Conservation Specialist

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

 

Duty Station:  Chase Lake Prairie Project Wetland Management District; Woodworth, ND 

Application Period:  10/01/2013 to 10/15/2013 

Start Date:  Negotiable

Salary:  $33,056.16/year 

Duties:  Assist the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and Ducks Unlimited in identifying and successfully acquiring perpetual conservation easements on valuable wetland and grassland habitat for waterfowl and migratory birds.  The position is also responsible for the delivery of other habitat activity goals and objectives of the Chase Lake Prairie Project North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) Project.  Assist other USFWS Private Lands biologists in restoring and enhancing wildlife habitat throughout the Chase Lake Prairie Project Wetland Management District (WMD).  Officially, this position is a Ducks Unlimited employee, but daily operations are directed by the USFWS.  Coordination with USFWS Private Land staff is essential to ensure proper permits, documentation, and technical guidance is followed on private lands projects.

Primary Responsibilities:

• To ensure that the goals of the North Dakota Chase Lake Prairie Project NAWCA Project are met through habitat protection, management, restoration, and development projects. 
• Projects include acquisition of grassland and wetland easements, wetland restorations, wetland creations, grass seedings, grazing systems implementation, etc.
• The vast majority of these projects occur on private lands.  It is essential that the candidate for this position has the skills and abilities to work with private landowners to restore and protect valuable migratory bird habitat.
• Coordination with local, state and federal government agencies, nongovernmental organizations, farmers, ranchers, and private landowners to complete projects.

Education and experience needed:

• Wetland/grassland ecology of the North Dakota Prairie Pothole Region, habitat management techniques and knowledge of migratory birds and local wildlife.  
• Knowledge of the USDA Farm Bill, North American Wetland Conservation Act and general farming/ranching practices.
• Knowledge of conservation programs of other agencies and nongovernmental organizations is also beneficial.

Skills needed:

• Must be self-motivated and have persuasive communication abilities to effectively initiate contacts with local landowners via phone, mail, and/or in person visits. 
• Must have excellent organizational skills to follow up on contacts.
• Must have ability to focus on long term goals and manage projects that can take over a year to complete.
• Must have ability to work independently with limited oversight, and also work well as part of the overall team.
• Must have excellent technology and computer skills to prepare maps, data bases, and operate GPS/GIS hardware and software.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:

Bachelor of Science degree in Wildlife Management or a closely related natural resources field and one year of experience; any combination of education, experience and training that enables the applicant to possess the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

 

This position offers much personal satisfaction to those who value the importance of protecting migratory bird habitat in the Missouri Coteau portion of North Dakota.  The Chase Lake WMD is located in a top waterfowl producing area of North America. The Chase Lake region contains excellent wetland resources and offers outstanding outdoor recreation opportunities.

To apply or for more information:  To apply, access this job announcement at www.ducks.org/jobs; fill out the application forms provided on-line; attach cover letter, resume, and three references with daytime telephone numbers; and submit.  Application deadline is October 15, 2013.

Questions can be directed to:
Neil Shook
Chase Lake Prairie Project WMD
5924 19^th Street SE
Woodworth, ND  58496-6422
neil_shook@fws.gov
#701-752-4218 Extension 1

OR

Rick Warhurst
Ducks Unlimited
2525 River Road
Bismarck, ND 58503
rwarhurst@ducks.org
#701-355-3500