A key strategy in achieving WMI's mission of advancing professional wildlife management is our robust Limited Term Employee (LTE) program. This program allows WMI to employ a nationwide, diverse range of conservation specialists, including biologists, fisheries technicians, grassland managers, and foresters. We partner with state and federal agencies, joint ventures, flyway councils, and other organizations with the funding to support these critical roles but may lack the necessary administrative infrastructure.
WMI also facilitates collaborative conservation and research projects by hosting LTE positions for multiple partners and funders. Examples include the Regional Restoration, Monitoring, and Management of the New England Cottontail Initiative, the Regional Conservation Needs Program, and the NFWF-funded Building Capacity for Coldwater Habitat Conservation in the Delaware River Watershed.
WMI provides comprehensive support to our partners throughout the LTE lifecycle. This includes developing and advertising job descriptions, managing all hiring-related administration (onboarding, HR support, accounting), and providing a competitive benefits package encompassing medical, dental, and vision insurance, retirement contributions, workers' compensation, general liability insurance, and tax administration. We also handle pay increases and temporary leaves and address employee HR inquiries.
While WMI handles the administrative aspects, our partners retain direct management and supervision of the LTEs, setting their goals and priorities. In essence, the LTE is viewed as an employee of the partner organization, with WMI providing behind-the-scenes support. This collaborative approach significantly expands the reach and impact of our conservation efforts.
WMI's LTE program serves a variety of partners. We currently support state agencies in Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Nevada, Rhode Island, and West Virginia, as well as joint ventures like the Intermountain West Joint Venture and the Prairie Pothole Joint Venture. We also partner with various U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service regions as funding opportunities arise. Furthermore, WMI hosts LTEs who serve as regional or multi-state conservation project coordinators.
