Job Title: Rangeland Watershed Initiative Partner Biologist
Location: Vacaville, CA (or Livermore, CA via separate announcement)
Group: Emerging Programs and Partnerships
Hours/Benefits: Full time w/competitive benefits
Point Blue Conservation Science’s Vision
Point Blue advances conservation of birds, other wildlife and ecosystems
through innovative research, restoration, outreach and extensive
partnerships. Our highest priority is to reduce the impacts of habitat loss,
climate change and other threats to wildlife and people, while promoting
adaptation to the changes ahead. Point Blue will achieve this by conducting
further research on ecological processes and by developing and disseminating
science-based solutions to mitigate the negative impacts of these changes.
Because of our work today, healthy ecosystems will continue to support
thriving wildlife and human communities in California and beyond, on land
and at sea.
Job Summary: The Rangeland Watershed Initiative Partner Biologist is a
partnership position between the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
(NRCS) and Point Blue Conservation Science that will focus on providing
value added delivery of wildlife conservation programs on working lands
through Farm Bill and other federal and state funding programs. The Partner
Biologist will actively participate with NRCS Field
Conservationists, working lands producers, and other resource professionals
in the development of ranch and farm conservation plans, including resources
assessments, conservation practice design and
implementation. In particular, they will seek to expand the adoption of
prescribed rangeland and cropland management practices under NRCS Farm Bill
habitat conservation programs. The Partner Biologist will also be involved
with assessment and monitoring of conservation practices that have been
applied on those working lands. This position will provide technical
assistance with NRCS field conservationists to working lands producers whose
primary focus is on the implementation of conservation in rangeland
cropland, wetland, and riparian habitats. This position, dependent on
funding, is intended to be a full time position for at least a 3-year term
with benefits. The position will be located in the NRCS Vacaville Field
Office, covering Solano County of California. Point Blue Rangeland Watershed
Initiative Partner Biologist job description
Essential Duties: Provide technical assistance, planning, and program
support to NRCS Field Conservationists and working lands producers on
habitat conservation programs (e.g. WRE, EQIP, GRE, etc.)
Build trust with and enroll working lands producers into conservation
practices using Farm Bill and other federal, state, and local programs.
Develop technical proficiency in the use of NRCS Conservation Planning
process and NRCS technical tools such as Web Soil Survey, Ecological Site
Descriptions, Habitat Assessments, and Stream Visual Assessment Protocol 2.
Initiate and sustain cooperative working relationships with NRCS Field
Conservationists, working lands producers, other federal, state and local
agencies, tribes, conservation groups and other resource professionals.
Provide technical support for the incorporation of fish and wildlife
habitat considerations into working land producers’ conservation plans,
including pre- and post-implementation monitoring.
Identify needs for and assist with the development of wildlife
habitat-related education and outreach materials.
Provide fish and wildlife habitat assessment, management, restoration,
and monitoring-related training, workshops, and field sessions to NRCS Field
Conservationists, working lands producers, and other conservation partners.
Job Specifications: Prefer 3-5 years’ experience in working with planning,
design, assessment, management, restoration, and monitoring of wildlife
habitat on private, public, or tribal lands.
Prefer on-the- ground experience with fish and wildlife habitat
management, restoration and enhancement techniques, conservation practices
and tools used on oak woodlands, shrublands, grasslands, cropland edges,
wetlands, and riparian areas.
Strong working knowledge of the flora and fauna of the western
Sacramento Valley and San Francisco Bay Delta, riparian and freshwater
wetlands, and foothill grasslands, oak savannahs and woodlands of
California, especially those in Solano County.
BA/BS degree in a conservation related field, preferably in wildlife
biology, range or forest ecology. Basic experience and knowledge of USDA
Farm Bill Conservation Programs.
Prefer experience and understanding of range and riparian/fresh water
wetlands management principles and implementation of grazing management
systems that are beneficial to both domestic livestock and fish and wildlife
resources.
Strong interpersonal skills, proven ability to work collaboratively and
remain flexible under pressure.
Prefer entrepreneurial and fund-raising experience.
Strong communication skills (oral, written, and presentation) are required.
Strong organizational skills, ability to multi-task and prioritize daily
and long term objectives and tasks is required. Attention to detail and
exceptional follow-up skills are critical.
Ability and desire to work with a diverse group of people including
state, federal, tribal, and non-government resource professionals, working
lands producers, and the general public.
Excellent computer skills (Microsoft Office Suite, GIS software and
Internet) are required.
Requires ability to work outdoors under variable weather. Requires
mobility over various terrains.
Salary: ~ $48 K/year, depending on education and experience.
Point Blue offers competitive compensation commensurate with experience,
100% medical and dental premium coverage, partial coverage of dependents
including domestic partners, long term care
insurance, optional vision, life insurance, short term and long term
disability insurance coverage, as well as generous leave time and 401(k)
Plan matching contribution, per conditions outlined in Point Blue’s
personnel manual.
Application Requirements: Email resumes to: [email protected] by June
24th, 2016. Please include a 1 page cover letter explaining your interest
and qualifications. Please put “Vacaville RWI Partner Biologist” in the
subject line. No calls please. Equal Opportunity Employer. For additional
information about Point Blue and highlights of current programs, see
www.pointblue.org.
Point Blue is an equal employment opportunity employer and does not
discriminate against applicants or employees because of race, color,
religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, citizenship status,
disability status of an otherwise qualified individual, membership or
application for membership in a uniformed service or membership in any other
class protected by applicable law and will make reasonable accommodation for
applicants with disabilities to complete the application and /or
participation in the interview process.
Point Blue Conservation Science
www.pointblue.org | Follow Point Blue on Facebook!
Point Blue—Conservation science for a healthy planet.
