Oaks and Prairies Joint Venture Grassland Conservation Associate

Oaks and Prairies Joint Venture Grassland Conservation Associate
Employer: American Bird Conservancy
Country: United States
Last Date to Apply: April 9, 2018
Description: Grassland Conservation Associate
Location: Ardmore, Oklahoma area (Flexible within the Oaks and Prairies Bird Conservation Region between Dallas, TX and Stillwater, OK)
Introduction:
This is a full-time one-year term position with American Bird Conservancy and the Oaks and Prairies Joint Venture (OPJV). The Grassland Conservation Associate (GCA) works with regional OPJV staff, as well as other conservation partner organizations, to support grassland population/habitat monitoring and conservation delivery efforts within the OPJV. Primary activities will include design and implementation of population/habitat monitoring efforts for priority birds as well as other grassland associated species like monarchs, pollinators, and other grassland associated species.
The GCA will also support the OPJV’s efforts to provide technical assistance and conservation delivery resources to local landowners to achieve on-the-ground priority bird population and habitat objectives, where needed. The GCA works to produce communications and outreach resources (e.g., print and social media) based upon partner conservation efforts, bird population monitoring, and habitat monitoring efforts. The GCA, in cooperation with the OPJV Coordinator, develops and sustains bird monitoring partnerships between relevant government agencies, private organizations, landowners, and corporations to support conservation efforts
Activities of the Grassland Conservation Associate (GCA) contribute to the goals and objectives of the OPJV (www.opjv.org) and various major national and international bird conservation plans. The GCA reports to the OPJV Coordinator and will work with OPJV partners including National Wild Turkey Federation, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS), Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, and Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation to promote, accelerate enrollment, coordinate and implement the conservation provisions of the Federal Farm Bill, the OPJV partnership’s Grassland Restoration Incentive Program (GRIP), and other related wildlife conservation programs in focal counties in Texas and Oklahoma.
This position is funded under a one-year grant. For more information about the Oaks and Prairies Joint Venture partnership see www.opjv.org.
Primary Duties:
1. Design, coordinate, and conduct project level population/habitat monitoring protocols for grassland associated species, especially grassland and shrubland birds, monarchs, pollinators, and prairie vegetation. This will focus on monitoring habitat improvement projects through the OPJV’s RCPP.
2. Support OPJV and partner efforts to enhance wildlife habitat on private land, which will include organizing workshops and tours for landowners and resource professionals, and presenting at workshops and conservation conferences.
3. Meet regularly with OPJV, NRCS, and partner staff to review technical assistance efforts and to assess resource training needs.
4. Develop research and monitoring-based content for communications efforts supporting conservation delivery efforts of partners and Staff.
5. Assist or coordinate activities and projects as needed for OPJV partners.

Other duties as assigned or as needed:
1. Assist OPJV staff with monitoring data analysis to help identify priority areas for future conservation work (Competency with R and GIS is a plus).
2. Conservation program promotion, which could include providing technical assistance, conservation planning, site assessment, habitat management (e.g. prescribed fire with training) and reporting.

Position Requirements:
1. A bachelor’s degree (Master’s preferred) in wildlife management, range management, or closely related natural resources field with relevant field experience.
2. Extensive knowledge of wildlife ecology, species identification, and population monitoring techniques, especially grassland birds and plants.
3. Working knowledge of applying habitat management techniques, especially prescribed burning, to benefit target wildlife species. Practical application of practices preferred.
4. Knowledge of conservation and wildlife programs provided by federal Farm Bill (especially EQIP, with understanding of ACEP, CRP, SAFE, CSP, etc), other state, & local conservation programs. In addition, knowledge of how these programs are implemented in an agricultural landscape is desired.
5. Ability to work independently with little supervision and with diverse personalities and organizations.
6. Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with landowners and partner agencies.
7. Ability to provide excellent customer service, sales, and promotion to cooperators interested in conservation.
8. Excellent verbal and written communication.
9. Strong computer skills (Word, Excel, ArcMap) and experience using social media to promote conservation.
10. Strong organizational skills.
11. Valid driver’s license required; use of personal vehicle required (mileage reimbursement provided).

Salary: $32,000/year DOE, plus benefits
Application review will begin April 2, 2018. Anticipated start date May 1, 2018.
Please provide a cover letter, resume and at least 3 references in a single Word or PDF document.
To apply visit: https://abcbirds.bamboohr.com/jobs/
or send applications to HR@abcbirds.org