Coordinating Wildlife Biologist - Precribed Fire

https://www.pheasantsforever.org/jobs

Coordinating Wildlife Biologist - Precribed Fire

Regular Full-Time

In or near Austin, TX, US

Requisition ID: 1687

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PHEASANTS FOREVER & QUAIL FOREVER
The Habitat Organization
JOB VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

Coordinating Wildlife Biologist – Prescribed Fire

Application Deadline: July 9, 2020

Anticipated Start Date: August 2020

Overview & Job Duties:

Quail Forever, in partnership with the Oaks and Prairies Joint Venture (OPJV), and US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), is seeking qualified candidates for a Prescribed Fire Coordinating Wildlife Biologist position to coordinate, promote, and support the safe and effective use of prescribed burning on private and public lands throughout the State of Texas.

The Prescribed Fire Coordinating Wildlife Biologist will work as a member of Texas Quail Forever Partnership Team and the Oaks and Prairies Joint Venture staff, with close coordination of supporting partners. The primary responsibilities of this position are to develop outreach materials and organize prescribed fire workshops for private landowners, resource professionals and fire enthusiasts. This position will provide outreach to local prescribed fire associations and fire departments to implement safe and effective prescribed burning through webinars, videos, and social media, as well as organize in-person workshops, when appropriate.

This position will work closely with a wide range of individuals and resources professionals to meet their individual goals while addressing the goals of the partnership including promoting the development and implementation of prescribed fire training and standards to be utilized by both partners and private lands owners. Knowledge of relevant conservation programs, training, and other resources available to help private landowners to implement prescribed fire will be required. Depending upon experience and training, the applicant may help to write and review prescribed burn plans for private landowners and biologists. This position will require a self-starter with excellent communication and organizational skills and a strong work ethic. This prescribed fire partnership effort will provide an opportunity to make significant contributions to the conservation of natural resources in Texas.

Expected Duties:
• Work with OPJV, Quail Forever, USFWS Staff, and other wildlife and fire management partners (e.g., Fire Districts) to identify safe and effective prescribed fire outreach and training needs.
• Organize and prepare expert led webinars, website pages, social media campaigns, and eventually organizing in-person workshops concerning prescribed fire for training and outreach purposes starting in the Oaks and Prairies JV region, and eventually throughout the state Texas.
• Coordinate the management and use of fire equipment for local Prescribed Burn Associations around the state and track fire inventory.
• Where appropriate, help write prescribed burn plans for private landowners and provide guidance to OPJV partner and Quail Forever biologists in the writing of prescribed burn plans.
• Communicate regularly with Texas fire practitioners across the state to build upon the use of prescribed fire.

Knowledge. Skills and Abilities:
• Firm working knowledge of prescribed fire standards of conservation partners within the state of Texas.
• Extensive knowledge of wildlife habitat management techniques, principles, goals and objectives including knowledge of fire, grazing and habitat restoration.
• Extensive knowledge and experience in the use and delivery of prescribed fire.
• The individual must be able to work effectively with private landowners, agency and partner staff and other conservation organizations.
• Ability to work and perform independently with little supervision and with diverse personalities.
• Ability to accomplish goals with little supervision.
• Ability to organize, develop, and implement educational and outreach activities including workshops, seminars, and publications.
• Knowledge of conservation programs such as Partners for Fish and Wildlife, Grassland Restoration Incentive Program (GRIP), Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), Environmental Qualities Incentive Program (EQIP), Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) and Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP).
• Strong computer skills including working knowledge of MS Word, MS Excel, ArcView/ArcGIS.
• Strong coordination and communication skills, including use of social media and website management.
• Valid driver’s licenses.

Education and Experience Preferred: A minimum requirement for this position is a Bachelor of Science Degree (MS preferred) in Fire Ecology/Wildlife Management/Range Management or closely related natural resources field and three years of relevant experience. Wildlife Society Certification and graduate work will also be considered. Proven experience working with USDA Farm Bill programs (i.e. EQIP, CSP, ACEP, CRP and CREP) is preferred. Fire qualifications and specific training (Red Card) highly desirable.

Starting Salary: Commensurate with Experience + Health Benefits and Retirement Package
To Apply: Please click on the blue APPLY icon at the bottom or upper right corner. For a complete list of current job openings, visit our website at: www.pheasantsforever.org/jobs

ONLY ON-LINE APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED. Please include your cover letter, resume and 3 references as a single Microsoft Word document or PDF file on the Recruitment website.
Contact: Chris McLeland, South Region Director, 573-355-6530

Pheasants Forever & Quail Forever is an EEO Employer/Vet/Disabled