Dates accepting application: 11/5/2017 to 11/19/2017
POSITION TITLE: WILDLIFE BIOLOGIST/ECOLOGIST
SALARY: $41,790 - 49,437
POSITION TYPE: FULL TIME
LOCATION: ANNAPOLIS, MD
ABOUT US:
The Western Maryland Resource Conservation and Development (WMRC&D) Inc. is a non-profit company in business since 1993. We are involved in projects dealing with environmental restoration, alternative energy, carbon sequestration, research on beneficial uses of fly ash from coal fired power plants, forestry, fisheries, remediation of acid mine drainage impacts, improvements of water quality in watersheds, and projects addressing wildlife habitat improvement, conservation and agriculture.
CONTEXT OF THE POSITION
In coordination with the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), this position will assist with implementation of conservation programs and provisions included in the Farm Bill. The biologist/ecologist position provides technical assistance for wildlife habitat and wetland restoration and management projects with direct interaction with landowners, agencies, and related project partners. Most of the work involves wetland restoration planning, design, and implementation, focusing primarily on native vegetation restoration and management. This is a 3 year term position providing direct, in-field support to external customers and NRCS field office staff. The biologist/ecologist will coordinate directly with the NRCS State Biologist on projects and activities.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Provide wetland and wildlife habitat conservation planning and technical assistance for land and water restoration projects via various Farm Bill conservation programs offered by NRCS and its partners. This task will be the primary duty of the position.
Contact and meet with landowners, producers, and conservation planners to discuss opportunities to manage fish and wildlife habitat.
Conduct resource inventories to identify and evaluate fish and wildlife habitat quality and condition.
Identify Farm Bill funding activities and evaluate technical eligibility for enrollment in conservation programs for fish and wildlife habitat. Work with landowners and cooperators to complete application packages for Farm Bill financial assistance.
Develop technical specifications and designs for improving, restoring, and managing fish and wildlife habitat.
Work with conservation planners and technicians, and landowners to schedule and carry out fish and wildlife habitat projects.
Coordinate and provide oversight and inspection to implement fish and wildlife habitat restoration projects.
Conduct monitoring of conservation easements and work with landowners to address natural resource and easement compliance issues.
Evaluate effectiveness of conservation treatments and develop plans to improve or enhance habitat and other functions.
Assist with development of technical materials related to fish and wildlife habitat.
Other duties as assigned.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS OF THE POSITION
Communicate with landowners, farmers, conservation planners, and contractors.
Work independently while effectively managing multiple priorities, projects, and tasks.
Conduct field work, where physical exertion is required for activities such as walking through dense vegetation, traversing ditches and streams, wading through wet soils, walking long distances through woods and crop fields, and carrying GPS, survey, and other equipment for habitat assessment and monitoring. Candidates must be willing to work in hot, cold, and wet field conditions, with exposure to annoying and biting insects, livestock, and operating agricultural and construction equipment.
Interpret remote sensing data (e.g. aerial photos, topographic maps), and apply this knowledge in the field to identify habitat, water, and topographic features.
Map features in the field, inventory the features in ArcGIS, and produce ArcGIS maps that clearly show the feature locations. Develop plan maps that clearly show the locations of conservation practices.
Identify plants in agricultural, forested, and natural areas.
The biologist/ecologist will be required to learn to use NRCS conservation planning tools, including Customer Toolkit and the eFOTG.
The position will require regular non-overnight travel from Annapolis to field sites throughout Maryland. A significant portion of the work will be on the Eastern Shore of Maryland and in Baltimore, Carroll, Cecil and Harford Counties. The position will require the operation of 4-wheel drive vehicles on dirt roads and crop fields.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in biology, forestry, natural resources, or environmental science.
Knowledge of wildlife biology and management, wetlands, plants, hydrology, and soils.
The ability to communicate in writing about technical issues related to natural resources.
The ability to use computers, including such software as Microsoft Word, Excel, and Powerpoint.
The candidate must have a valid state driver’s license.
Must be willing to relocate or commute to Annapolis, Maryland.
The candidate must have U.S. citizenship.
A clean criminal record verified by a standard background check with local, state, and national law enforcement agencies. A security clearance is not a requirement.
FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO APPLY FOR THIS POSITION
Please go to our website at: www.wmrcd.org
Please email Resume and Cover letter and 3 professional references to: mgoldbach@wmrcd.org
The WMRC&D is an equal opportunity provider and employer. All programs and services of the Western Maryland RC&D Council are offered on a non-discriminatory basis, without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital or family status, disability or political belief.