Employment opportunities

Location: Laurel, Maryland
Salary: $79,477 plus 3% annual increase
Start Date: October 22, 2024
Duration: 4 Years
Application Deadline: Sept. 23, 2024

Position Description

The Northeast Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (NEAFWA) is partnering with the US Geological Survey (USGS) to hire a Northeast Insect Conservation Coordinator. Incumbent will be a term employee of the Wildlife Management Institute (WMI) but will be supervised by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (MDDNR) and housed at a USGS lab in Laurel, MD. The primary duty of this position is to coordinate interstate insect conservation efforts (with a focus on pollinators) between federal, state, academic, and nonprofit partners with the aim of documenting, sharing, and directing surveys and management actions across state lines. Starting salary is $ 79,477.00 per year, based on education and experience. The position 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. The position does not include health insurance benefits.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Serve as a primary point of contact for NEAFWEA on matters relating to interstate insect conservation work.
• Identify Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) whose conservation relies on surveys and management across two or more states.
• Outline major outstanding research questions for insect conservation in the Northeastern region and coordinate necessary studies across states especially in regard to habitat suitability and corridors.
• Improve communication and collaboration between Northeastern state wildlife agencies by coordinating meetings, workgroups, surveys, management actions, and data sharing.
• Locate insect SGCN information data sources through citizen science platforms, academic publications, and local amateur experts to share with relevant state wildlife agencies.
• Act as a liaison between federal, state, academic, and nonprofit partners to facilitate knowledge sharing and reduce redundancy through e-mails, listservs, and quarterly newsletters.
• Develop workflow for interstate data sharing and collaboration that will remain resilient and effective after the term of this position has ended.
• Identify and cultivate connections between state agencies and amateur experts with a focus on increasing the diversity of volunteers.

Minimum Qualifications

This position requires at least a Master of Science degree in Entomology, Wildlife Biology/Ecology, or a related field. Doctoral degrees are encouraged. 4-6 years of related work experience required. Graduate education may be substituted for up to 4 years of work experience.

Selection Criteria

• Expertise with the insects of northeastern North America, with strong preference for direct work with native bee, moth, or butterfly species and an understanding of their natural history and conservation concerns.
• Familiarity with Northeastern natural communities and native plants particularly those used by rare pollinators.
• Experience collecting, analyzing, publishing, and disseminating insect conservation data.
• Experience with ArcGIS and statistical packages evaluating insect records, habitat suitability, or corridors.
• Demonstrated ability to work with a broad range of people, from scientists to volunteers, in order to coordinate the creation of status reports, management recommendations, conservation actions, and scientific data collection/ research.
• Strong organizational skills. The ability to hold meetings via zoom and create listservs while tracking associated timelines, events, and products for multiple priorities.
• Strong writing skills to create proposals, reports, listserv updates, and publications.
• Clarity, patience, and courtesy needed to manage different personalities and coordinate multiple partners.
• Experience talking to the public, presenting lectures, PowerPoint presentations, and concomitant short videos on techniques, natural history, and best management practices.

How to Apply

Please submit your resume, cover letter, and three professional references as one Word or pdf file to Scot Williamson, swilliamson@wildlifemgt.org and Meghan Gilbart, mgilbart@wildlifemgt.org. Please be sure the subject line is titled “Invertebrate Coordinator Job Application” to be considered. For technical questions about the duties, location, etc., contact Jonathan McKnight, jonathan.mcknight@maryland.gov. For questions about WMI, contact Scot Williamson.

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.

Apply By: Preference given to applications received by August 28, 2024.
Location: Ogden, UT with work in Davis, Weber, Morgan, and Summit Counties
Salary: $60,000- $65,000 DOE
Duration: Fully-funded 2-year position

Position Overview

The Intermountain West Joint Venture (IWJV), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and The Wildlife Management Institute are seeking to fill a collaborative position to enhance and conserve working lands, wildlife habitat, and healthy watersheds in Northern Utah. This is a 2-year, full-time position based in the NRCS field office in Ogden with fieldwork in Davis, Weber, Morgan and Summit counties.

The Wet Meadow and Sagebrush Specialist will assist NRCS in identifying, evaluating, and completing conservation plans and programs on farms, ranches, and other private lands to enhance soil, water, plants, wildlife habitat and other natural resources in Northern Utah. Particularly, this position will help enhance water resources for wildlife and people by supporting agricultural irrigation infrastructure improvements and land management practices that support wildlife habitat.

