Employment opportunities

Location: Exeter, Rhode Island
Total Compensation: $58,522 - $74,947, plus 401k contributions of up to 8%
Classification: Limited Term (35 hours per week)
Start Date: September 2024
Duration: Five years, with possible opportunity for extension
Recruitment: Internal/External
Application Deadline: July 26, 2024

Position Summary

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management’s Division of Fish and Wildlife seeks an innovative self-starter to assist with its Outdoor Education initiatives. This position is divided between Aquatic Resource Education and Hunter Education. Aquatic Resource Education strives to create environmental stewards and a well-informed public by enhancing the public's appreciation and understanding of aquatic resources and recreational fishing. Hunter Education is driven to produce safe and knowledgeable hunters and trappers by instilling responsibility, improving skills and knowledge, and encouraging the involvement of beginner and veteran hunters. The Division works to provide meaningful experiences to people of all ages, abilities, and communities, including hunters, anglers, and sport shooters.

Overview

Work independently in a joint capacity with the Wildlife Management Institute (WMI) and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RI DEM) Division of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) to provide coordination services to DFW. The incumbent will work out of the Division of Fish & Wildlife Office in Exeter, Rhode Island. The work area will be statewide, and some duties may require out-of-state travel. This position will be classified as a limited-term employee of the WMI. DFW will provide direct supervision of day-to-day activities.

Limited-term employees are defined as employees of WMI retained to provide a specific scope of services as described within one or more grants or contracts awarded to WMI. WMI bases your employment upon your skills, knowledge, and ability to achieve desired outcomes defined by RI DEM.

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 benefits including healthcare, vision and dental, paid time off, a 401(k), workers’ compensation, general liability protection, professional liability protection, and unemployment insurance benefits. WMI will withhold taxes, including social security.
• 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 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

• Assist the Aquatic Resource Education Coordinator with the scheduling, planning, implementing, and evaluating interactive in-person and virtual programs such as fresh and saltwater ecology programs, aquaculture programs, and recreational freshwater, saltwater, and fly-fishing programs for adults and youth.
• Assist the Hunter Education Coordinator with the scheduling, planning, implementing, and evaluating of interactive in-person and virtual hunter education programs, including hunter education and bow hunter education certification classes, archery proficiency tests, and public programs related to all aspects of hunter education training, including firearms and archery training, mentored hunt opportunities, and shooting range events.
• Assist in developing and implementing workshops and training opportunities for informal and formal educators, staff, and volunteers.
• Customer service and communications with the public, program participants, and new and existing volunteers via in-person, phone, email, website, and social media.
• Assist in documenting, evaluating, and reporting all programs and program participation, including collecting and maintaining records of volunteer hours in compliance with federal grant requirements for reporting purposes.
• Assist in designing and generating outreach and marketing materials to promote participation in hunting and fishing programs.
• Write and contribute content for program promotions and internal and external publications, including social media, flyers, and websites.
• Assist in the maintenance, storage, and requisition of program equipment and supplies as necessary.
• Perform other duties as required.

Qualifications

A combination of education and experience in disciplines associated with hunting and fishing, including knowledge of safe hunting practices, fisheries and wildlife management principles, and wildlife and freshwater ecology and habitats. A minimum of three (3) years of relevant hunting and fishing experience and a bachelor’s degree in wildlife or fisheries biology, conservation biology, or a related field are highly desirable. Firearms Instructor Certification and/or Range Safety Officer Certification are preferred but not required.

Required Skills:

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public, team members, and external organizations.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to multi-task and balance duties.
• Demonstrated skills related to requesting, analyzing, and interpreting data.
• Knowledge about hunting and the role hunting plays in conservation.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated conflict management skills and execution of conflict resolution strategies.
• Self-starter attitude with the ability to work independently.
• Trustworthy and possessing the highest personal and professional integrity and quality standards.
• Experience working with diverse populations/multicultural environments.
• Excellent computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft applications.
• Some experience with or interest in graphic design, videography, and tools like Adobe Creative Suite.
• Bilingual, Spanish speaking is recommended but not required.

Conditions for Appointment: The incumbent must be physically qualified to perform assigned duties in various environments, including an office environment, a field environment, rugged terrain, and various adverse weather conditions (extreme heat, cold, rain, snow, sleet, etc.), and must be able to lift at least 50 pounds.

The incumbent must possess or be able to obtain a Class D valid driver’s license. While performing job duties, local travel, including occasionally out-of-state travel, will be required. Total travel is not expected to exceed 15% of the time requirements.

Satisfactory completion of a criminal background check is required.

Application Procedures

Applications must be submitted on or before the application deadline of Friday, July 26, 2024, to be considered. Send a cover letter outlining your interest and qualifications and a resume to Emily Peacock, Supervising Wildlife Biologist, Emily.Peacock@dem.ri.gov.

