Employment opportunities

Salary: $64,464 – 78,786 Annually
Location: West Kingston, RI
Job Type: Permanent Full-Time
Opening Date: 04/05/2024
Closing Date: 05/05/2024

Description of Work

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, Division of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) monitors the health and status of wildlife populations, and wildlife habitats. Nearly halve of all (47) species in the combined classes Reptilia and Amphibia under the science herpetology are classified as Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN). The DFW currently has a need for monitoring and managing species under the SGCN umbrella with special attention to herpetofauna as well as the few species (3) that are considered game species and are taken throughout the state under either hunting, trapping, or fishing licenses. We are looking for a biologist, with specific focus on reptiles, amphibians, SGCN, and threatened and endangered species work throughout the state.

The biologist /herpetologist is essential to development, revision, and implementation of the RI Wildlife Action Plan and other species conservation and management plans. Development of information regarding the status, distribution, and conservation needs and priorities of reptiles, amphibians, other SGCN, and Federally listed species is critical to the Division’s conservation efforts. Such work includes conducting status and distribution surveys, systematic inventory and monitoring, investigating habitat use requirements and providing habitat modification suggestions for improved species distribution or species protections. The selected candidate will be familiar with life histories and ecology of herpetofauna of the Northeast region of the US and will understand the special concerns associate with herps and other SGCN of the region. Work will include establishing relationships within the conservation community, DFW partners, wildlife stakeholders, as well as working closely with The Department of Law Enforcement relative to illegal trade and confiscation of illegally held reptiles and amphibians.

Identifying research project needs, collaborating with academic partners, and managing grants and contracts will be an important responsibility of this position. This position is an essential member of the Wildlife Biology Team, which provides statewide leadership of all wildlife conservation and management. Working in partnership with biologists and programs that include Threatened and Endangered species will be essential. Reviewing Federal documentation and signing off on cooperative project reviews for T&E species impacts will also fall into this purview.

This position requires occasional travel to complete assignments and meetings based across the state. The candidate will represent the Division and State at Regional and species-specific meetings and conferences. Excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential. The selected person will be based out of the Great Swamp Wildlife Management Area with the potential for telework under the discretion of the Director. A Monday-Friday schedule is associated with this position which involves working 35 hours per week (specific times set by manager).

This is a contracted Biologist position in partnership with Wildlife Management Institute. This position will be classified as a contract biologist of the WMI. Direct supervision of day-to-day activities will be provided by RIDEM.

Benefits: Through WMI you will be eligible for WMI 401(k) retirement plan with match, paid time off, including state holidays. WMI will provide health, dental and eye insurance, workers’ compensation, general liability protection, professional liability protection and unemployment insurance benefits. WMI will withhold taxes including social security.

This position is considered a DFW priority and perpetually renewable through WMI provided sufficient funding and satisfactory job performance. You will be expected to work no more than an average of 35 hours per week in any 12-month period. Requires satisfactory completion of a criminal background check.

Qualified Applicants Should Possess:

• Extensive knowledge of nongame and endangered wildlife identification and biology with an emphasis on herpetofauna of the coastal Northeast region and their associated environments, and wildlife management;
• Experience with the scientific method, biological techniques, herpetology, statistics, and ecology;
• Experience with wildlife habitat management and wildlife population management techniques;
• Experience with the development of advanced project designs, from project conception to project completion;
• Effective communication skills, including formal presentation experience;
• Proficiency in computer operation, database management, geographic information systems, and networking platforms;
• Experience managing grants, grant funding and writing competitive grants;
• Ability to function independently and with little direct supervision;
• Ability to coordinate and collaborate with in-state, out-of-state, international organizations, agencies, NGO’s and/or individuals;
• Ability to weigh the biological needs of endangered species with the needs and desires of the department and the public;
• Must have, or be able to obtain, a Class D Rhode Island driver’s license;
• Must be able to lift at least 50 pounds and be willing to travel within and outside the state. Total travel is not expected to exceed 15% of time requirements.
• The incumbent performs duties in a variety of different environments, including an office environment, field environment, rugged terrain, and various adverse weather conditions (extreme heat, cold, rain, snow, sleet, etc.).
• Requires satisfactory completion of a criminal background check.

Desired Qualifications/Requirements

• Meet the qualifications of an Associate or Certified Wildlife Biologist from The Wildlife Society.
• Experience in wildlife management, surveys and analysis of survey data, particularly with upland game species.
• Experience designing and conducting wildlife research and publishing the results, particularly with upland game species.
• Experience planning, creating or developing, and/or managing wildlife habitat.
• Supervisory experience.
• Working knowledge of database management and Statistical software such as SAS or R.
• Working knowledge and experience using GPS, GIS and ArcView or related GIS Software, especially for spatial modeling.

Application Procedures

To apply via email, send a cover letter outlining your interest and qualifications and a resume to: david.kalb@dem.ri.gov

Applications via mail are accepted and must be received before the application deadline to be considered. Mail applications should be sent to:

David M Kalb Ph.D.
Supervising Biologist
RIDEM Division of Fish and Wildlife 
277 Great Neck Road 
West Kingston, RI 02892

For questions about WMI contact positions:

Scot Williamson, VP
Wildlife Management Institute
4426 VT Route 215 N
Cabot, VT 05647
802-563-2087
swilliamson@wildlifemgt.org

Boone, Iowa

Application Deadline

The announcement is open until filled, and interviews are scheduled as applications are received. The successful applicant can expect to start within 2-4 weeks after a job offer.

Position Duration

1 year. The position may be extended for additional years pending funding and job performance. If the position is extended, the candidate may be reassigned to another location in Iowa.

Overview and Job Duties

A position is available for a highly qualified individual to work in a joint capacity with Wildlife Management Institute (WMI) and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to promote healthy forest management. The successful applicant will help private landowners improve their woodlands for wildlife, recreation, wood products, and soil and water quality.

