Salary: $46,176 - $51,984/year depending on experience.
Location: Idaho Falls
The Wildlife Management Institute is recruiting for a limited term (3-year) Wildlife Staff Biologist ? Transportation Specialist located in Idaho Falls, Idaho. This position will be assigned to work with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) in the Idaho Falls, ID regional office. The position will be responsible for coordination with the Idaho Transportation Department (IDT) on transportation-related projects and programs for purposes of: 1) helping complete US-20 ITD projects environmental assessments and permits and increase safety on state highways by identifying and implementing measures to reduce vehicle-animal collisions and 2) development of programmatic information, strategies, best management practices, communications, and coordination addressing wildlife-vehicle collisions, wildlife crossing, and wildlife connectivity in Idaho.
This position is responsible for implementation, planning, and administration of project and program objectives within a defined scope, budget, and schedule.
Responsibilities:
- Represent IDFG and advise ITD staff on wildlife connectivity, Wildlife Vehicle Collisions (WVC), and habitat protection issues.
- Provide technical and site-specific consultation to ITD staff and contractors to develop and implement connectivity priorities, mitigation, and improvement projects on US-20.
- Provide technical consultation and assist training ITD personnel in wildlife connectivity, WVC, and mitigation of transportation impacts related to these issues.
- Assist in the design of projects to restore and improve wildlife connectivity on US-20 from Ashton to the state line.
- Assist in development of monitoring and research determining the impacts of roads and highways on wildlife and the effectiveness of mitigation of these impacts.
- Develop programmatic and site specific information and criteria on WVC, wildlife crossings, wildlife connectivity, and wildlife crossing design.
- Develop and synthesize the latest science and design information for best management practices to reduce WVCs, improve highway safety, provide wildlife connectivity, evaluate roadkill data, and mitigate impacts to drivers from WVC due to wildlife movements across roads.
- Develop US-20 design, siting, and performance standard concepts for wildlife crossing and connectivity to reduce WVC, provide wildlife connectivity, increase highway safety and improve ITD project delivery.
- Develop wildlife benefits statement(s) on WVC, crossing design, guidelines, performance standards, measures, and site specific recommendations.
- Provide input to ITD on US-20 permitting in support of ITD project development and schedule.
- Facilitate cooperation and improved working relations between IDFG and ITD through training sessions, site visits, and the transfer of credible and objective information.
- Develop and communicate supportive and GIS-based data and information for recommendations, designs, and conclusions related to highways safety, wildlife crossings, and WVC.
- Lead the development of a committee to facilitate innovative options to minimize wildlife road mortalities as well as migration corridors for wildlife in this area that will aid in the overall conservation of wildlife in Idaho.
- Develop partnerships, leverage funding, and submit grants to accomplish wildlife connectivity and WVC reductions.
- Assist IDFG Program Coordinator/Supervisor in developing and implementing statewide and programmatic information to reduce WVC?s and promote wildlife connectivity and mitigation of transportation impacts on wildlife.
- Communicate and provide outreach to permitting agencies, ITD environmental study contractors, sportsmen, landowner, elected officials, and public.
- Communicate and coordinate ITD-related activities within the IDFG.
Minimum Qualifications:
- B.S. degree in ecology, biology or related field with at least 3 years professional experience; graduate degree preferred.
- Demonstrated interest and expertise in ecology and biology of wildlife species impacted by transportation systems.
- Demonstrated interest and expertise in habitat and population management practices related to landscape ecology, wildlife migration and movements, wildlife connectivity and wildlife mitigation.
- Experience evaluating the impact of land use practices, especially transportation uses; and in developing and interpreting data, models, and GIS information for purposes of transportation project implementation and planning, biological research, wildlife management, environmental assessment, within state and federal regulations.
- Ability to evaluate complex problems, apply critical thinking, and collaborate with diverse interests and stakeholders to problem solve with professionalism, tact, diplomacy, and sound judgement.
- Proven abilities to be a self-starter, make independent decisions, and take initiative in collaboration with team members, peers, and partners.
- Excellent abilities in written and oral communication, including public and professional presentations.
- Strong project management skills and experience with proven abilities to keep schedules, meet deadlines, and fulfill administrative responsibilities.
- Ability to build partnerships, foster long-term relationships, and negotiate solutions that are balanced and fair.
- Ability to develop and write grants and project proposals, plans, and summary reports.
- Effective computer skills across different platforms and applications.
- Experience working with state and federal natural resource agencies and associated environmental laws. Include in your response if you have experience working with state and federal natural resource agencies involved in aquatic and terrestrial habitat conservation and protection; OR, if you have experience as a liaison with state and federal natural resource agencies on land and water management issues.
- Abilities in GIS, data development, and/or engineering and design of highway crossings, bridges, culverts, fences, and habitat restoration and protection.
Compensation
- Salary: $46,176 - $51,984/year ($1,774 - $1,998/biweekly) depending on experience
- Eligible for participation in WMI 401(k) program with up to 8% employer contribution
- WMI will provide worker?s compensation, general liability, and unemployment insurance and pay social security taxes.
- Healthcare benefits are NOT provided
How to Apply:
1. Applicants must first register with Idaho Department of Labor (Reference Job Number ID904832) at https://labor.idaho.gov/
2. Send a customized detailed resume that supports the minimum and desired qualification qualifications as listed above with three professional references to:
Gregg Servheen
?Idaho Department of Fish & Game?
600 South Walnut/PO Box 25?
Boise, ID 83707
OR: E-mail your application and resume to: gregg.servheen@idfg.idaho.gov
Contact Name: Gregg Servheen
Contact Bureau: Idaho Department of Fish and Game
Contact Phone: 208-287-2713