For questions about WMI Limited Term Employee terms, contact:

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

Salary: $58,522
Anticipated Starting Date: September 15th, 2024, or sooner, depending on availability
Last Date to Apply: July 31st, 2024
Location: Based out of the DFW Great Swamp headquarters office at 277 Great Neck Rd, West Kingston, RI, 02892

Overview

We are seeking to fill a full-time, one year, wildlife and fish biological technician to assist with research and outreach programs throughout Rhode Island. This position is a cooperative position held between The Wildlife Management Institute and Rhode Island’s Department of Environmental Management, Division of Fish and Wildlife. This position will work on a wide variety of programs, with many different staff, though out the year based on divisional needs. The DFW full-time biological technician will report to the wildlife supervising biologist and will be enthusiastic about unique and ever-changing work tasks. This position will provide assistance, as well as occasionally take lead collecting field data, quality control and quality assurance, and data entry.

As an example of duties, the selected candidate will work on many, if not all, of the following:

• Deer-check stations
• Waterfowl capture and banding
• Bat program survey and detections
• Herpetofauna identification and monitoring
• Non-gamebird surveys and monitoring
• Pheasant stocking
• Fish shocking and fish counts
• Rabbit capture and relocation
• Wildlife habitat monitoring, mitigation, and implementation
• Trout stocking
• Diadromous fish run operation and maintenance
• Professional outreach and communication with the public regarding biological programs
• Supervision and education of DFW volunteers
• Training of new temporary/seasonal staff
• Additional work as assigned by supervisor

Minimum Qualifications

The successful candidate will have earned a B.S. in wildlife biology, fisheries, zoology, ecology, or a related natural resources degree. Applicants should have experience working on a variety of wildlife and/or fisheries research projects and should be willing to work long, irregular hours. Preference will be given for those with work live trapping and handling, and experience with hunting, fishing, and trapping.

Must be able to collect quality data in varying weather conditions at all hours of the day and unpleasant field conditions.

Must be self-motivated and able to work on multiple projects simultaneously to conserve resources and maximize time efficiency.

Must be willing to work with deceased wildlife species of all varieties to collect biological samples for disease testing and removal of invasive species.

Must be able to communicate a message clearly to broad audiences both in person and in writing, including drafts for social media platforms (I.e., Instagram, Twitter).

Must be able to lift 50 lbs., move speedily over rough terrain, and work dexterously with both hands.

A considerable amount of truck-based travel and work is involved, requiring defensive driving skills. A preferred applicant will have a valid driver’s license, a clean driving record, and experience operating 4-wheel drive vehicles and boats. The technician will work as part of a research, biologist, and outreach team based at the Great Swamp Headquarters in west Kingston, RI. This position will be classified as a Biological Technician I through WMI.

Vehicles will be provided for fieldwork.

WMI Contracts

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 aid freshwater fisheries and wildlife biologist programs throughout Rhode Island. 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. 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, health insurance, WMI will provide workers’ compensation, general liability protection, professional liability protection and unemployment insurance benefits. WMI will withhold taxes including social security.
• WMI will reimburse you for any travel expenses that are necessary and reasonable to perform the duties assigned to you.

Application Procedures

To apply via email, send a resume with contact information for at least three professional references to: david.kalb@dem.ri.gov

Applications via mail must be postmarked before the application deadline to be considered and should be sent to:

David M Kalb Ph.D.
Supervising Biologist
RIDEM Division of Fish and Wildlife
277 Great Neck Road
West Kingston, RI 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

Job Classification: Resource Manager – contractual (Forestry)
Number of Positions: 1
Work Region: Statewide (Maine)
Employer: Wildlife Management Institute (For Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife)

Introduction

The Lands Program with the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife manages 120,000 acres from southern York County to northern Aroostook County for the development, maintenance and enhancement of wildlife habitat. The Department has an agreement with the Wildlife Management Institute to conduct forest management for the promotion of wildlife habitat. As such, the Wildlife Management Institute and the Department intend to fill one Resource Manager position to accomplish the goals of the agreement. The position will be a limited full time position for a term of one year with the potential for additional 1 year term extensions.

Minimum Qualifications

At a minimum, this position requires a bachelor’s degree in forestry, preferably from an accredited university.

