Job Tag: Conservation

As the Leola Hills Land Steward, you will ensure support and collaborate closely with colleagues across the MN, ND, SD Chapter of The Nature Conservancy. You may oversee or lead a team of staff or volunteers dedicated to the management of the Ordway Prairie Preserve, near Leola, SD, and other TNC land interests. As our Land Steward, you thrive in an environment based on learning and are able to adapt and embrace the opportunity for variable work duties. Examples include: office work to field labor, working independently to working with teams, following existing standard protocols to developing new methods and process. As our Land Steward, you will build relationships and network with diverse groups such as: private landowners, ranchers, conservation partners, government officials, donors, board members and the public to inspire support for the Conservancy’s priorities.

Examples of responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Performs tasks with minimal supervision and makes independent decisions based on analysis, experience and context.
Recruits and leads diverse teams.
Ensures program compliance with internal policies and external requirements.
May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
May work long hours in isolated settings.
Responsible for safe operation and maintenance of buildings and grazing infrastructure (such as fence, corrals, and watering stations) and equipment (ATV/UTVs, chainsaws, 4WD vehicles, skid-steers/tractors and attachments)
Develops and manages a budget, negotiating, and contracting with vendors, and supporting fundraising and donor stewardship efforts.
Network with diverse groups, including landowners, conservation partners, government officials, donors, board members and the public to recruit support for the Conservancy and publicize Conservancy projects.
Performs ecological management tasks such as biological monitoring, invasive species control, grazing and fire management.
Negotiates/writes agreements and leases and handles compliance issues in cooperation with other staff.
Assist with grazing and livestock management such as daily care of cattle/bison, annual roundups, assistance with research projects and data collection.
Develops, implements, and delivers local programs/projects that align with TNC’s mission and goals.
Travel to other sites to provide stewardship of other properties, assist other programs, and for trainings or meetings as needed.

WHAT YOU’LL BRING

BA/BS, degree and 3 years’ experience in natural resource management or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Supervisory or leadership experience.
Experience building relationships and communicating with the public and/or media both in writing and verbally.
Experience using applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and Web Browsers.
Experience operating and maintaining various types of equipment and facilities.
Experience completing tasks independently with respect to deadlines.
Must have a valid Driver’s License and maintain a good driving record.

In addition, the following DESIRED skills and/or experiences would be an asset for this role but are not required to apply. For applicants without these, please view these as areas or skillsets where you will have opportunities for growth and professional development.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Ability and willingness to apply science to decision-making and to guide activities.
Knowledge of ecological land management/restoration principles, including range management, wildlife management, invasive species ecology, livestock husbandry, and fire management.
Ability to maintain facilities including, corrals, fence, office, housing, and workshop.
Must be qualified as or able to meet qualifications of a Fire Fighter Type 2 (FFT2) and work toward qualifications as needed to implement fire strategies. See https://www.tncfiremanual.org/FIrefighter.htm
Ability to pass annual fitness test (carrying a 45-pound pack over 3 miles of level terrain in 45 minutes or less.)
Knowledge of flora and fauna of the Northern Great Plains.
Experience with GPS and GIS and data management.
Ability to obtain required licenses or certifications, such as first aid, CPR, herbicide application,
Ability to follow instructions and work cooperatively with others.
Ability to think creatively about how to leverage resources.
Commitment to the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion.

Unity Environmental University at Pineland is currently seeking a full-time Assistant/Associate Professor in Wildlife and Fisheries Biology with an entrepreneurial spirit to teach and design baccalaureate-level courses for our bachelor’s degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Conservation Management. Courses include but are not limited to Habitat Assessment and Management, Population Assessment and Management, and Wildlife and Fisheries Techniques. Competitive candidates should have a record of scholarship in the field of wildlife and fisheries conservation management and a strong passion for teaching courses in-person, designed to prepare learners for 21st century careers.

