Employment opportunities

Overview and Job Duties

This position is jointly administered by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, (DNR), Upper Mississippi and Great Lakes Joint Venture (UMGL JV) and the Wildlife Management Institute. The Eastern Tallgrass Prairie Conservation Delivery Network (CDN) Manager will coordinate actions and communication across the partnership to expand and accelerate grassland conservation in the Eastern Tallgrass Prairie system and associated landscapes as guided by JV science plans and products, including those developed by JV partners. The focus of this position is to support the partnership’s ability to restore, enhance, manage, and protect grassland systems to provide benefits for wildlife habitat, ecological goods and services, and society.

Initial focus of the work will be in Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, eastern Kansas, and eastern Nebraska. The position will function as a member of the UMGL JV staff, and will be hired and administered by Wildlife Management Institute (WMI) and physically housed within DNR Central Office in Des Moines. Administrative supervision will be provided by WMI and daily guidance will be provided by DNR and UMGL JV staff acting on behalf of a CDN steering committee.

The CDN Manager will:

• Work with JV partners to identify, promote, and deliver collaborative grassland conservation programs consistent with the JV Landbird Habitat Conservation Strategy.
  • Convene and facilitate collaborative meetings, both virtually and in person, with various audiences to build support for and coordinate actions associated with grassland conservation.
  • Identify strategic focus geographic areas that have existing conservation estate lands where management and restoration activities are ongoing, including identified bird conservation areas (BCAs).
  • Lead and/or support the development of new or existing habitat programs on public and private lands, including support and implementation of Farm Bill conservation programs via NRCS.
  • Develop and implement appropriate strategies and mechanisms for grassland conservation (such as habitat strike teams) across the JV geography, especially focused on highest priority grassland locations.
• Coordinate and expand professional working relationships and collaborative opportunities within the CDN to increase capacity and support implementation of adaptive wildlife conservation strategies.
  • Coordinate and support the JV Eastern Tallgrass Prairie CDN steering committee; organize and coordinate meetings of the committee.
  • Working with the CDN steering committee, draft and adopt a CDN charter and operations plan, including a conservation implementation plan.
  • Plan and/or support educational and technical conservation workshops. Also, lead or assist in the creation of outreach and technical resources for natural resource professionals.
  • Survey partners to assess implementation gaps and development of tools that aid in effective grassland management.
  • Build strong relationships and establish agreements with NRCS state offices, state agencies, tribes, NGOs, funders, and other partners to expand the partnership.
• Support and facilitate the development of science support tools to inform grassland conservation.
  • Serve as a member of the UMGL JV science team landbird committee.
  • Coordinate with JV staff and science team members to identify priority research and planning tools as identified by the CDN steering committee and partners.
  • Collaborate with the JV spatial analyst to assess existing and new grassland conservation opportunities and develop tools as needed.
  • Identify, utilize, and disseminate the most recent biological, ecological, climate, social, and traditional research and management resources.
• Assist partners to grow resources to support the CDN in proposal and budget development, identify match contributions and support/coordinate multi-party collaborative initiatives.
  • Support the partnership with grant writing/management, program reporting, and project oversight, including with private foundations and government grants.
  • Coordinate and track capacity and monetary contributions and match provided to the CDN by partners and seek ways to leverage resources to the greatest degree.
  • Assist in or lead partners in Federal Farm Bill program applications, such as RCPP, across Track budgets, match, metrics, and deliverables for projects.
• Monitor, track and communicate activities and accomplishments.
  • Use a variety of database management software and GIS applications to assess programmatic success and assist with focal species management and monitoring.
  • Communicate internally with project partners using software such as Asana, SharePoint, and Microsoft Teams.
  • Communicate externally with communities, funders, media, and public using a variety of communications channels to build awareness of and support for grassland conservation.

