliance with Immigration Reform and Control Act requirements.

LICENSE OR CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

State Pesticide Applicator’s License in category 5 (industrial vegetation) or other specific categories as required, within 12 months of employment, State Motor Vehicle Operator’s License that meets GPHC current carrier guidelines.

We offer an excellent benefit package that includes medical, dental and life insurance; paid vacation, 11 holidays and sick time; enrollment in Ohio Public Employees Retirement System and free or discounted use of many Great Parks of Hamilton County recreational activities.

Great Parks is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, military status, or any other classification protected under applicable law.

The Mifflin County Conservation District is seeking qualified candidates for a full time Resource Conservationist position! Position responsibilities include the review and approval of erosion and sediment control plans, technical assistance related to erosion control and resource protection, and the planning/implementation of best management practices (turf conversion/native meadow establishment, riparian buffers, tree planting, etc.). This position requires both office and field work. A full job description is available on the MCCD website (www.mifflinccd.com)

Other position details: Typical work week is 36.25 hours. Salary is dependent upon education and experience. Benefits include health, vision, & dental insurance as well as a retirement plan with employer contribution. Paid holidays, vacation, sick leave, and personal leave also included. Position is based in Burnham, PA.

Qualifications

– Bachelor’s/Associates degree
– Effective communication skills (written and verbal)
– Proficiency in GIS
– Understanding of environmental law
– Familiarity with construction documents/site plans

Description

This position requires hands-on gardening responsibilities for sun and shade situations and reports to Sr. Horticulturist.

GENERAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

General garden maintenance
General weed removal
Recognition of plant nutrition deficiencies
Recognition of pest infestation and damage
Plant transplantation
Planting and removal of plants
General garden watering needs
Serve as horticultural resource for the Garden
Work on special projects as assigned

Requirements

Associate Degree in horticulture, botany or related field or two years of hands-on professional gardening experience
Must be able to sustain moderate physical exertion with full range of body motion for lifting up to 50 lbs.
Ability to operate hand and power garden equipment
Ability to apply herbicides with supervision
Previous experience working with the public a plus
Valid Driver’s License with good driving record
Fluency in English
Computer literacy
Ability to work outside in all weather conditions

Audubon Nature Institute is seeking a Wildlife Conservation Field Technician to assist with field conservation programs. The primary goals of this position are to support work with population recovery of federally-listed Dusky Gopher Frogs (Lithobates sevosus), and to understand conservation impacts of the emerging infectious disease known as Amphibian Perkinsea, which can cause mortality in gopher frog tadpoles and lead to mass mortality events. Under the direction of the Director of Terrestrial and Wetlands Conservation, the Wildlife Conservation Field Technician will assist Audubon Zoo and a team of collaborators in conducting field surveys for Dusky Gopher Frog tadpoles and co-occuring tadpole species across southeastern Louisiana and southern Mississippi. This is a seasonal, full time position that runs November 1, 2024-June 31, 2025.

The Wildlife Conservation Field Technician will be responsible for conducting tadpole and pathogen surveys in southeastern Louisiana and southern Mississippi, across the historic range of the Dusky Gopher Frog. Specific tasks will include eDNA sampling for amphibian pathogens, tadpole swabbing for amphibian pathogens, visual encounter surveys for tadpoles, and time constrained surveys for tadpoles. Depending on project progress, the Wildlife Conservation Field Technician may assist with other field conservation programs of the Audubon Nature Institute.

Candidates must have access to a personal vehicle to complete the duties of this position, though mileage will be reimbursed for travel among field sites. This position encompasses a variety of tasks, both in the field and in an office setting. Due to the unpredictable nature of field conservation work, long hours, weekends and holiday shifts may be required.

To deliver on the Audubon mission, the Wildlife Conservation Field Technician will:

Provide a guest experience of outstanding quality

• Maintain relationships with local collaborators with state and federal wildlife agencies, and landowners including state and federal partners.

Weave quality entertainment through the guest experience

• Seek out opportunities to positively impact the guest experience and encourage staff to do so as well.

Educate our diverse audience about the natural world.

• Interact with the public regarding beached animals, and provide verbal and hard-copy information on the project and the public’s role in stranding reporting.

Enhance the care and survival of wildlife through research and conservation

• Conduct surveys for gopher frog tadpoles and co-occurring tadpole species

• Collect environmental DNA (eDNA samples) for amphibian pathogens

• Document survey activities, including maintaining electronic logs

• Collect data and appropriate samples from field conservation work

• Prepare written reports for, and communicate with, Audubon Zoo’s conservation department

• Report inventory of field supplies used for surveys and related activities daily

• Weekly check-in meeting with Audubon Zoo’s Conservation Department

The above listed duties are general statements of required major duties and responsibilities performed on a regular and continuous basis. They do not exclude other duties as assigned.

To deliver on the Audubon service promise, the Wildlife Conservation Field Technician will:

Welcome

• Make eye contact with every customer encounter, smile at every person, offer friendly phrases and greetings.

• Wear identification badge.

• Walk individual to destination instead of pointing; offer assistance to people who look confused.

• Assume ownership of potential safety hazards (wipe-up spill, pick up trash). Always have the camera-ready look.