The Unity Environmental University at Pineland bachelor’s degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Conservation Management prepares students for careers with public land management, conservation agencies, and private organizations as fisheries biologists, conservation planners, field biologists, wildlife technicians, habitat restoration specialists, or research scientists. This position will support Wildlife and Fisheries Conservation Management student success, career networking, completion rates, course instruction, development, and program review.

Day to day responsibilities:

Teach environmentally focused Wildlife and Fisheries Conservation Management courses and other courses as assigned.
Develop up to 4 to 6 courses per year.
Be knowledgeable in the appropriate delivery of the content in a non-standard calendar and within relevant modalities.
Teach a minimum of 480 to 600 student workload credits per calendar year as assigned.
Contribute to scholarship and research at a regional or national level.
Work with the Dean to assess and evaluate courses and programs in appropriate disciplines.
Apply various learning modalities and technologies to engage and support in-person students in achieving learning outcomes.
Guide capstone projects in assigned programs as needed.
Help recruit students into the Unity Environmental University @ Pineland programs.
Maintain currency in course delivery and technology.

Do you have the skills?

The ideal candidate will have a Ph.D. in the discipline or closely related field of study, along with:
Field experience in wildlife or fisheries research or management.
Specialization in human dimensions or wildlife, urban wildlife management, or game species management.
Experience working for/with state or federal management agencies.
Demonstrated ability teaching in an in-person postsecondary environment.
Record of scholarly research through publications, presentations and/or professional practice.
Excellent oral and written communication skills with strong interpersonal skills.
Familiarity with technical terminology as appropriate.
Excellent initiative and organizational skills with ability to work both autonomously and in a team.
Great time management skills.
Ability and willingness to work in-person with students from diverse political/socioeconomic backgrounds and a wide range of physical and academic abilities
Personal commitment to the environmental focus and mission of the Institution
Ability to obtain a valid Maine driver’s license with a good driving record.
Ability to function effectively within a matrix organizational structure, maintaining open lines of communication while being discreet, courteous, and well poised.

Are you passionate about rangeland ecology and eager to make a tangible impact on sustainable grazing practices? The Oregon Desert Land Trust and The Nature Conservancy seek a dedicated Rangeland Ecology Lead to join our team. In this role, you’ll collaborate with lessees, co-permittees, and the Bureau of Land Management to develop and implement innovative grazing programs across our private and public lands. You’ll set and monitor grazing objectives, manage grazing leases, and participate in The Nature Conservancy’s multi-state Sagebrush Sea initiative. If you have a background in rangeland ecology or management, strong project management skills, and a desire to work collaboratively to achieve ecological, social, and economic goals, we encourage you to apply and help us shape the future of sustainable grazing at Trout Creek Ranch.

About Oregon Desert Land Trust and Trout Creek Ranch

The Oregon Desert Land Trust (“ODLT”) works with landowners, Tribes, agency land managers, and other partners to conserve and restore ecologically significant wild and working lands in southeastern Oregon.

ODLT has embarked on one of Oregon’s most significant conservation projects by partnering with The Nature Conservancy (“TNC”) to purchase the 16,645-acre Trout Creek Ranch. Trout Creek Ranch helps connect more than a million acres of designated wildlife habitat and includes livestock grazing permits on nearly 500,000 acres of public land. The property spans from the Pueblo Mountains to the Trout Creek Mountains, with elevations ranging from 4100’ in the Pueblo Valley headquarters meadows to almost 7800’ in the high aspen woodlands of the Trout Creek range. The area includes abundant natural resources, including thousands of acres of core sage grouse habitat, mule deer, pronghorn antelope, and California bighorn sheep. The ranch’s 2000+ acres of irrigated wet meadows support numerous waterbird species, including priority species like the greater sandhill crane and white-faced ibis.

Our stewardship programs at Trout Creek Ranch will support regional conservation objectives, test innovative management techniques, and build collaboration among public land managers and users. We’re seeking a self-starter who will embrace this rare opportunity to make a lasting mark on a vital Western landscape.

