Private Lands Wildlife Biologist

~ Bird Conservancy of the Rockies is a 501-c(3) non-profit headquartered at the Environmental Learning Center at Barr Lake State Park with a satellite office in Fort Collins and fieldwork outposts in the Great Plains Region. Bird Conservancy of the Rockies conserves birds and their habitats through an integrated approach of Science, Education, and Stewardship. ~

Our work radiates from the Rockies to the Great Plains, Mexico and beyond. Private Lands Wildlife Biologists (PLWBs) succeed through direct and meaningful relationships with landowners to deliver habitat enhancements on private lands with financial assistance provided by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the USDA Farm Bill and Nebraska Game and Parks Commission (NGPC) habitat enhancement programs.

Position Overview

The Private Lands Wildlife Biologist PLWB works in partnership with the NRCS, NGPC and Bird Conservancy of the Rockies to deliver wildlife conservation programs on private lands in northwestern Nebraska. The PLWB will provide technical resources to landowners and other land managers to more fully incorporate wildlife conservation on their private lands using voluntary, incentive-based funding opportunities (e.g. Farm Bill, NGPC program funds, etc.). This position will be based in the Chadron NRCS field office and require travel throughout the region using a provided vehicle.

• Start Date: mid-late August 2020

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide technical and programmatic support, including recommending management prescriptions for wildlife conservation efforts for landowners in association with NGPC Habitat Programs and the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Services and Farm Service Agency Farm Bill Conservation Programs
• Enroll privately owned lands into the USDA Farm Bill Conservation Programs (EQIP, WLFW, GRP, CRP, etc.) by utilizing partnership efforts with NGPC, USFWS Partners Program and others
• Develop and sustain cooperative working relationships with landowners, conservation groups, local and regional wildlife agencies (e.g., NGPC), and other resource professionals (e.g., Cattleman/woman association, local weed and pest districts, etc.)
• Identify, develop and provide formal trainings and products to landowners and other stakeholders for information and outreach
• Collaborate across Bird Conservancy of the Rockies programmatic teams

Other Duties:

• Use critical thinking to develop and implement conservation projects and habitat enhancement efforts targeting priority landscapes as outlined in various conservation efforts
• Develop technical proficiency in conservation planning and agency business tools
• Manage existing restoration projects by conducting monitoring and prescribing management activities
• Assist partner agency and other collaborators in conducting biological assessments
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills and Experience required (unless otherwise noted):

• Bachelor’s degree (M.S. preferred) in a conservation related field or equivalent work experience (e.g. wildlife biology, ecology, human dimensions of natural resources, rangeland ecology, etc.)
• Working knowledge of Farm Bill Conservation Programs
• Ability and desire to work with a diversity of people including state, federal, and non-governmental resource professionals, agricultural producers and other community representatives
• Motivated self-starter who is comfortable working independently under remote supervision and highly organized with the ability to manage multiple deadlines
• Practical understanding of habitat restoration, ecology and land management
• Knowledge of northwestern Nebraska flora and fauna, with an emphasis in rangeland management for livestock and wildlife
• Strong written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office; experience with GIS software is desirable

Physical Demands / Work Environment:

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions
• Ability to work in a standard office setting, with considerable sitting, standing and viewing of computer
• Mid-level stress
• Requires reaching continually throughout the workday (mouse, keyboard, telephone)
• May include lifting up to thirty (30) pounds of project gear on a frequent basis. Proper lifting techniques required
• Able to stand, walk, and hike for extended periods of time outside in all weather
• Able to work independently in remote locations where hazardous wildlife and conditions may be present
• Ability to troubleshoot when working solo (flat tires, cattle gates, etc.)
• Valid state driver’s license and ability to travel throughout the landscape on a regular basis, often to remote locations in inclement weather or adverse conditions

Material and Equipment Directly Used:

• Various habitat restoration and enhancement materials (e.g. stock tank ladders, fence markers)
• Standard office equipment (e.g. laptop, printers); PC with MS Office software applications
• Navigate to field sites and record data using GPS, smartphones, tablets, or other technology
• Operate state and federal vehicles, including cars, trucks, All Terrain Vehicles or Utility Task Vehicles

Compensation

• Salary: $42,000 annually with promotion potential
• Benefits: This is a full-time position with a comprehensive benefits package (paid time off, 403b retirement plan, health, dental, and vision insurance)

To Apply

• Please click "Apply" below to email a cover letter, resume, and contact information for 3 references in ONE document, with “Last Name_First Name_PLWBNE_2020” in the subject line and document file name.
• Microsoft Word or PDF files only.
• Preference will be given to those applications received by 11:59 pm MST, July 29, 2020.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Bird Conservancy of the Rockies is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse work environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.