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Organization
Job Posted
July 6, 2023
Job status
Job Category
Job Type
Job Duration
Job Compensation Type
Remote
Yes
Careers
Contact Name
Amber Barnes
Deadline to Apply
Location
United States
Summary
Principal Responsibilities and Tasks:
The Midwestern Regional Partner Biologist is responsible for the following duties and others as assigned:
• Gain familiarity and expertise with Midwest specific NRCS conservation programs and procedures
• Utilize existing P2 program contacts and develop new relationships with stakeholders in the region
• Work towards and complete the necessary training to become a Level I Planner
• Conduct outreach to agricultural producers and others currently involved in P2 programs regarding applicable Farm Bill resources available for pollinator habitat development
• Develop drafts of technical documents and videos promoting pollinators and pollinator habitat
• Work with and assist USDA staff and other agency and NGO partners in providing pollinator-related educational outreach and training to NRCS staff, partners, producers, and landowners through in-person and virtual events with a special focus on urban agriculture
• Plan and conduct training workshops to teach agricultural land stewards about pollinator conservation
• Participate in NRCS State Technical Advisory Committee meetings on a regular basis
• Develop and provide NRCS with education and outreach material for the public through videos, stories, social media, newsletters, and other mediums
• Accelerate conservation program enrollment by working with NRCS, P2 contacts, and other partners
• Provide technical assistance for conservation practice implementation (pollinator/wildlife habitat focus)
• Complete conservation plans, implementation requirements, wildlife habitat evaluation guides, and other documentation for the conservation programs in cooperation with the NRCS staff and partners
• Communicate program requirements, complete site visits, and develop contract documents for applicants and participants of USDA-NRCS conservation programs and other local and state programs
• Review plans and specifications for feasibility under Farm Bill program contract rules, etc.
• Facilitate the development of monarch butterfly and pollinator habitat best management practices for common scenarios, such as cropland or pasture conversion to pollinator habitat
• Coordinate and routinely communicate with P2 colleagues, NRCS State, Area, and Field Office staff, and key partners in the Midwest regarding project activities and status updates
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
The Midwestern Regional Partner Biologist should possess the following minimum qualifications:
• Ability to build trust and communicate clearly and effectively with farmers, landowners, and partners
• Ability to work independently with little supervision and with diverse clientele. Must be a motivated self-starter with strong interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of the ecology of bees, butterflies, other pollinators, and natural enemies of crop pests, and the importance of their habitats for other wildlife
• Knowledge of wildlife ecology, grassland, wetland, and early succession habitat management including the ability to utilize various habitat management tools in the development of management plans
• Knowledge of conservation and wildlife habitat programs provided by federal, state, & local entities. In addition, knowledge of how these programs are implemented in an agricultural landscape is desired.
• Understanding of regional farming systems and crops, including pesticides and pesticide use, and experience with common agricultural practices of the Midwest
• Knowledge of IPM practices, Conservation Biological Control, and other strategies for reducing negative impacts of pest management on pollinators and other beneficial insects
• Strong organizational skills, time management, and attention to detail, with demonstrated ability to manage demanding workloads
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to develop and give engaging presentations to audiences of more than twenty adults
• Comfortable working outside, willing and able to work across various habitat settings
• Ability to travel throughout Ohio (with occasional travel to other Midwestern states) to conduct site visits, workshops, and occasionally work from Butler County Office and other local USDA NRCS Field Office(s)
• Proficiency with Microsoft and Google Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.)
• Valid driver’s license required; use of personal vehicle required with mileage reimbursement provided
• Must be able to obtain USDA Federal Security Clearance
• While a part-time workstation will be available at the Butler County Office, individuals will also need an at-home workspace with computer access for telework and a reliable personal vehicle
Education and Experience Preferred: Any combination of training and/or experience that will enable the applicant to possess the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. A Bachelor of Science Degree in Wildlife Management or closely related natural resources field with a minimum of 2 years related experience is required. Proven experience working with USDA Farm Bill programs and map making utilizing GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS, etc.) is highly preferred. The ideal candidate will exhibit a balance of technical knowledge and interpersonal skills required to implement voluntary conservation programs on private lands. Practical and/or professional experience in farming and agricultural disciplines is highly beneficial. The successful applicant must enjoy working with private landowners and producers to achieve their conservation objectives.
Terms: Pollinator Partnership is an at-will employer. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.
Duration: This position is funded through a 3-year agreement with the NRCS which will run until September 2026 and may continue depending upon availability of funds.
How to Apply: Interested candidates should combine their cover letter and resume into one PDF using the following naming convention “Midwestern regional Partner Biologist – Last Name” and apply by filling out the form at this link: https://form.jotform.com/231764634726159
Compensation Information
Schedule, Compensation, and Benefits: Full-time, salaried, exempt position, scheduled to work ~40 hours/week with some scheduling flexibility. Beginning salary range $50,000-55,000, commensurate with experience. Travel, lodging, mileage, and per diem expenses will be reimbursed, but are not to exceed a set amount. This position includes a generous benefits package: twelve paid holidays, paid time off, paid health, vision, life, and dental insurance, option to participate in a retirement program, and a flexible work environment.