Qualifications

• A passion for grassland conservation and/or grassland birds and wildlife.
• Knowledge and experience in grassland ecosystems of the JV region.
• Knowledge of grassland management techniques
• Experience and skills in coordinating and leading teams of people and partners across organizations and geographies
• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in wildlife biology, ecology, rangeland management, or other natural resources field.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, and comfort with public speaking and interacting with people at all levels and backgrounds.
• Ability and willingness to work with a network of people in a collaborative, supportive, and respectful manner.
• Strong leadership and organizational skills.
• Ability to work both independently without direct, day-to-day supervision.
• Effective knowledge of common software applications
• Grant writing and administration experience.
• Ability and willingness to travel and spend time away from home for several days per month.
• Valid driver’s license.

Application Deadline

The announcement is open until January 29, 2025. The successful applicant can expect to start within 2-4 weeks after a job offer.

Position Duration

This position is part of a regional program designed to support recovery of grasslands. The position is currently funded for two years but may be extended for additional years pending funding.

Compensation

This salaried position pays $55,000/year ($38.54/hour equivalent). As a limited term employee of WMI, the incumbent will be expected to work no more than an average of 70 hours per two-week pay period. Work vehicles or mileage reimbursement will cover travel requirements. Office space, computers, etc. will be provided. The position will be eligible for WMI 401(k) retirement benefits and WMI will provide workers’ compensation, general liability protection, and professional liability protection and unemployment insurance benefits. The position is eligible for health, dental, and vision insurance coverage. The position may also be eligible for vacation pay, sick leave, or disability benefits. WMI will withhold taxes including social security. The incumbent will be entitled to make voluntary contributions to their 401(k)-retirement plan.

Locations

Des Moines, Iowa

To Apply

Please submit your resume, cover letter, and three professional references as one Word or pdf file. Send to MGilbart@wildlifemgt.org. For questions about the duties, location, etc., contact Tyler Harms at Iowa DNR. Or Douglas Gorby douglas_gorby@fws.gov at the Upper Mississippi/Great Lakes JV. For questions about WMI, contact Scot Williamson at SWilliamson@wildlifemgt.org.

Salary: $51,863 – $69,617 Annually
Location: Bangor, Maine
Job Type: Full-Time
Duration: 2 years
Opening Date: 1/21/2025
Closing Date: 1/31/2025

Introduction

In partnership with the Wildlife Management Institute, we are looking to fill a contracted position within the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife’s (MDIFW) Wildlife Diversity Section. This position is full-time for a term of two years with the potential for a term extension.

The mission of the MDIFW is to preserve, protect, and enhance the inland fisheries and wildlife resources of the state as well as enable and promote the safe enjoyment of Maine’s outdoors. As part of this mandate, the Department’s Wildlife Division manages Maine’s game and non-game species and conserves and protects habitat for Maine’s wildlife. This position will work closely with wildlife biologists in the Wildlife Division’s Wildlife Diversity Section.

Job Description

The position will lead efforts to advance conservation, research, and outreach for open habitat raptors and associated species of conservation concern in Maine. This position will focus on implementing a newly developed raptor program to support open habitat and species management, develop robust datasets, produce high-quality scientific outputs, and foster partnerships to achieve conservation objectives. The selected candidate will manage data, engage diverse stakeholders, prepare scientific publications and outreach materials, and assist with fieldwork.

The biologist will work closely with MDIFW staff, external partners, and the Wildlife Diversity Section to improve monitoring and conservation practices for Maine's open habitat raptors and other at-risk wildlife.

Duties may include:

• Create and maintain data management frameworks to facilitate the entry, analysis, and interpretation of project data, including geospatial and statistical analyses using ArcGIS, R, or similar tools.
• Support the development of community science programs, including outreach to landowners and volunteers to promote participation in efforts linked to open habitat wildlife, and land conservation.
• Prepare and deliver publication-quality maps, data visualizations, scientific technical reports, peer-reviewed publications, and presentations to scientific audiences and stakeholders.
• Create and distribute a partner survey to better understand and inform outreach, summarize results, and provide recommendations based on results.
• Coordinate conservation planning and partnership efforts with state, regional, and federal organizations to enhance open habitat raptor management in the context of all at-risk wildlife.
• Manage and curate project communications, including newsletters, blogs, executive summaries, and press releases.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

