Field Biologist

San Antonio, Texas (TX)

The Nature Conservancy is the leading conservation organization working to make a positive impact around the world in more than 30 countries, all 50 United States, and your backyard. Founded in 1951, the mission of The Nature Conservancy is to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends. Visit www.nature.org/aboutus to learn more.
TNC

The Field Biologist will assist with a variety of monitoring and research projects throughout Texas. Current and anticipated projects include but are not limited to grassland bird surveys (particularly for Sprague’s pipit), songbird surveys in central and west Texas, habitat descriptions for black-capped vireos and golden-cheeked warblers, fire effects monitoring in east and west Texas, grassland surveys in coastal prairie, and monitoring of rare plants. Duties will include preparation and maintenance of equipment, generating maps, conducting field work, data entry and verification, and report writing. The Field Biologist will travel to remote preserves for extended periods and work under variable field conditions. Work will be conducted alone, with other staff, and with volunteers. Roads on many preserves are rough and experience driving 4WD vehicles off-road is highly desirable. The position will start in as soon as possible, but no later than November 2013.
TNC

• Bachelor’s degree in science or natural resource-related field and 1-2 years related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience working with Microsoft Office Suite software. 
• Experience managing databases and producing reports.
• Experience coordinating multiple projects and managing timeframes.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in science or natural resource-related field and 1-2 years related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.  Prior field experience preferred.
• Knowledge of natural systems and biological resources, and natural systems management techniques.
• Familiarity with GIS preferred, including ability to utilize data to create appropriate maps.
• Database management skills including report production preferred.
• Completing tasks independently with respect to timeline(s).
• Managing and prioritizing tasks from multiple sources.
• Working knowledge of common software applications (e.g. Word, Excel, Web browsers). 
• Communicating clearly via written, spoken, and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.
• Experience using GIS software and data to create maps, as well as using GPS units and reading maps.
• Familiarity with standard avian and vegetation monitoring techniques.
• Familiarity with the birdlife of Texas; familiarity with birds of the Edwards Plateau, west Texas sky islands, and coastal grasslands highly desirable.
• Familiarity with the vegetation (woody and herbaceous) of Texas is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with basic statistical analyses, and the desire to become proficient at data analysis.

AUTO SAFETY POLICY

This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with the Conservancy's Auto Safety Program.  Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered "high risk drivers."  Please see further details in the Auto Safety Program document available at www.nature.org/careers. 

Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL EFFORT

The Field Biologist may work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.  These conditions may:

• require physical exertion and/or muscular strain
• present possibility of injury
• require long hours in isolated settings
• This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with the Conservancy's Auto Safety Program.  Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered "high risk drivers."  Please see further details in the Auto Safety Program document available at www.nature.org/careers.  Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.

The Nature Conservancy offers competitive compensation, 401k matching for eligible employees, excellent benefits, flexible work policies and a collaborative work environment. We also provide professional development opportunities and promote from within. As a result, you will find a culture that supports and inspires conservation achievement and personal development, both within the workplace and beyond.
TNC

To apply to position number 41395, submit resume and cover letter as one document. All applications must be submitted in the system prior to 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on September 10, 2013.

Failure to complete all of the required fields may result in your application being disqualified from consideration.

You must click “submit” to apply for the position. You may select “save for later” if you prefer to create a draft application for future submission. Once submitted, applications cannot be revised or edited.

If you are experiencing technical issues, please refer to our applicant user guide or contactapplyhelp@tnc.org.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  Women, minorities, veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy’s background screening process