WA Big Game Migration Corridor & Habitat Project Coordinator
PHEASANTS FOREVER & QUAIL FOREVER
The Habitat Organization
JOB VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
Big Game Migration Corridor
and Habitat Project Coordinator
Application Deadline: August 26, 2020
Location: Ellensburg, WA
Anticipated Start Date: September 2020
Overview: This is a collaborative position between Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), and Pheasants Forever (PF). Position responsibility will be to assists WDFW and its partners in developing and implementing conservation and restoration projects, promoting NRCS conservation programs and practices, building robust partnerships, and securing project funding, collectively towards improving habitat quality and migration corridors for mule deer and other wildlife on public and private lands in high priority Mule Deer Management Zones in Washington State. This is a full time, 3-year position with the incumbent being an employee of Pheasants Forever Inc. Daily oversight, guidance, mentoring, and assistance with project prioritization provided by WDFW Regional staff. This position will be located in Ellensburg, Washington and will require travel throughout the Eastern Washington. The incumbent is expected to work closely with Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Washington Department of Natural Resources, private landowners and other stakeholders in the region.
Duties:
• Lead planning, implementation, partner coordination (e.g., state and federal agencies, businesses, non-governmental organizations (NGO), and private landowners), fieldwork, and reporting for cooperative big game habitat projects.
• Assist WDFW land managers with contract development and execution for projects occurring on and adjacent to WDFW land holdings.
• Coordinate with WDFW’s Big Game Movement and Migration Team to implement projects identified in Washington’s SO3362 Action Plan including but not limited to existing efforts such as the arid lands initiative and developing new projects to include in future plan updates.
• Participate in interagency projects and teams that contribute to the restoration and conservation of fish and wildlife habitat via wildlife area use plans, regulations and actions.
• Work with other WDFW staff, Federal, State and/or local agencies, non-governmental organizations and the public to develop and implement ecosystem/habitat management and public access projects on wildlife area lands.
• Provide information to public, either written or via presentation, regarding wildlife species, habitat enhancement and management, and recreational opportunities.
• Ensures integration and application of the best available science for habitat restoration and wildlife connectivity for all conservation projects completed in close cooperation with WDFW local staff and program leads.
• Outreach to, coordinate with, and build relationships with area ranchers, private landowners, local business-economic interests, non-governmental organizations, and local community groups (e.g., soil and water conservation districts, local area working groups, coordinated resource management groups, etc.). May include workshops, field tours, group presentations and conferences.
• Coordinate conservation efforts and promote NRCS conservation programs and practices in coordination with local NRCS staff and offices and WDFW Private Lands Biologists.
• Seek out grant and other funding opportunities, write grant applications, and administer successful grants, such as NFWF grants that support Washington’s SO3362 Action Plan and ensure “implementation of restoration activities across all landownerships within the landscape.
• Work with various state and local agencies to develop, compile, and distribute success stories related to projects and partnerships.
• Communicate program requirements, complete site visits, and develop contracts/plans for projects and participants.
• Coordinate and participate in field work activities for habitat project implementation.
• Complete project management through data creation, gathering, tracking and dissemination through frequent updates and reporting.
• Facilitate information sharing and awareness on arid land conservation opportunities to partners and WDFW staff.
• Provide landscape-level conservation planning, technical assistance and project prioritization support to WDFW and partners in out-year planning efforts.
• Work with agencies and partners to develop, facilitate, and coordinate local contracts and agreements.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned by supervisor.
Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities:
• A general qualification guideline for this position is a Bachelor of Science Degree in Rangeland Science, Wildlife Biology/Management, Fire Ecology or Restoration Ecology from an accredited university. Experience or knowledge of collaborative conservation and management and/or integrated wildlife management is preferred.
• Understanding of habitat management at a landscape scale.
• Experience in knowledge and principles of project management, concepts of project constraints, and ability to manage and apply those principles.
• Ability to work independently with little supervision and with diverse clientele.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with landowners, the public, and partner agencies.
• Knowledge of wildlife ecology and habitat management objectives.
• Excellent verbal/written communication, coordination and organizational skills.
• Valid driver’s license and skillset to drive at high elevation, and often remote locations, on a regular basis and occasionally during inclement weather.
• Computer skills are required, and applicant should be familiar with ARC GIS, Word and Excel.
• Physical ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time over rough terrain; lift and move material weighing up to 50 pounds; work in all types of weather conditions.
• Basic understanding/knowledge of the WDFW agency, policy, planning, clearances, regulations, etc. is preferred
• Able to obtain WDFW Security Clearance.
Training and Experience Guideline: Any combination of training and/or experience that will enable the applicant to possess the required knowledge, skills and abilities. A general qualification guideline for this position is a Bachelor of Science Degree in Wildlife Management or closely related natural resources field and/or related field experience.
Salary: Up to $55,000 (based on 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 Recruitment website at www.pheasantsforever.org/jobs
ONLY ONLINE APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED.
Please combine your cover letter, resume and 3 references into 1 Word document or PDF file on the Pheasants Forever recruitment website. If you have questions please contact Michael Brown at 831-239-8307.
Pheasants Forever & Quail Forever is an EEO Employer/Vet/Disabled