ODLT is committed to building a diverse and welcoming organization by supporting employee growth, well-being, and inclusion. A diverse staff of qualified, highly skilled, and creative individuals is necessary to achieve our vision and mission. We understand that many qualified individuals have historically faced barriers to entering the conservation field and are committed to helping change this paradigm. We encourage anyone interested in the position to apply.

Position Summary

Trout Creek Ranch includes private grazing land and BLM-administered grazing permits on five adjacent grazing allotments. ODLT is the sole permittee on several allotments and pastures and grazes “in common” with co-permittees on others. At present, ODLT owns no cattle and works with local operators through stewardship leases.

The Rangeland Ecology Lead will work with ODLT lessees, co-permittees, and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to develop and implement a collaborative grazing program on Trout Creek Ranch’s private land and public grazing allotments. This work will include setting grazing objectives, developing grazing plans and leases, monitoring progress, and adapting the program to meet ecological and community goals. A primary component of this work will be creating a virtual fence pilot project. Other ODLT and TNC staff, including the Trout Creek Ranch Manager, the Trout Creek Ranch Assistant, and TNC’s Rangeland Scientist, will support the Rangeland Ecology Lead in developing and implementing the grazing program.

The Rangeland Ecology Lead will participate in TNC’s multi-state Sagebrush Sea initiative to ensure Trout Creek Ranch can access and inform grazing innovations like virtual fencing. Participation will include regular virtual meetings and occasional travel to other ranches in the network.

Primary Responsibilities

● Establishing rangeland health objectives.

● Creating long-term and annual grazing plans to achieve rangeland health objectives.

● Meeting regularly with lessees, co-permittees, the BLM, and other stakeholders to discuss program objectives, issues, and progress toward shared goals.

● Collecting and managing grazing data to track program effectiveness and support adaptive management.

● Developing a virtual fence program to improve grazing stewardship.

● Managing grazing leases, including tracking livestock use and invoicing.

● Coordinating with lessee(s), co-permittees, and the BLM to maintain, repair, replace, or install fences, corrals, water developments, and other grazing infrastructure.

● Supporting related Trout Creek Ranch programs in meeting complementary ecological goals, including spring, stream, and meadow restoration and noxious weed management.

Education, Experience, and Knowledge

We’re committed to finding the best fit for our team and encourage you to apply even if you only meet some of the qualifications below. When hiring the Rangeland Ecology Lead, we will consider both education and experience.

● A BA/BS in Rangeland Ecology/Management/Science or a similar field and three years of experience in natural resource management (or a comparable combination of education and experience).

● A demonstrated working knowledge of computers and software, such as Microsoft Word and Excel, and a desire to build or maintain that knowledge through training.

● Familiarity with GIS tools like Arc GIS, Quick Capture, Field Maps, and Google Earth.

● Experience with plant identification and soil classification.

● Experience creating and implementing grazing management plans.

● Familiarity with planning and monitoring tools such as the Grazing Response Index, Landscape Appearance Method, or Key Species Method.

● An ability and desire to work with others to identify and achieve mutual goals.

● An ability to manage projects and meet deadlines.

● Must have a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record.

Working Environment

● Regularly exposed to amazing vistas, wildlife, and adventure.

● Occasionally required to hike through rugged terrain, walk over uneven ground, or climb under or over obstacles.

● Regularly works in snow, rain, and hot and cold weather.

● Occasionally soaks in nearby hot springs.

● Regularly sits or stands at a desk or computer workstation.

● Continuously challenged to provide innovative, problem-solving ideas in a team environment.

● Regularly required to operate trucks, trailers, and all-terrain vehicles.

● Occasional evening or weekend work.

● Occasionally lifts, positions, or moves objects weighing up to 50 pounds.

To Apply:

Applications must include a (1) resume and (2) a cover letter summarizing your interest, qualifications, and applicable experience. Please email your materials to in**@*******************st.org with “Rangeland Ecology Lead” in the subject line.

