Employment opportunities

Wildlife Management Institute (WMI) is partnering with the Iowa DNR to hire a Wildlife Research Specialist to assist the Wildlife Research Section. The position will be located in Boone within the White-tailed Deer Program. This position will have a diverse array of responsibilities including both fieldwork and quantitative analysis. The successful candidate will be expected to possess quantitative analysis and database skills to produce biological reports and manuscripts of peer-review quality. This is a limited term position that may be extended up to 3 years. The successful candidate will be a WMI employee, but stationed within the Iowa DNR’s Research Section with daily supervision by Iowa DNR staff. Starting annual salary will be $35,961.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must possess a valid driver’s license with a clean driving record
• A BS in Wildlife Ecology or a related field (MS preferred)
• A positive attitude and a passion for wildlife conservation
• Ability to work successfully in both field and office settings

Desired Skills

• Strong organization and communication skills (both oral and written)
• Experience working with large data sets and database programs (e.g., Microsoft Access)
• Experience conducting wildlife research
• Experience with data analysis and analysis programs, particularly Program R
• ArcGIS mapping and analysis capabilities
• Strong work ethic
• Ability to work independently and also as part of a team
• Experience publishing technical reports and articles for peer-reviewed journals

Primary Job Duties

• Coordinate annual deer surveys such as the Spring Spotlight Survey
• Assist with surveillance efforts for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD)
• Summarize and conduct statistical analyses on data collected during wildlife surveys
• Assist with design of research projects that address questions related to deer ecology and management
• Query and summarize deer harvest and license data
• Produce biological reports and manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed literature
• Interact with and respond to inquiries from the public regarding deer and deer hunting

To apply, please send your resume or CV, cover letter, and contact information for three references to Tyler Harms. Applications are due by July 31, 2021.

Towards an Integrated Nationwide Biodiversity Data Management System

The Wildlife Management Institute (WMI) is searching for a Project Manager to lead the “Towards an Integrated Nationwide Biodiversity Data Management System” project. The objective of this project is to develop a state-led and nationally coordinated integrated data system for geospatial information on fish, wildlife, and habitats. The project will build on existing regional data integration efforts such as the “Nature’s Network” with the Northeast Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, the Southeast Conservation Adaptation Strategy or “SECAS” with the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, the Crucial Habitat Assessment Tool or “CHAT” with the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, and the ongoing work of the Midwest Landscape Initiative with the Midwest Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies.

Substantial involvement is anticipated through the terms of this Agreement between the United States Geological Survey (USGS, the lead federal agency for the project), United States Fish and Wildlife Service, (USFWS), WMI, and the Project Manager. A summary of the involvement is as follows: The project will be carried out in close partnership with USGS personnel during all phases. The Wildlife Management Institute and the Project Manager will engage regularly with USGS scientists and managers from the Cooperative Research Units (CRU) Program. USGS CRU will provide technical support in geospatial data analysis, provide guidance to engage with university faculty and students, as well as strong long-term partnerships with senior leadership of the State fish and wildlife agencies. Additionally, the USGS will review all phases of the project for satisfactory completion prior to approving a subsequent state.

Job Description

The Project Manager will identify, compare, and contrast the data components of existing integrated and standalone biodiversity data management systems of universities, federal land management agencies, and state fish and wildlife agencies. Work requires categorizing database platforms, geographic information systems, data collection, and data standards for each database system for further review by technical experts. The Project Manager will measure the level of interest from each reviewed entity for engagement in a national integrated biodiversity data management system. This measure will include state and federal agency interest in collaborating in a nationwide system, legal constraints to database integration, applicable database use policies and regulations, and agency requirements for data sharing. In addition, the work includes an assessment of the existing and desired applications of the nationwide integrated biodiversity data management system for species and habitat conservation.

Minimum Qualifications and Experience

• Demonstrated leadership skills including proficiency in creating partnerships, communication, and collaboration.
• Established professional network of federal, state, university, and conservation organization leaders.
• 10-15 years of experience employed by a federal or state natural resource agency, a national conservation organization, and/or a resource-affiliated business or industry
• Knowledge and experience in applying fish and wildlife conservation laws, regulations and programs
• Effective writing and communication skills
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects and tasks, establish priorities, and meet deadlines
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment

Job Requirements

• Travel across the United States to meet with conservation organizations, federal and state agencies, and to attend meetings and conferences
• Preparation and submission of timely project status reports
• Expertise in Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point, and email use

Supervision

• The Project Manager will work at the direction of and as a contractor with the Wildlife Management Institute, in collaboration with the USGS.

Initial Project Period

• October 1, 2021 – September 30, 2022

Contract Amount

• $81,920

Application Process

• Please send your letter of interest and resume on or before August 31, 2021 to:

Steve Williams, President
Wildlife Management Institute
1440 Upper Bermudian Road
Gardners, PA 17324
swilliams@wildlifemgt.org