Position Duties & Responsibilities

• Assist NRCS staff in working with producers to implement strategic wet meadow and sagebrush conservation on working lands.
• Provide technical assistance and support the implementation of Farm Bill conservation programs ((i.e., Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP)) with a focus on projects that enhance, sustain, and support sagebrush rangelands, managed wetlands, and/or irrigated agricultural lands with value to migratory birds and other wildlife.
• Provide technical assistance in developing and revising conservation plans. Make on-site evaluations and analyze resources, consulting with other specialists such as biologists, range conservationists, soil scientists, and engineers, as required.
• Prepare and recommend conservation practices and conservation management systems to landowners and/or operators, communities, etc. with emphasis on water conservation, water quality, and to improve and protect the soil and other natural resources. Be accountable for technical adequacy and quality of assistance provided. Ensure that plans comply with local, state and federal laws, policies, and procedures.
• Develop relationships with landowners and/or operators, communities, etc. to build engagement with new producers. Develop and implement approaches to advise and encourage landowners, operators, or community officials, and groups to apply proper resource management, irrigation water management and conservation practices as appropriate.
• Provide training and guidance to practitioners regarding IWJV data products such as the Wetland Evaluation Tool
• Provide literature reviews and science support on projects that enhance, sustain, and support sagebrush rangelands, managed wetlands, and/or irrigated agricultural lands with value to migratory birds and other wildlife.
• Maintain working relationships with employees of other local, federal and state agencies, and other groups and organizations to coordinate conservation plans and to provide technical assistance on problems.
• Participate in local district, partner, and other stakeholder meetings and informational programs. Identify opportunities to educate the public regarding USDA projects and programs.

Qualifications

• Ability to communicate effectively with private landowners, government agency personnel and conservation partner organizations.
• Ability to work independently with little supervision.
• Ability to work cooperatively with diverse clientele.
• Knowledge of farm and ranch management, wildlife habitat, plant ecology and other natural resources.
• Ability to obtain USDA Security Clearance and NRCS Conservation Planning certification.
• Excellent verbal/written communication and organizational skills.
• Valid driver’s license.
• A Bachelor’s Degree (or equivalent experience) in Natural Resource Planning, Rangeland Science, Pasture Management, Wildlife Biology/Management, Forestry, or Agriculture Technology, and/or experience in working lands management systems is desirable. Funding partners may agree to substitute work experience for education in the aforementioned areas.
• Computer skills are required and the applicant should be familiar with Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Ability to use/or willingness to learn NRCS Conservation Desktop, NRCS Conservation Assessment Ranking Tool, GIS applications, and GPS systems.
• Physical ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time over rough terrain; lift and move material weighing up to 50 pounds; work in all types of weather conditions.

Partnering Organizations

Natural Resources Conservation Service

The NRCS supports America’s farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners. They deliver conservation solutions so agricultural producers can protect natural resources and feed a growing world. They have a vision of clean and abundant water, healthy soils, resilient landscapes, and thriving agricultural communities through voluntary conservation. The NRCS motto is “helping people help the land.”

Intermountain West Joint Venture

The Intermountain West Joint Venture’s mission is to conserve and enhance bird habitats at meaningful scales through capacity building, science, communications, and strategic partnerships. The funds for this position contributed by the IWJV are primarily of federal origin, managed through Cooperative Agreements with the host entity (WMI).

Wildlife Management Institute

The successful applicant will be an employee of Wildlife Management Institute (WMI). WMI is a professional conservation organization that works to improve the foundation of wildlife management. Their mission is: “dedicated to the conservation, enhancement and professional management of North America’s wildlife and other natural resources.”

Supervision

In this unique partnership, the position is hosted by the Wildlife Management Institute and the position is fully integrated into the daily activities of Utah NRCS. Daily activities will be supervised by the NRCS District Conservationist. The Wet Meadow and Sagebrush Specialist will participate in annual job performance reviews with the IWJV Water 4 Coordinator and NRCS.

Benefits and Additional Information

WMI offers health insurance for the employee and employee’s spouse and children, 401(k) retirement benefits, workers’ compensation, general liability protection, professional liability protection and unemployment insurance benefits.

To Apply

Send a cover letter, resume, and three references with contact information.

Email: Send application materials to kasey.bader@iwjv.org with the subject line "Ogden Wet Meadow and Sagebrush Specialist” by the application deadline.

Application Deadline: Preference will be given to applications submitted by August 28. Job posting will be removed when filled.

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.