You can find additional information about ODLT on our website at www.oregondesertlandtrust.org.

The Monroe County Conservation District is seeking an individual to supervise the District’s Technical Section. A great opportunity for someone interested in sustainable development and planning for the future of Monroe County’s unique natural resources. Duties include administering delegation agreements with PA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), supervising professional staff, serving as Compliance Officer and Open Records Officer, providing written comments or testimony on relevant legislation and regulations, administering grants, providing technical assistance to the public and cooperating agencies, representing Monroe County on committees and statewide task forces, conducting public education programs, writing technical articles, and status reporting to the District Board of Directors and DEP. Typical work week is 40 hours, which may include some evening/weekend hours.

Requirements include:

Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science, Education, Policy, or Planning, Water Resources, Soil Science, Geology, Agriculture, or a closely related field, supplemented by 7 years previous experience and/or training involving the preparation or review of land or water resource development plans or permits, environmental regulations, or environmental education resources. An advanced degree may substitute for up to 5 years experience based on relevance. Team player a must. Must have a valid driver’s license. County salary and comprehensive benefits package.

The City of Gloucester is now accepting applications for the position of Assistant Conservation Agent. The Assistant Conservation Agent provides support to the Conservation Agent in the Community Development Department related to the Conservation Commission’s statutory responsibilities. The position involves both field and office work and periodic night meetings. The Assistant Conservation Agent performs a variety of complex administrative, professional, and technical work in connection with administration of Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act and its Implementing Regulations (WPA) and the local Gloucester Wetlands Ordinance (GZO).

This is a full time, in person, 35 hour per week, benefit eligible position. Salary range is $22.64 – $32.78 per hour based on qualifications and experience.

The Natural Resources Specialist Sr is responsible for delivering conservation and management of natural resources on Jefferson County Open Space (JCOS) properties and providing field and office oversight of work crews. Collect, summarize, interpret, and share natural resource data and information. Prepare resource management planning documents and provide conservation-based recommendations to inform recreation, infrastructure, and related development plans. Interact with leadership to identify current and future needs. Operate specialized heavy and light equipment, hand tools, and technology-based devices to control invasive species or conduct management activities on forest, wildlife, native vegetation, wetland/water, and other natural resource elements; perform ecological restoration, inventory, and monitoring. Prepare data collection and storage protocols, train staff in their application, and maintain data in databases. Perform public outreach and communicate with others internally and externally. Acts in a lead role for Natural Resources Technicians and Specialists.

Essential Duties:

