Conservation Biologist

Would you like to contribute your training and expertise in conservation biology to help alleviate threats to shorebirds and the habitats upon which they depend? Manomet has an immediate opening for a talented Conservation Biologist.

ABOUT MANOMET

At Manomet we believe people can live and work today in ways that will enable our world to thrive and prosper. As scientists we understand we must take action to sustain our world. Manomet is a leader in the path to sustainability—and we’re working with people in four critical systems to effect real change.

We focus our work on the parts of the system where we can have measurable impact and opportunity for scale:

• Natural System—Recovering shorebird populations and wetlands and connecting people to nature.
• Forest System—Preparing managed forests and coastal watersheds for climate change
• Food System—Creating a more efficient food system.
• Economic System—Enhancing economic viability and reducing environmental footprints.

By applying science and engaging people, Manomet provides practical ways to act—where people live and work. As Manomet celebrates its 50th anniversary, we have achieved a great deal; yet there is still much work ahead. We are forging a pathway for our generation and those to come.

With an annual budget of approximately $5 million, Manomet has about 30 scientists and support staff working from the north slope of Alaska to the southern tip of Argentina. Manomet offers an entrepreneurial atmosphere of dedicated professionals who support each other in a common vision of creating a more sustainable world. Our headquarters are located in Plymouth, MA and we also have offices in Maine, Vermont, Delaware, Chile, and Paraguay.

You can change the world. Come join us!

POSITION SUMMARY

Manomet is seeking a conservation biologist to help ensure habitat availability for shorebirds as part of a collective effort to stem the decline of many shorebird populations. As the Conservation Biologist working at Manomet, the selected candidate will operate in a collaborative capacity with USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service state and field offices in Louisiana (NRCS), Soil and Water Conservation Districts, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Ducks Unlimited, and other partners to promote, accelerate enrollment, coordinate,  help implement, and monitor the resource value of voluntary conservation provisions available through the Federal Farm Bill. This position serves as the independent specialist and key regional shorebird program representative of Manomet.

The three key areas for this position include:

1. Accelerate enrollment in the Shorebirds in Louisiana Wetlands program.
2. Maintain and manage ongoing communication with partners and Manomet team to deliver conservation activities and results.
3. Collaborate with local partners to monitor and assess shorebird response to management activities.

Specific activities will include Shorebirds in Louisiana Wetlands program promotion and outreach, technical assistance, site assessment, and reporting. The Conservation Biologist will provide technical assistance for wildlife habitat enhancement techniques that benefit migratory shorebirds and other waterbirds to private landowners and public organizations. This will include conducting field visits, sometimes alone, to discuss program options and deliver habitat management expertise at remote field sites and farms.

The Conservation Biologist will meet with local partners to coordinate and influence habitat management efforts. This position will contribute as needed to other projects of Manomet’s Shorebird Recovery Program.

The position location is flexible within the Shorebirds in Louisiana Wetlands program delivery area; proximity to Lafayette would be ideal. While you will be an employee of Manomet, you will work remotely for the organization from a home office and work day to day with local partners in Louisiana. This position requires the ability to work independently in both office and field settings. Navigating and traveling to and from field sites multiple hours from the home office will be required.

The ideal candidate will have the technical and personal skills to work with and coordinate the efforts of conservation professionals, private landowners and agricultural producers, the public, businesses, and other partners to achieve a variety of conservation activities focused on shorebirds.

Desired Attributes

• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with landowners and partner agencies.
• Ability to work independently, remotely, with little supervision and with diverse clientele to achieve program goals.
• Ability to identify and estimate numbers of North American shorebirds and waterbirds in all plumages.
• In-depth knowledge of shorebird ecology, habitat needs, and wetland and grassland management in natural and working landscapes.
• Experience with waterbird monitoring.
• Knowledge of conservation and wildlife programs provided by federal (i.e. Farm Bill) entities. In addition, knowledge of how these programs are implemented is desired.
• Experience working on wildlife conservation in an agricultural setting.
• Proven ability to engage, teach, and motivate the public and landowners to participate in conservation.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication, including report writing and presentation delivery.
• Strong organizational skills, ability to prioritize tasks, organize and lead meetings.
• Polite and thoughtful communicator with an ability to remain amicable in a variety of situations.
• Should possess the highest level of discretion, honesty, and professionalism.
• Resourceful problem-solver with good judgment and strong decision-making abilities.
• Ability to provide intuitive and proactive contributions for successful conservation outcomes.
• An energetic, hard-working, enthusiastic self-starter able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Proficient in the suite of Microsoft Office products. Experience with relational databases a plus.
• Ability to work in challenging environments of heat, high humidity, and inclement weather.
• Valid driver’s license required. Use of personal vehicle required (mileage reimbursement outside of normal commute provided).
• Able to obtain USDA Federal Security Clearance.
• Experience with marketing and social media a plus
• Commitment to and passion for maintaining, recovering, protecting, and celebrating the biodiversity of the United States.
• Commitment to Manomet’s mission to apply science and engage people to sustain our world.
• Motivated and rewarded by helping the organization, its mission, and its partners.

Position Requirements:  Bachelor’s degree in Natural Resource Management, Wildlife Biology, Environmental Studies, or equivalent plus two years’ experience coordinating natural resource management projects. A Master’s degree in an applicable science along with experience is advantageous.

Supervision: This position reports to the Assistant Director of Shorebird Habitat Management at Manomet. This position will be part of Manomet’s Habitat Management Division in the Shorebird Recovery Program.

Terms of Position: This is a one year position with a potential to renew for a second year, pending funding. This position is available immediately.

Compensation: Manomet offers competitive salary, health and retirement benefits for employees working 20 hours or more per week. Flexibility for part-time or contract-based position.

HOW TO APPLY

Please submit a cover letter, resume, and three references in one PDF titled YourName_ConservationBiologist.pdf to jobs@manomet.org . Please reference the job title, Conservation Biologist, in the subject line. No references will be contacted unless you are notified. Manomet is an equal opportunity employer. Applications will be accepted until February 17, 2020.