Job Description

The selected candidate will be responsible for the following:

Work with Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife personnel to develop and implement habitat management and utilization plans on Wildlife Management Areas throughout the state. The incumbent designs, develops, prepares and implements habitat management plans for forested and non-forested wildlife habitats; assists with identifying, evaluating, and mapping of important wildlife habitats; distinguishes various types of wildlife habitat and species relevance; cruises and evaluates habitat potential; estimates timber volume: inspects and oversees contractor performance of harvesting practices for habitat development and enhancement in accordance with Department standards, policies and Maine law; designs and oversees development of access roads within the Wildlife Management Areas.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Theoretical and practical knowledge of silviculture, silvics, forest mensuration, wildlife management, habitat development and enhancement activities, forest pathology and entomology, soils and geographic information systems.

Must be able to: use forest measurement equipment, read and understand maps, communicate effectively, understand applicable local, state and federal laws, rules and regulations; develop and implement forest resource plans according to habitat management objectives, use GPS, computers and related equipment, and use snowmobiles and ATVs for off road travel. Occasional overnight travel is expected as well as the ability to work and stay in remote locations.

Benefits

Salary: $46,849.40/yr. for 1924 hours per year and a salary adjustment

A minimum contribution of 3 percent of the salary amount, with up to 8 percent possible, will be made to a 401k retirement account. Health, dental and vision insurance benefits are available.

Lodging for any overnight work-related projects will either be provided or expenses reimbursed. The successful candidate will be provided with a vehicle and equipment.

The successful candidate must qualify for forester internship though the Maine Board of Licensure for Foresters.

The position will remain open until filled.

Please provide a copy of your resume and a work history description. Feel free to contact the Lands Management Biologist with any questions you may have about the position.

Leigh E. Hoar III (Eric)
Lands Management Biologist
Dept. of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife
270 Lyons Road
Sidney, Maine 04330
207.592.0109
leigh.e.hoar@maine.gov

Application Deadline

The announcement is open until filled, and interviews will be 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, up to 3-years.

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 Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) to carry out wildlife habitat restoration, protection, and enhancement activities. The successful applicant will assist with the planning, coordinating, managing, implementing, and reporting on fuels, stabilization, rehabilitation, and weeds projects.

The successful applicant will serve as an employee of Wildlife Management Institute (WMI) and receive supervision from WMI with daily instructions provided by the NDOW. Work priorities will be determined by the NDOW Eastern Region Habitat Supervisor in conjunction with the BLM agreement funding the position. Training and support will be provided by NDOW. Duties will include:

• Work with NDOW biologists and BLM staff to plan, implement, manage, report, and monitor the activities identified within the BLM/NDOW assistance agreement;
• Planning, coordinating, managing, implementing, and reporting on Fuels, Emergency Stabilization and Rehabilitation (ESR), and Weeds Management Programs identified within the Agreement;
• Conduct projects including, but not limited to, herbicide application, lop and scatter projects, seedling plantings, aerial seeding, renting equipment, helping in the seed warehouse, performing GIS and administrative duties;
• Coordinate with partners including federal, state, local, non-governmental organizations (NGO), and private landowners;
• Attend stakeholder meetings, workshops, and/or trainings, as appropriate;
• Other tasks necessary for implementing projects;
• Provide data quality control;
• Provide GIS services and habitat data/information in digital format directly to NDOW, BLM and other partners, as needed;
• Submit quarterly progress reports to NDOW.
• Duties will also include contract development and coordination, site assessment and monitoring, data collection and regular tracking and reporting of accomplishments.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Superior communication (written and oral) skills. Must be comfortable both speaking in public and in engaging landowners and partners on a one-to-one basis.
• Knowledge of basic vegetation management and habitat improvement techniques in the Great Basin to include fuels reduction and fire rehabilitation practices.
• Knowledge of basic principles of wildlife management.
• Attention to detail to provide optimal quality control for data management and reporting.
• Ability to multi-task several competing projects with contending deadlines and tasks.
• Familiarity with MS Word, MS Excel, and GIS.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to work long hours in the field alone and under adverse weather conditions.
• Ability to drive 4-wheel drive vehicles in adverse terrain.
• Valid driver’s license required with an acceptable driving record.

Qualifications

Minimum - Bachelor’s Degree in Biology or closely related field from an accredited academic institution. Preference will be given to candidates who have professional experience related to habitat restoration and wildlife management.

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, health, dental and vision insurance, general liability protection, and professional liability protection and unemployment insurance benefits. 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

The location of projects will be focused within the administrative boundary of NDOW’s Eastern Region. Projects will be throughout northeastern Nevada, near Elko, Battle Mountain, Wells, and Ely, NV. Duty Station will be in Elko, NV.

To Apply

Please submit your resume, cover letter, and three professional references as one Word or pdf file to Marissa.murphy@ndow.org. Please be sure the subject line is titled “WMI Habitat Biologist Job Application” to be considered. For questions about the duties, location, etc., contact Marissa Murphy at NDOW. For questions about WMI, contact Scot Williamson at SWilliamson@wildlifemgt.org.

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

Ventura, 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.