Conduct and oversee the conservation and management related activities in one or more of the following: wildlife, noxious weed, forest, grassland/range, wetland/water, native vegetation management, habitat restoration, prescribed fire, or inventory/monitoring by planning and conducting inventory, monitoring, and mapping activities. Summarize data and prepare reports based on resource assessments and management prescriptions pertaining to county owned and potential properties.
Operate and maintain vegetation management-related equipment, and tools including backpack sprayers, ATV/UTV-mounted sprayers, drill-seeders, and tractors. Use electronic data collection devices.
Assist with identifying, prioritizing and managing operational aspects of tasks and projects.
Assist with the assignments and directions for volunteers, Natural Resources Technicians and Specialists. Provide information and feedback to Team Leads for coaching, disciplinary or other actions for Technicians and Specialists. Participate in the hiring process.
Manage time accounting records and provide reports to superiors.
Maintain herbicide application, natural resource observation and other records and submit to appropriate state and federal oversight agencies.
Evaluate and maintain equipment and supplies.
Assist with monitoring budget and managing work of contractors and collaborators.
Assist with preparation and management of grants and contracts in collaboration with other JCOS staff and work units.
Collaborates with other JCOS staff for volunteer projects.
Assists with development of public information signs and website updates for forest, prescribed fire, weed, wildlife management, and other resource management activities. Assist other JCOS teams with natural resource outreach information. Participate in advisory committee, public meetings, and various stakeholder groups to provide information. Interact with park neighbors and on-site park visitors concerning forest management, weed management, wildlife management, restoration, and/or prescribed fire activities.
Assist with leading and implementing intra-agency collaboration and planning of short, mid, and long-term natural resource conservation and management goals and projects.
Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in wetland ecology, riparian ecology, hydrology, water resources, natural resource management or related field and;
3 years of experience collecting, interpreting, and describing environmental data, such as: soils, vegetation, geology, hydrology, species of concern, and wildlife habitat.
Or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Must have or obtain in 1 year, a Colorado Department of Agriculture Qualified Supervisor license in Aquatic Pest Control.
Advanced degree in wetland ecology, riparian ecology, watershed science, hydrology, or water resources.
Certified Wetland Ecologist
Strong proficiency with ArcGIS, including ArcGIS Pro, using GIS data in an enterprise data management system, ArcGIS Online, Survey123, and Field Maps). Knowledge of and experience with Esri’s Arc Hydro tools desired.
5+ years of wetland/riparian conservation management activities with experience in Rocky Mountain Front Range Foothills
Familiarity with water use in Colorado
Familiarity with plants and wildlife of Colorado’s wetland and riparian ecosystems
Experience with water quality monitoring
Familiarity with Section 404 of the Clean Water Act
Experience performing wetland delineation
Experience with planning and implementing restoration activities in wetland and riparian areas
Experience identifying and applying for relevant grants and administering grants once awarded
Familiarity with Colorado water rights administration and water law
Familiarity with Colorado’s Climate Action Plan [as it relates to watershed-based management?]
Demonstrated organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills; ability to handle complex tasks with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
Effective interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills, including ability to work with a diverse group of individuals and to maintain effective working relationships.
Ability to work both independently with guidance and effectively in a team

In pursuit of its mission to restore, enhance and protect the tree canopy of the nation’s capital, Casey Trees (CT) delivers a broad base of programs and services to the DC Metro area. The organization plants more than 6,500 trees each year grown at our own nursery; cares and maintains those trees; conserves greenspace; conducts school and community-based youth STEM programming; and advocates for stronger policies and laws to preserve trees across the area. Casey Trees emphasizes innovative solutions and working with diverse partners to advance and promote tree canopy solutions that meet the needs of the communities that we serve.

Summary

The Crew Chief executes the day-to-day operations for all tree planting, care and related activities in the Tree Planting Department, including the management/oversight of Tree Planting Crew members and their daily tasks. The position is also responsible for use, maintenance, inventory and management of all vehicles, tools and equipment. The Crew Chief reports to the Urban Forestry Manager and interfaces with members of other departments in the execution of their work. The incumbent maintains a general knowledge of best practices in horticulture, forestry, and urban forestry in order to achieve the mission of Casey Trees.

Compensation and Benefits:

Salary Range: $63,000-70,000 annually

Benefits: Full benefits including health, dental, vision, disability and life insurance as well as a flexible spending account (FSA), paid holidays, paid time off, and a retirement plan 403 (b).

Essential Functions

The following essential functions are representative for the Crew Chief in its entirety – including but not limited to:

Supervision & Field Operations Management

Directs and evaluates work outputs of tree planting crews
Ensures adherence to organizational policies and procedures including, but not limited to: attendance, timeliness, conduct, professionalism, appearance, customer service, etc.
Supports the UFM with personnel management including, but not limited to: onboarding, training, performance evaluation, timesheets, critical feedback and discipline
Promotes a safety culture by coordinating staff trainings and eliminating/controlling hazardous conditions resulting from human error, equipment and machine operations that may lead to human injury and/or property damage

General Functions

Selects, delivers, plants, prunes, inventories, waters, and cares for trees
Operates trucks, trailers, heavy machinery, and hand and power tools in a safe manner
Conducts regular vehicle, equipment and tool maintenance, including office, landscape and grounds upkeep, as directed
Provides exceptional customer service for internal and external stakeholders
Assists with tree procurement activities including sourcing, invoicing, deliveries, inventory and reconciliation
Provides logistical support during trainings, classes, workshops, tours, demonstrations, etc.
Collaborates across the organization
Connects people to trees
Performs other duties, as requested