The ideal candidate will possess:

• Strong understanding of northeastern raptor biology, conservation, and habitat management principles.
• Proficiency in geospatial tools (e.g., ArcGIS, ArcGIS Online) and statistical software (e.g., R) for data management and analysis.
• Exceptional data visualization and mapping skills for scientific and outreach purposes.
• Proven ability to produce high-quality technical reports, peer-reviewed publications, and engaging presentations.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to engage and educate diverse audiences, including landowners, volunteers, and community members.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team setting within the office and the field.
• Skilled in managing multiple priorities, problem-solving, and maintaining flexibility in dynamic conditions.
• Commitment to fostering inclusive participation in conservation programs.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum of a B.S. in Wildlife Biology, Environmental Science, or a related field, with at least three years of professional experience. A graduate degree is preferred.

Benefits

Through WMI you will be eligible for WMI 401(k) retirement plan with match. WMI will provide health, dental and eye insurance, workers’ compensation, general liability protection, professional liability protection, and unemployment insurance benefits. WMI will withhold taxes including social security.

Application Process

To apply, please send a cover letter outlining your interest and qualifications and a resume and 3 references as a single PDF file by 5 pm on January 31, 2025, to: erynn.call@maine.gov

For questions related to this position, please contact:

Erynn Call, Ph.D.
Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife
106 Hogan Rd., Suite 1, Bangor, ME 04401
207-592-0114

For questions about WMI contact positions:

Scot Williamson, VP
Wildlife Management Institute 4426 VT Route 215 N
Cabot, VT 05647
802-563-2087
swilliamson@wildlifemgt.org

Application Deadline

This opportunity is open until February 1, 2025.

The successful applicant can expect to start within 4-6 weeks after a job offer.

Position Duration

Two years. The position will likely be extended for additional years pending job performance and funding. Successful applicant may be required to fund raise for extension of this position as part of job duties.

Overview and Job Duties

This position is available for a highly qualified individual to work in a joint capacity with Wildlife Management Institute (WMI) and the Prairie Pothole Joint Venture (PPJV). The successful applicant will support PPJV’s business model of achieving partnership-based bird habitat conservation through shared investment by public and private entities.

The successful applicant will play an instrumental role in achieving the PPJV’s goals and objectives by managing all aspects of business operations including tracking budgets, cooperative agreements, grants, and administrative functions. The position leads and manages PPJV operations and administrative tasks to achieve a high level of accountability, cost-effectiveness, and efficiency in implementation of business functions. The position supports JV staff in strategic planning, initiative development, and work planning by identifying and conveying alignment of the PPJV’s conservation objectives, business model, and partnership opportunities.

Duties and Responsibilities

Cooperative and Inter/Intra-Agency Agreements

• Provide advice and guidance to states, federal agencies, Native American Tribes, and other natural resource organizations in development of agreements that facilitate achievement of shared habitat conservation objectives.
• Stay abreast of all cross-cutting federal laws and regulations and coordinate with states, Native American Tribes and other natural resource organizations, as well as other FWS programs to ensure that agreements are in compliance.
• Stay abreast of changing grant regulations for opportunities like NAWCA and NFWF funding to assist partners in applying for grants.
• Develop and administer cooperative and inter/intra-agency agreements as needed, following U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) guidelines, to advance PPJV programs and initiatives.
• Use spreadsheets or databases to track the status of active cooperative and inter/intra-agency agreements.
• Work with cooperative agreement holders to develop service contracts and sub-awards, primarily through competition, that support and advance PPJV programs and initiatives.
• Work with PPJV coordinator to develop scope of work, deliverables, timeline, and budget for service contracts and sub-awards.
• Use spreadsheets or databases to track the status of active contracts and agreement as needed.
• Maintain electronic and hard copies of contracts and agreements.

