Citizen Science Coordinator – Bombus Seed Library

Bonner and Boundary County, Idaho Part Time

 

Western and Suckley’s Cuckoo Bumblebees are climate sensitive Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) in Idaho. The Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) is leading a multi-partner climate adaptation habitat restoration project to benefit these and several other SGCN on the Boundary-Smith Creek Wildlife Management Area (BSCWMA) near Bonners Ferry. We seek a contract volunteer coordinator to lead local seed collection efforts.

Wildflower seeds will be collected from various locations in Bonner and Boundary County and will then be used to plant 35 acres of pollinator habitat at BSCWMA.

 

What you’ll be doing:

You will develop, implement, and oversee a citizen science project to collect, store, and plant seeds and saplings for pollinator habitat restoration. You will also develop a public survey to evaluate how effectively the project increases local awareness of pollinator conservation issues.

 

Duties include:

  • Work with local organizations to recruit, train, and supervise volunteers
  • A focused recruitment effort on young adults, 25-35 years old
  • Organize and lead volunteer work days
    • Meet with land owners (mostly timber companies) and land management agencies to secure access
  • Attend and lead meetings
  • Develop, distribute, and analyze the results from a scientifically sound public survey
  • Develop a seed management and storage plan
  • Write reports
  • Track volunteer contributions using paper forms and digital databases
  • Lead or assist with public survey manuscript preparation
  • Develop a workshop for the 2019 meeting of the Idaho Chapter of the Wildlife Society
  • Lead social media communications efforts
    • Lead or assist with other communications efforts such as blogs, videos, and speaking to journalists

 

What you’ll need to provide:

  • Insured vehicle capable of driving on dirt roads
  • Computer with Microsoft Office and mapping software
  • Cell phone
  • IDFG will provide seed storage equipment and most field equipment

 

Timeframe:

  • The contract period will be approximately one year beginning early 2018
  • The contract may be re-negotiated for a second year in 2019
  • The contract will be deliverable driven, but we anticipate 100-120 days of work will be required per year. The majority of work will occur from April-August

 

 

Compensation:

  • Compensation is negotiable but will be between $18,000-22,000 for the first year
  • Additionally, travel and personal vehicle mileage use will be reimbursed

 

Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in a related field (e.g. Natural Resource Management, Biology, Education)
  • Outgoing personality
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Advanced social media skills
  • Field work experience (natural resource or outdoor education acceptable)
  • Ability to navigate off trail with GPS unit
  • Ability and willingness to drive personal vehicle on unimproved dirt roads
  • Experience coordinating volunteers or other related experience
  • Reasonable level of physical fitness which would allow you to hike off trail while carrying a backpack
  • Ability to use Microsoft Office and mapping software on a computer you provide

 

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Knowledge of Inland Northwest wildflower identification and ecology
  • Knowledge of Inland Northwest bumblebee identification and ecology
  • Experience with seed saving techniques
  • Co-author of at least one peer reviewed publication
  • Experience living and working in Bonner or Boundary County

 

How to apply:

  • Create an application packet which contains a current resume and a letter describing how you would develop and implement this project
  • Save the application as a single .pdf named as follows: your last name_Bombus_contract
  • Email the packet to: michael.lucid@idfg.idaho.gov

 

Application review will begin January 16, 2018. Contract will remain open until filled.