Project Biologist
Southeast Flagship Initiative
This position held by the Northern Prairies Land Trust in conjunction with
the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.
Salary: Starting at $33,892/year plus benefits
Earliest Starting Date: April 15th; This is a new permanent position that
has secure funding for 3 years with strong potential for extension.
Employer: This position is with Northern Prairies Land Trust
(www.northernprairies.org) and jointly supervised by the Nebraska Game and
Parks Commission (www.outdoornebraska.org).
Application Deadline: Open until filled
Location: Prairie Partnership Office - Southeast Community College -
Beatrice, Nebraska.
Description:
This position will be a full-time (40 hrs/wk) employee of Northern Prairies
Land Trust (NPLT) under joint supervision with Nebraska Game and Parks
Commission (NGPC). The position will implement actions identified in the
Nebraska Natural Legacy Plan (NNLP)
(www.ngpc.state.ne.us/wildlife/programs/legacy/) through the Southeast
Flagship Initiative (www.prairienebraska.org). The employee will design,
coordinate, and implement ecologically sustainable habitat conservation
projects with landowners for the benefit of rare species and economic
sustainability. Habitat projects will be implemented using Nebraska
Environmental Trust funds, NGPC's Wild Nebraska Program, USDA's Farm Bill
programs, and others. This is a grant funded position and NPLT and NGPC
have a proven record for fundraising and extending similar positions.
Salary begins at $2,824/month plus benefits.
Northern Prairies Land Trust is a private non-profit general service land
trust operating in all of Nebraska and South Dakota. The mission of the
trust is to assist conservation-minded private landowners who are
interested in better managing and protecting their property for future
generations.
Responsibilities:
A)Design, implement and maintain enhancement and restoration projects on
tallgrass prairie, eastern deciduous woodland, and associated at-risk
species habitats. Projects will include the development and implementation
of prescribed burns, burn-driven grazing management systems, high-diversity
prairie restoration, tree and shrub clearing, and invasive plant control.
B)Design, implement, and maintain conservation easements on private lands
to protect rare species habitats and landscapes.
C)Aid cooperating landowners in monitoring project success.
D)Provide secondary support for outreach, education, and research efforts
through the Southeast Flagship Initiative and its’ supporting partner
organizations.
E)Work closely with NGPC federal aid coordinators to ensure record keeping,
permitting, and grant objective compliance.
F)Attend local and regional meetings associated with the NGPC, NPLT, and
the NNLP.
Required Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills:
A)Sound working knowledge of grassland and woodland ecology and species
identification in the Midwest.
B)Sound working knowledge of prescribed fire and grazing as management
tools.
C)Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with rural landowners and
other conservation partners.
D)Possess sound working knowledge of private lands conservation programs,
provisions of the Endangered Species Act, and State Comprehensive Wildlife
Conservation Strategies.
E)Excellent writing and presentation skills.
F)Ability to work independently without immediate supervision and as part
of a team.
G)Working knowledge of GIS tools and Microsoft Office software.
Required Education and Experience:
A bachelor's degree in wildlife biology, plant ecology, range management,
or closely related natural resources field is required (M.S. preferred).
Prior experience with private lands conservation, land management, or
easement development is required. Training and experience with prescribed
fire planning and implementation, ArcGIS 9 software, and grant writing is
preferred.
To Apply:
Email a resume and cover letter to Jarren Kuipers
([email protected]). Position is open until filled.
For more information call or email Jarren Kuipers (402-228-0276).
