Volunteer & Wildlife Outreach Technical Assistant

Wildlife Outreach & Volunteer Program Technical Assistant

Rhode Island DEM Division of Fish and Wildlife

Location: West Kingston, Rhode Island (possibility to work some days remotely)
Classification: Limited Term (35 hours per week)
Start Date: August 2023
Duration: Three years, with possible opportunity for extension
Recruitment: Internal/External
Application Deadline: Monday, June 26, 2023

Position Summary

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management’s Division of Fish and Wildlife is looking for an innovative self-starter to assist with its Volunteer Program and Wildlife Outreach Program. This position is divided between these two programs with the goal of increasing public engagement and knowledge about local wildlife and conservation efforts underway in the state. The Division works to provide meaningful experiences to people of all ages, abilities, and communities, including hunters, anglers, and sport shooters.

Overview

Work independently in a joint capacity with the Wildlife Management Institute (WMI) and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RI DEM) Division of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) to provide coordination services to DFW. The incumbent will work out of the Division of Fish & Wildlife Office in West Kingston, Rhode Island. The work area will be statewide, and some duties may require out-of-state travel. This position will be classified as a limited-term employee of the WMI. Direct supervision of day-to-day activities will be provided by DFW.

Limited-term employees are defined as employees of WMI retained to provide a specific scope of services as defined within one or more grants or contracts awarded to WMI. WMI bases your employment upon your skills and knowledge and ability to achieve desired outcomes defined by RI DEM.

As a limited term employee:

• You will be expected to work no more than an average of 35 hours per week in any 12-month period.
• You will be eligible for WMI 401(k) retirement benefits and WMI will provide workers’ compensation, general liability protection, professional liability protection, and unemployment insurance benefits. WMI will withhold taxes including social security.
• Total annual compensation will reflect your base salary plus the amount contributed to your 401(k) by WMI. In addition to salary but contingent upon the funding available within the contract or grant that defines your scope of services, WMI will reimburse you for any travel expenses that are necessary and reasonable to perform the duties assigned to you. Total annual compensation will also include a stipend for the acquisition of health insurance, to utilize at the discretion of the employee. Total annual compensation is $71,982 ($52,650 [base salary] + $14,000 [healthcare stipend, utilized at discretion of employee] + $5,332 [WMI 401(k)contribution]).
• Your employment will be “at-will,” which means that either you or WMI can end the employment relationship at any time, for any reason or no reason, with or without notice.

Duties

• Design, generate, and present interactive in-person and virtual programming, workshops, and community science opportunities to create public awareness of the Division of Fish and Wildlife’s wildlife, habitat, and fisheries conservation projects and partnerships, and their conservation benefits to individuals across the state, engaging Rhode Islanders of all ages, reaching various communities and constituents.
• Support volunteer recruitment, coordination, and engagement for various Division projects, including keeping the Division’s electronic volunteer coordination platform current and up to date.
• Maintain frequent communication with new and existing volunteers and program participants via email and phone.
• Assist in the documentation, evaluation, and reporting of all programs and program participation, including collecting and maintaining records of volunteer hours in compliance with federal grant requirements for reporting purposes.
• Assist in developing and implementing professional development opportunities for informal and formal educators, as well as staff and volunteer training opportunities.
• Write and contribute content for program promotions and internal and external publications, including social media, flyers, and websites.
• Assist in the maintenance, storage, and requisition of program equipment and supplies as necessary.
• Perform other duties as required.

Qualifications

A Bachelor’s degree in wildlife biology, conservation biology, or a related field is required, or a minimum of 4 years of experience working in a field related to environmental education or environmental sciences.

Required Skills:

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the general public, team members, and external organizations.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to multi-task and balance duties.
• Demonstrated skills related to requesting, analyzing, and interpreting data.
• Knowledge about hunting and the role hunting plays in conservation.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated conflict management skills and execution of conflict resolution strategies.
• Self-starter attitude with the ability to work independently.
• Trustworthy and possessing the highest level of personal and professional integrity and quality standards.
• Experience working with diverse populations/multicultural environments.
• Excellent computer skills including proficiency with Microsoft applications.
• Some experience with or interest in graphic design, videography, and tools such as Adobe Creative Suite.
• Bilingual, Spanish speaking is recommended, but not required.

Conditions for Appointment

The incumbent must be physically qualified to perform assigned duties in a variety of different environments, including an office environment, field environment, rugged terrain, and various adverse weather conditions (extreme heat, cold, rain, snow, sleet, etc.), and must be able to lift at least 50 pounds.

The incumbent must possess, or be able to obtain, a Class D valid driver’s license. Local travel will be required while performing job duties, including occasionally out-of-state travel. Total travel is not expected to exceed 15% of time requirements.

Satisfactory completion of a criminal background check is required.

Application Procedures

Applications must be submitted on or before the application deadline of Monday, June 26, 2023, to be considered. Send a cover letter outlining your interest and qualifications and a resume to Emily George, Supervising Wildlife Biologist, Emily.George@dem.ri.gov.

For questions about WMI Limited Term Employee terms, contact:

Scot Williamson, Vice President
Wildlife Management Institute
4426 VT Route 215 N
Cabot, VT 05647
802-563-2087
swilliamson@wildlifemgt.org

Application closes:

Monday, June 26, 2023 - 11:59 pm