Wildlife Ecologist Position, Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory

Applications close Sept. 4

Description:
This position is part of a collaborative effort among the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Intermountain West Joint Venture (IWJV), US Fish and Wildlife Service – Partners for Fish and Wildlife (USFWS-PFW) and the Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory (RMBO) to further the delivery of the NRCS Sage Grouse Initiative within Colorado. This position provides rangeland, biological/wildlife technical assistance for the Sage Grouse Initiative (SGI) and associated Farm Bill conservation programs to agriculture producers and landowners. This position is funded for 3 years and will be an employee of RMBO which will provide strategic goals and oversight with daily instruction and leadership provided by the NRCS District Conservationist. The position will be based in Kremmling, CO NRCS Field office and work throughout northwest Colorado.
Duties:
 Provide range ecology, technical assistance and guidance to landowners, government agencies, non-government organizations (NGO’s) and others on SGI projects. Training will be provided by NRCS, IWJV, USFWS-PFW, RMBO and other local and state agencies. Coordinate the implementation and application of biological sciences within the conservation programs in cooperation with the local NRCS District Conservationist and others.
 Complete contracts, applications and other required documentation for Farm Bill conservation programs (i.e. EQIP, WHIP, FRPP, GRP, CRP and WRP) requiring biological and rangeland science expertise in cooperation with the partners. This includes locating SGI opportunities, partner coordination, planning, contracting, and project oversight to completion.
 Communicate program requirements, complete site visits to determine eligibility, and develop contracts/plans for applicants enrolling in USDA conservation programs or other state and local conservation programs for the protection, restoration and enhancement of sage grouse habitat.
 Coordinate and participate in field work activities for sage grouse habitat project implementation and work with agricultural producers.
 Provide quarterly updates to partners on progress and accomplishments.
 Perform other related duties as assigned.
Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities:
• A general qualification guideline for this position is a Bachelor of Science Degree in Rangeland Science from an accredited university with an emphasis on developing prescribed grazing
systems and course work and/or experience on integrating wildlife management principles into the management systems and two years’ experience.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with landowners and partner agencies.
• Must be a Self-starter who can work independently, who is enthusiastic, and outgoing.
• Knowledge of range science and wildlife ecology including the ability to develop prescribed grazing plans that include wildlife habitat management objectives.
• Knowledge of western Colorado flora and fauna, particularly sage steppe communities.
• Able to obtain USDA Security Clearance and NRCS Conservation Planning certification.
• Professional attitude and image required.
• Must be willing and able to perform administrative work in a controlled environment/office setting for an eight-hour workday.
• Willingness and ability to travel on a regular basis, year round, and work in remote locations, often alone and in inclement weather or adverse conditions.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel and Access and GIS mapping software.
• Excellent verbal/written communication and organizational skills.
• Valid driver’s license.
Salary: Mid $40’s per year based on experience + Health and Retirement Benefits.
TO APPLY:
Please send a cover letter, resume, and three references with contact information, in one Microsoft Word or pdf. Document entitled LastName_Krem SGI_RMBO Application, to seth.gallagher@rmbo.org by Sunday, September 4th, 2011