Budget Team and Budget Oversight

• Serve as a member of the PPJV budget team, which includes participating in quarterly team meetings and working with team to develop annual organizational budget.
• Work with PPJV coordinator to track income and expenses.
• Frequently review PPJV budget files with project coordinators to identify errors and make corrections.
• In coordination with the PPJV Coordinator, provide billing instructions to ensure expenses are charged to correct agreements and funding sources.

Administration and Operations Management

• Support major PPJV initiatives by leading and managing administrative functions necessary to achieve stated goals and objectives.
• Contribute to the development of grant/philanthropic funding proposals as requested.
• Provide assistance in the administration of grants or donations received by monitoring requirements and progress, contributing to funder reports, tracking match contributions, and other aspects of grant administration.
• Develop other agreements, such as MOUs, to advance PPJV projects and programs.
• Participate in PPJV Management Board, staff, and Science Team meetings as requested and provide team members with reminders of the requirements and deliverables associated with PPJV inter/intra-agency and cooperative agreements. Collect and produce meeting notes as requested.
• Contribute to development of a PPJV Annual Operations Plan.
• Contribute to the PPJV’s annual accomplishment reporting to the FWS.
• Coordinate and schedule staff training.
• Prepare reports associated with property, training, vehicle use, equipment, safety, travel, and various other special reports as requested.
• Facilitate federally required records management: Update and maintain records retention system and use of active files. Systematically dispose of records according to established plans and policies.
• Manage the acquisition of necessary supplies, equipment, and construction to meet staff needs.
• Ensure purchases are in accordance with Federal procurement regulations and within delegated authority.
• Supervise the inventory of all accountable property. Conduct an annual physical inventory of all accountable property.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Superior communication (written and oral) skills. Must be comfortable both speaking in public and in engaging partners on a one-to-one basis.

Willingness to be an advocate for PPJV work and the public-private partnership of the PPJV

Ability to work independently.

Familiarity with MS Word, MS Excel, Adobe Acrobat, Power Point, and Teams.

Unwavering attention to detail and accuracy.

Valid driver’s license required with an acceptable driving record.

Willingness to occasionally travel for PPJV team or Management Board meetings.

Interest in the conservation of sustainable working lands and healthy ecosystems.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Basic knowledge of the purpose and operations of a Joint Venture.

Basic knowledge of habitat and wildlife within the Prairie Pothole Region.

Familiarity with key PPJV partners such as state wildlife management agencies, Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever and the Natural Resources Conservation Service.

Basic knowledge of relevant conservation programs, including Federal Farm Bill programs (CRP, EQIP and CSP), FWS Partners for Fish & Wildlife program, and other applicable federal, state, and local conservation programs.

Qualifications

Minimum - Bachelor’s Degree in a conservation or business-related field from an accredited academic institution and three or more years of professional experience in a conservation or business-related organization.

Preference will be given to candidates who have professional experience related to office administration and management, grant writing, and partnership-based organizations that report to a Management Board of diverse partners. Experience assisting with development of annual work plans including budgets is preferred.

Compensation

This salaried position pays $65,000/year ($31.25/hour equivalent). As a limited term employee of WMI, the successful applicant will be expected to work no more than an average of 80 hours per two-week pay period. Office space, computers, etc. will be provided. The successful applicant will be eligible for WMI 401(k) retirement benefits and WMI will provide workers’ compensation, general liability protection, and professional liability protection and unemployment insurance benefits. The successful applicant will be entitled to make voluntary contributions to their 401(k) retirement plan. The successful applicant will be eligible for health, dental, and vision insurance coverage but likely not vacation pay, sick leave, or disability benefits. WMI will withhold taxes including social security.

Location

Great Falls, Montana (preferred).

A partner office within the Prairie Pothole Region will be considered as will a remote office.

Willingness to occasionally travel for PPJV team or Management Board meetings is required. Reasonable travel costs will be covered but time may not be if successful applicant works at a remote office outside of the Prairie Pothole Region.

To Apply

Please submit your resume, cover letter, and contact information for three professional references as one Word or pdf file. Packages without all materials will be returned and applicant will not be considered for the position. Send application package as one Word or pdf file to lauri_hanauska-brown@fws.gov.