Summary of Duties

The incumbent will establish a program of research, teaching, and extension (outreach) with a focus on utilization of native food and ceremonial plants; lost production and harvesting practices; and/or development of new practices that support the sustainability and use of culturally relevant plants within a changing ecosystem. Example focus areas can include, but are not limited to, small berry and vegetable production in tidal estuarine and open meadow ecosystems; renewal of ceremonial management and harvesting traditions for spiritually significant plants possessing food, medical, and ceremonial value; improved use of native pollinators; and/or native plant improvement to address biotic and abiotic stressors or other related areas important to indigenous and other culturally relevant plants. Specific focus area can account for spiritual traditions that are highly coupled with the use of culturally relevant foods and plants used for ceremonial and/or medicinal purposes. As part of outreach efforts, the individual must work with native and other stakeholders’ minority populations. Importantly, activities can include a focus on reconnecting youth with elders who possess indigenous knowledge. The department will work with local and native stakeholders to form an advisory committee for the incumbent.

Additionally, the individual will contribute to undergraduate or graduate education by developing and implementing courses or modules related to their research area that transfer knowledge and raise awareness among racial and ethnic minority students with opportunities for teaching across the WSU system. Mentorship of students is a critical component of teaching, and the individual would contribute to excellence in mentorship, in concert with other department faculty, and maintain standards of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the recruitment of students and staff.

Required Qualifications:

A PhD degree in horticulture, applied plant sciences, or related fields.

Evidence of the ability to lead and manage a research and outreach program.

Demonstrated record of scholarly accomplishments in basic and/or applied plant sciences commensurate with career level.

Preferred Qualifications:

Demonstrated ability to communicate (oral, written, electronic) effectively with technical and nontechnical audiences.

Demonstrated ability to conduct original research.

Ability or capacity to teach/mentor undergraduate and graduate students.

Demonstrated record of or capacity to acquire and/or manage extramural competitive grant support.

Knowledge of culturally appropriate and scientifically sound methods of conducting basic and/or applied plant research with racial and ethnic minority communities.

Experience working with racial and ethnic minority communities.

Demonstrated understanding of racial and ethnic minority communities’ culture and values.

Ability to work effectively with interdisciplinary teams and indigenous stakeholders.

Attended some classes in Native American Studies from a tribal college or university with a tribal program.

Greenbelt has an opening for an enthusiastic professional for the full-time position of Land Steward that:

reports to the Director of Land Stewardship
provides stewardship department support for:

fee property upkeep and maintenance
general caretaking of Greenbelt’s Cox Reservation headquarters grounds and office
weather related events
volunteer programs
event support
other tasks as directed, such as conservation biology programs and conservation restriction monitoring

This position requires a strong ability to handle a variety of equipment and be willing to

work outdoors on a frequent basis, sometimes in challenging weather conditions. Other

qualifications:

demonstrated experience in the core responsibilities listed in this job description
higher education (bachelor’s or associate degree) desirable but not required
self-motivated with the ability to collaborate with co-workers daily
possession of a valid driver’s license
physical ability to work on varied terrains, and lift/carry/load/unload up to 50 pounds of equipment and materials regularly
demonstrated experience specifically with the following is desirable:
vehicle and equipment operation such as driving with 4-wheel drive truck, snow plowing, trailering, farm tractors, zero turn mower use, walk-behind mower use, chainsaw use, trimmer use, and use of a range of other power tools
basic carpentry
proficiency with basic technologies desirable, including computer software (word processing, spreadsheets, etc.)

A key to this position is the ability to perform a range of physical activities but also

participate and contribute to the organization in many other ways. Flexibility is

important, as unscheduled tasks present themselves and may require immediate

attention.