Location: South Kingstown, Rhode Island
Classification: Limited Term (35 hours per week)
Salary: $64,500-$67,725
Start Date: December 7, 2020
Duration: Five Years
Overview
Work independently in a joint capacity with the Wildlife Management Institute (WMI) and the Bureau of Natural Resources, Rhode Island Department of Environmental (RIDEM) to provide Wildlife Biologist services to RIDEM. The incumbent will work out of the RIDEM Division of Fish and Wildlife headquarters in South Kingstown, Rhode Island. The work area will be statewide؛ however, duties may require attendance at meetings in other Rhode Island counties and New England States. This position will be classified as a limited term employee of the WMI. Direct supervision of day-to-day activities will be provided by RIDEM.
Limited-term employees are defined as employees of WMI retained to provide a specific scope of services as defined within one or more grants or contracts awarded to WMI. WMI bases your employment upon your skills and knowledge and ability to achieve desired outcomes defined by RIDEM.
As a limited term employee:
- You will be expected to work no more than an average of 35 hours per week in any 12-month period.
- You will be eligible for WMI 401(k) retirement benefits and WMI will provide workers’ compensation, general liability protection, professional liability protection and unemployment insurance benefits. WMI will withhold taxes including social security.
- Total annual compensation will reflect your base salary plus the amount contributed to your 401(k) by WMI. In addition to salary but contingent upon the funding available within the contract or grant that defines your scope of services, WMI will reimburse you for any travel expenses that are necessary and reasonable to perform the duties assigned to you.
- Your employment will be “at-will,” which means that either you or WMI can end the employment relationship at any time, for any reason or no reason, with or without notice.
Duties
- Plan, implement, and supervise Division habitat management activities for the purpose of: sustaining, enhancing and restoring wildlife habitat; promoting biodiversity؛ providing hunting opportunity; and protecting unique and exemplary natural communities.
- Provide leadership for the management, coordination, planning and implementation of habitat improvement activities on state properties, including but not limited to: food plot design, development, and installation; timber harvesting; brush mowing; siting and development of various habitats; invasive plant management; and upland, wetland and coastal habitat restoration.
- Perform comprehensive habitat assessments for land management planning purposes and to provide input on properties slated for potential acquisition.
- Coordinate habitat work with internal and external, partners to leverage combined efforts.
- Coordinate, monitor, administer and manage Division land leases.
- Assist superiors as required with operations and maintenance activities at Division properties and facilities, including performing site assessments, keeping inventory records, and preparing purchase requisitions for needed equipment, supplies and services.
- Evaluate management techniques and actions, development proposals, as well as user activities and their environmental impacts on fish and wildlife resources.
- Draft permits for proposed projects and activities possibly impacting aquatic and terrestrial habitats.
- Perform biological field, office, and laboratory work, to include the inventory and monitoring of various habitats, and plant and wildlife species.
- Assist and develop management programs and research studies to promote wildlife/habitat conservation.
- Analyze and interpret data collected from biological research and make appropriate recommendations.
- Develop new research techniques and methods for obtaining data.
- Make recommendations for federal and state laws, rules, regulations, and management practices.
- Plan and prepare management plans, technical reports, publications, and other documents, including those of a regulatory nature.
- As necessary, represent the Division at meetings and conferences.
- Assist in public education, as it concerns wildlife management and conservation.
- Assist in the evaluation of proposals that may have an environmental impact on natural resources.
- Maintain records relating to program activities.
- Other related duties, as needed.
Qualifications
An advanced degree ؛n natural resources, wildlife, or environmental sciences. Combination of education and experience in disciplines associated with wildlife/habitat conservation and outdoor sports activities including hunting and fishing.
Additionally required: Highly organized, excellent oral and written communication skills, extensive knowledge of the principles of wildlife habitat management, experience using ArcGIS, and ability to work independently.
Conditions for Appointment: must be physically qualified to perform assigned duties, as evidenced by a physician’s certificate. Must possess and maintain a Motor Vehicle Operator’s License issued by the State of Rhode Island.
To Apply
Applications must be postmarked on or before the application deadline to be considered. Send a cover letter outlining your interest and qualifications and a resume to:
Leland Mello
Supervising Biologist
RIDEM Division of Fish and Wildlife
277 Great Neck Road
West Kingston, Rhode Island 02892
For questions about WMI Limited Term Employee terms, contact:
Scot Williamson, VP
Wildlife Management Institute
4426 VT Route 215 N
Cabot, VT 05647
802-563-2087
swilliamson@wildlifemgt.org