The successful applicant will serve as an employee of Wildlife Management Institute (WMI) and receive supervision from WMI with daily instructions provided by the local DNR staff. Work priorities will be determined by local DNR District Foresters in conjunction with the DNR Private Lands Coordinator and the USDA-NRCS agreement funding the position. Training and support will be provided by the Iowa DNR, in particular the local District Forester and the Private Lands Program Coordinator. Duties will include:

• Work closely with the local District Forester and NRCS staff to identify opportunities for forest restoration and management.
• Work with private landowners to provide technical assistance for managing their properties, including conducting site visits and development of forest management plans.
• Develop Forest Management Plans and prescribed burning plans that meet NRCS standards and program requirements.
• Conduct outreach activities to promote forest management objectives within the designated working area.
• Work with private landowners to provide information and assistance with available conservation programs such as the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) and other federal, state, and local programs.
• Conduct Landowner Workshops / Field Days in identified priority focus areas annually.
• Duties will also include contract development and coordination, site assessment and monitoring, and regular tracking and reporting of accomplishments.
• Attendance at relevant DNR and NRCS meetings and/or trainings will also be required.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Superior communication (written and oral) skills. Must be comfortable both speaking in public and in engaging landowners on a one-to-one basis.
• Willingness to be a vocal advocate for young forests and active forest management to landowners and natural resource professionals.
• Ability to work independently.
• Knowledge of basic forest ecology and dynamics, especially related to the forest communities of Iowa.
• Knowledge of basic principles of wildlife management.
• Knowledge of relevant conservation programs, including Federal Farm Bill programs (CRP, EQIP and CSP), U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Partners for Fish & Wildlife program, and other applicable federal, state, and local conservation programs.
• Ability to work long hours in the field and under adverse weather conditions.
• Familiarity with MS Word, MS Excel, and GIS.
• Valid driver’s license required with an acceptable driving record.

Qualifications

Minimum - Bachelor’s Degree in Forestry or closely related field from an accredited academic institution. Preference will be given to candidates who have professional experience related to forest and/or forest wildlife management. Experience working with private landowners to develop conservation plans is also beneficial.

Compensation

This salaried position pays $39,439/year ($20.50/hour equivalent). As a limited term employee of WMI, the incumbent will be expected to work no more than an average of 74 hours per two-week pay period. Work vehicles, office space, computers, etc. will be provided. The position will be eligible for WMI 401(k) retirement benefits and WMI will provide workers’ compensation, general liability protection, and professional liability protection and unemployment insurance benefits. The positions are not eligible for vacation pay, sick leave, health or disability benefits. WMI will withhold taxes including social security. The incumbent will be entitled to make voluntary contributions to their 401(k) retirement plan.

To Apply

Please submit your resume, cover letter, and three professional references as one Word or pdf file. Send to Katy.Fullin@dnr.iowa.gov. For questions about the duties, location, etc., contact Katy Fullin at Iowa DNR. For questions about WMI, contact Scot Williamson at SWilliamson@wildlifemgt.org.

Job Classification: Resource Manager – contractual (Forestry)
Number of Positions: 1
Work Region: Statewide (Maine)
Employer: Wildlife Management Institute (For Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife)

Introduction

The Lands Program with the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife manages 120,000 acres from southern York County to northern Aroostook County for the development, maintenance and enhancement of wildlife habitat. The Department has an agreement with the Wildlife Management Institute to conduct forest management for the promotion of wildlife habitat. As such, the Wildlife Management Institute and the Department intend to fill one Resource Manager position to accomplish the goals of the agreement. The position will be a limited full time position for a term of one year with the potential for additional 1 year term extensions.

Minimum Qualifications

At a minimum, this position requires a bachelor’s degree in forestry, preferably from an accredited university.

Job Description

The selected candidate will be responsible for the following:

Work with Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife personnel to develop and implement habitat management and utilization plans on Wildlife Management Areas throughout the state. The incumbent designs, develops, prepares and implements habitat management plans for forested and non-forested wildlife habitats; assists with identifying, evaluating, and mapping of important wildlife habitats; distinguishes various types of wildlife habitat and species relevance; cruises and evaluates habitat potential; estimates timber volume: inspects and oversees contractor performance of harvesting practices for habitat development and enhancement in accordance with Department standards, policies and Maine law; designs and oversees development of access roads within the Wildlife Management Areas.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Theoretical and practical knowledge of silviculture, silvics, forest mensuration, wildlife management, habitat development and enhancement activities, forest pathology and entomology, soils and geographic information systems.

Must be able to: use forest measurement equipment, read and understand maps, communicate effectively, understand applicable local, state and federal laws, rules and regulations; develop and implement forest resource plans according to habitat management objectives, use GPS, computers and related equipment, and use snowmobiles and ATVs for off road travel. Occasional overnight travel is expected as well as the ability to work and stay in remote locations.

Benefits

Salary: $46,849.40/yr. for 1924 hours per year and a salary adjustment

A minimum contribution of 3 percent of the salary amount, with up to 8 percent possible, will be made to a 401k retirement account. Health, dental and vision insurance benefits are available.

Lodging for any overnight work-related projects will either be provided or expenses reimbursed. The successful candidate will be provided with a vehicle and equipment.

The successful candidate must qualify for forester internship though the Maine Board of Licensure for Foresters.

The position will remain open until filled.

Please provide a copy of your resume and a work history description. Feel free to contact the Lands Management Biologist with any questions you may have about the position.

Leigh E. Hoar III (Eric)
Lands Management Biologist
Dept. of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife
270 Lyons Road
Sidney, Maine 04330
207.592.0109
leigh.e.hoar@maine.gov