Coordinating Wildlife Biologist for the Verdigre-Bazile Creek Watershed This position is offered through Northern Prairies Land Trust in partnership with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission as a component of the Nebraska Natural Legacy Project. Funding is supported in part by the above partners, State Wildlife Grants, Nebraska Environmental Trust, and the Landowner Incentive Program.
Salary: Starting at $39,160 year plus Benefits Location: Grove Lake Wildlife Management Area near Royal, Nebraska. Application Deadline: April 3rd; open until filled Earliest Start Date: May 1st; this position has secure funding for 2 years with strong potential for extension. Employer: This position is with Northern Prairies Land Trust (www.northernprairies.org) and jointly supervised by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission (www.outdoornebraska.org). Description This position will be full-time (40 hrs/wk). The successful applicant will be an employee of Northern Prairies Land Trust (NPLT). Guidance and logistical support will be provided by Nebraska Game and Parks Commission (NGPC) Wildlife Division personnel. This position was created to implement actions identified in the Nebraska Natural Legacy Plan within the Verdigris- Bazile Creek Watersheds of northeast Nebraska (the biologist may work in other nearby landscapes as opportunity and need warrants). The biologist will design, coordinate, and implement habitat conservation projects with landowners, tribal land management personnel, and on select public lands. NPLT and NGPC staff will jointly provide supervision and guidance. The biologist will use existing programs including but not limited to USDA Farm Bill, State Wildlife Grants, Private Stewardship Grant, Partners for Fish and Wildlife program offerings to implement stewardship activities on prairie, woodland, wetland, and stream resources primarily for the benefit of at-risk species. In addition significant emphasis will be placed upon capacity building through education, outreach, research, monitoring, and inventory. This is a grant funded position and NPLT and NGPC have a proven record for fundraising and extending similar positions. Salary begins at $3,263/month plus benefits. Northern Prairies Land Trust is a private non-profit general service land trust operating in all of Nebraska and South Dakota. The mission of the trust is to assist conservation-minded private landowners who are interested in better managing and protecting their property for future generations. Responsibilities Primary responsibilities of this position include implementation of collaborative conservation efforts between landowners, communities, governmental agencies, and non-governmental organizations. Partnerships forged will result in implementation of innovative conservation measures that protect, enhance, and restore vital natural resources in the area. Conservation techniques will include mechanical removal of woody species, prescribed fire, planned grazing, and invasive plant control. The biologist will work closely with a wide range of individuals and conservation professionals to meet conservation objectives. This position will require a self-starter with excellent communication skills and a strong work ethic. This provides and excellent opportunity to make significant contributions to the conservation of natural resources in northeast Nebraska. Essential Duties Administer, coordinate, design, implement, and lead efforts to provide for stewardship of grassland, woodland, wetland, and stream habitats for the benefit of at-risk species. Use existing conservation programs to develop and implement projects and facilitate development of additional programs that foster sound stewardship practices. Effectively communicate land stewardship concepts and practices with landowners, governmental agencies, tribal government, and non-governmental organizations, communities, and individuals. Supervise seasonal employees as needed. Prepare budgets, assist with grant writing, and monitor expenditures. Assist with research, monitoring, and inventory efforts. Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Sound understanding of Great Plains grassland ecology. Sound understanding of local flora and fauna (particularly at-risk species) Working knowledge of land stewardship practices such as prescribed fire, planned grazing, brush management, and invasive plant control. Working knowledge of farming and ranching operations. Demonstrated ability in developing and maintaining positive relationships with landowners and other conservation partners. Ability to accomplish goals and objectives with limited supervision. Ability to organize, develop, and implement educational and outreach activities including workshops, seminars, and publications. Knowledge of conservation program offerings, particularly Farm Bill conservation programs as well as state, federal, and local programs. Required Education and Experience A Bachelors degree in wildlife biology, plant ecology, range management, or closely related natural resources field is necessary. (M.S. preferred) Prior experience with private lands conservation and land management is preferred. Prescribed fire training, including field experience and writing of burn plans is desired. Experience delivering Farm Bill conservation programs such as WRP, EQIP, CRP, and WHIP is preferred. To Apply: Send a resume and cover letter to Scott Wessel, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission 2201 N 13th, Norfolk, NE 68701. This position is open until filled. For more information on this position call or email Scott Wessel (NGPC), at 402-370-3374 or [email protected]
