Conservation Specialist - MT

IMPORTANT:  This Advertiser has requested that applicants MUST be National Residents / Valid Work Permit-holders.  Other applicants need not apply.

 

· Position will be located in the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) area office in Great Falls, Montana. Some flexibility in location may be allowed depending on successful applicant’s current residence. Work area will include north-central and northeastern Montana with occasional duties elsewhere in Montana.

Position Overview:

The Ducks Unlimited, Inc. (DU) conservation specialist will be responsible for helping promote and deliver the Wetland Reserve Program (WRP) and the Northern Plains Migratory Bird Habitat Initiative (NPMBHI) throughout north-central and northeastern Montana. The specialist will work with county NRCS offices to promote WRP and the NPMBHI and provide programmatic, administrative and biological technical assistance to private landowners interested in enrolling in those programs. This is a salaried position with benefits, and is co-funded by the USDA-NRCS, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks and DU. Initial funding is for one year but is expected to be up to three years in duration depending upon success of the program and funding availability. Successful applicant will be an employee of DU’s Great Plains Regional Office located in Bismarck, ND and will receive primary supervision from DU. Daily supervision will be provided by NRCS staff. Successful applicant will receive required training from USDA and DU.

Duties:

· Provide programmatic, administrative and biological technical assistance for the WRP to private landowners, governmental agencies and non-governmental organizations;

· Work closely with county USDA staff to ensure that WRP is implemented on private land in a manner that maximizes wetland values, soil, water, waterfowl and other wildlife benefits of the program;

· Promote and assist NRCS staff in delivering programs associated with the NPMBHI;

· Coordinate with conservation partners to effectively leverage conservation resources for delivery of conservation programs;

· Assist USDA and private landowners with applications, ranking, contracts, restoration plans, management plans, biological evaluations, grazing plans and other documentation required for participation in WRP;

· Help increase private landowner interest in WRP and the NPMBHI by promoting the programs through public outreach;

· Assist with other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

· Ability to develop a strong knowledge of the WRP and NPMBHI programs, including application process, writing restoration plans, conducting site visits, compatible use requests and grazing plans;

· Knowledge of the principles used in the management of waterfowl and other grassland-dependent wildlife populations;

· Strong knowledge of wetland ecosystems, wetland restoration, wetland management practices and range management practices required to maximize wetland functions and values and enhance wetland habitats for waterfowl, water birds and other wetland-dependent wildlife populations;

· Working knowledge of farming, ranching and related agricultural operations;

· Proficient with computers, including Microsoft Office software;

· Ability to work effectively, both independently and as a member of a team;

· Ability to effectively plan, organize and prioritize work activities and complete tasks and reports to meet deadlines;

· Ability to prepare and present information on WRP to peers and the public;

· Possess strong interpersonal skills in order to effectively communicate with private landowners, USDA staff, other wildlife professionals and the general public;

· Possess strong writing skills for preparation of technical and popular reports, management plans, restoration plans, etc.;

· Possess a valid driver’s license and a vehicle.

 

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:

· 4-yr. Bachelor of Science degree in wildlife management or a closely related natural resources field and 1-yr. of experience in the natural resources field is preferred;

· Any combination of education, experience and training that enables the applicant to possess the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

 

Comments: Duties may require periodic overnight travel, both in state and out of state. Successful applicant must provide his/her own vehicle and will be reimbursed for mileage. Expenses for overnight travel such as lodging and meals will be reimbursed. Duties may require field work in extreme weather conditions. Salary is $32,000/year plus benefits package.

 

To apply or for more information 
(Application Deadline February 27, 2012):

To apply, access this job announcement on our website at www.ducks.org/jobs; fill out the application form provided on-line; attach cover letter, resume, and three references with daytime telephone numbers; and submit. Questions can be directed to:

Candace Miller
Ducks Unlimited, Inc. 
2525 River Road
Bismarck, ND 58503-9011
Phone: (701) 355-3511

cmiller@ducks.org