For questions about job duties as described or work location contact Lauri Hanauska-Brown, PPJV coordinator at lauri_hanauska-brown@fws.gov or 406-594-6943 . For questions about WMI, contact Scot Williamson at SWilliamson@wildlifemgt.org.

Application closes: February 1, 2025.

Application Deadline

The announcement is open until filled, and interviews are scheduled as applications are received. The successful applicant can expect to start within 2-4 weeks after a job offer.

Position Duration

1 year. The position may be extended for additional years pending funding and job performance. If the position is extended, the candidate may be reassigned to another location in Iowa.

Overview and Job Duties

A position is available for a highly qualified individual to work in a joint capacity with Wildlife Management Institute (WMI) and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to promote healthy forest management. The successful applicant will help private landowners improve their woodlands for wildlife, recreation, wood products, and soil and water quality.

The successful applicant will serve as an employee of Wildlife Management Institute (WMI) and receive supervision from WMI with daily instructions provided by the local DNR staff. Work priorities will be determined by local DNR District Foresters in conjunction with the DNR Private Lands Coordinator and the USDA-NRCS agreement funding the position. Training and support will be provided by the Iowa DNR, in particular the local District Forester and the Private Lands Program Coordinator. Duties will include:

• Work closely with the local District Forester and NRCS staff to identify opportunities for forest restoration and management.
• Work with private landowners to provide technical assistance for managing their properties, including conducting site visits and development of forest management plans.
• Develop Forest Management Plans and prescribed burning plans that meet NRCS standards and program requirements.
• Conduct outreach activities to promote forest management objectives within the designated working area.
• Work with private landowners to provide information and assistance with available conservation programs such as the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) and other federal, state, and local programs.
• Conduct Landowner Workshops / Field Days in identified priority focus areas annually.
• Duties will also include contract development and coordination, site assessment and monitoring, and regular tracking and reporting of accomplishments.
• Attendance at relevant DNR and NRCS meetings and/or trainings will also be required.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Superior communication (written and oral) skills. Must be comfortable both speaking in public and in engaging landowners on a one-to-one basis.
• Willingness to be a vocal advocate for young forests and active forest management to landowners and natural resource professionals.
• Ability to work independently.
• Knowledge of basic forest ecology and dynamics, especially related to the forest communities of Iowa.
• Knowledge of basic principles of wildlife management.
• Knowledge of relevant conservation programs, including Federal Farm Bill programs (CRP, EQIP and CSP), U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Partners for Fish & Wildlife program, and other applicable federal, state, and local conservation programs.
• Ability to work long hours in the field and under adverse weather conditions.
• Familiarity with MS Word, MS Excel, and GIS.
• Valid driver’s license required with an acceptable driving record.

Qualifications

Minimum - Bachelor’s Degree in Forestry or closely related field from an accredited academic institution. Preference will be given to candidates who have professional experience related to forest and/or forest wildlife management. Experience working with private landowners to develop conservation plans is also beneficial.

Compensation

This salaried position pays $39,439/year ($20.50/hour equivalent). As a limited term employee of WMI, the incumbent will be expected to work no more than an average of 74 hours per two-week pay period. Work vehicles, office space, computers, etc. will be provided. The position will be eligible for WMI 401(k) retirement benefits and WMI will provide workers’ compensation, general liability protection, and professional liability protection and unemployment insurance benefits. The positions are eligible for health, dental, and vision insurance coverage. The positions are not eligible for vacation pay, sick leave, or disability benefits. WMI will withhold taxes including social security. The incumbent will be entitled to make voluntary contributions to their 401(k) retirement plan.

Locations

Fairfield, Iowa

To Apply

Please submit your resume, cover letter, and three professional references as one Word or pdf file. Send to Katy.Fullin@dnr.iowa.gov. For questions about the duties, location, etc., contact Katy Fullin at Iowa DNR. For questions about WMI, contact Scot Williamson at SWilliamson@wildlifemgt.org.