Share

________________________________________

• Maintain positive attitude, pleasant tone of voice (remember it is not what you say, but how you say it).

• Coach coworkers on service expectations.

• Utilize the power of teamwork to give excellent service.

• Know when to involve management.

Inspire

________________________________________

• Know the answers to questions or seek out the answers.

• Utilize proper phone etiquette (answer phone within three rings, smile before answering call, ask for permission and wait for response before placing caller on hold).

• Ensure work area is free of food, drink, socialization, and personal business.

• Follow Dress Code Policy on clothing and grooming.

• Keep unpleasant concerns behind closed doors (vent backstage).

________________________________________

Experience:

• Previous field research experience is preferred, in particular with amphibians

• Previous experience working with federally-endangered species is preferred

• Ability to safely conduct fieldwork, including working in inclement weather, including high heat and humidity

• Working knowledge of the natural history of the southeastern US

• Experience with personal computers, GPS units, GIS software

• Experience with Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel

• Ability to communicate in person and writing

• Meticulous attention to detail and ability to take detailed notes

• Ability to work independently or as a part of a team

• Experience identifying amphibians is highly preferred

Education:

1. High school diploma

2. Bachelors of Science degree or working towards a Bachelors of Science degree in biology, wildlife biology, environmental science or relevant field

Licensure/Certification:

• Must possess a valid driver’s license

• First aid/CPR certification preferred

Software Requirements: Proficiency in Microsoft office product; cloud based drives such as Google drive or Microsoft SharePoint

Machinery/Tools/Equipment Requirements: Must have the ability to use mobile devices, computer, scanner, and phone.

Physical Requirements:

1. Sedentary Work: exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, or a negligible amount of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body. May involve sitting most of the time, but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time.

2. Sitting or standing, bending, stooping, and the ability to carry items weighing up to 80 pounds.

3. Constant adequate range of motion and mobility required.

4. Regular near acuity with clarity of vision at 20 inches or less required.

5. Typical ability to collect and analyze numerical and written data and verbal information to reach logical conclusions and ability to determine the time, place and sequence of operations or actions required.

6. Regular talking and the ability to express and exchange ideas by means of language expected.

7. Regular hearing and the ability to perceive the nature of sounds.

8. Constant ability to read, record, or type data quickly and accurately required.

Environmental/Working Conditions:

1. Working long hours between breaks or meals required.

2. Ability to work under and handle stress in an appropriate manner required.

3. May be exposed to high, medium, or low noise intensity.

4. Constant contact with co-workers required.

5. Affinity for animals preferred.

6. Exposure to fluctuations in temperatures may be required.

7. Exposure to outdoor conditions may be required.

The Department of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation in the College of Natural Resources and Environment at Virginia Tech invites applicants for the position of assistant professor in global change ecology as part of a campus-wide hiring initiative focusing on the grand challenge of invasive species. We seek a candidate with interest and experience in invasion science through the lens of invasion ecology, ecosystem disturbance, and/or novelty in terrestrial ecosystems. This is a full-time, tenure-track, 9-month appointment with primary responsibilities in research and teaching. The Department of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation is committed to building an inclusive community through programs and activities that are integrated into our research, education, and outreach efforts. We welcome applications from persons identifying with groups underrepresented within the discipline, including but not limited to, Black, Indigenous, people of color, first-generation, and underrepresented genders.

The successful candidate will lead a vibrant, externally funded research program that is recognized for scientific excellence, mentor a diverse population of graduate and undergraduate students, and provide high-quality instruction. Course contributions will be defined during the hiring process and may include courses in the department’s five undergraduate majors and a graduate course in the candidate’s area of expertise. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are necessary; international engagement and recognition are encouraged and expected as the candidate’s career advances. The incumbent will be expected to serve on departmental, college, and university committees.

The successful candidate will be a core member of Virginia Tech’s Invasive Species Collaborative (https://invasivespeciesvt.org/), a university-wide initiative fostering growth in transdisciplinary research to develop solutions to complex global problems of invasive species that directly or indirectly impact the lives or livelihoods of people. The individual will be part of a cluster hire, including faculty in environmental law and public policy, technology development, applied economics, data science, genomics, and outreach.

The successful candidate is expected to leverage the expertise of the Invasive Species Collaborative community at Virginia Tech and engage in team science with associated faculty. The individual will contribute to the development of a center of excellence focusing on invasive species science, technology, management, outreach, and policy.

Required Qualifications:
• A Ph.D. or equivalent at the time of appointment in a discipline closely related to global change ecology.
• A record of scholarship and peer-reviewed publications in invasion science through the lens of invasion ecology, ecosystem disturbance, and/or novelty in terrestrial ecosystems.

Preferred Qualifications:
• A record of scholarship and peer-reviewed publications in terrestrial systems in the area of forest ecology, quantitative ecology, geospatial science, or a closely related discipline.
• Demonstrated potential to acquire research funding adequate to support graduate students and an active, inclusive research program.
• Demonstrated potential for effective and inclusive teaching and mentoring.
• Demonstrated commitment to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive university community.
• Demonstrated experience or potential for team science collaborations, including with academics in other disciplines, state or federal agencies, NGOs, and/or private industry.