Rio Grande Joint Venture (RGJV) Habitat Restoration Specialist

Position Summary:

Title:  Rio Grande Joint Venture (RGJV) Habitat Restoration Specialist

Supervisor:   Rio Grande Joint Venture Hydrologist

Job Type: Full-Time

Salary: $65,000; Based on experience

Introduction:

The mission of American Bird Conservancy (ABC) is to conserve birds and their habitats – the places birds need to thrive – across the Americas. We are a growing group of 125+ dedicated staff, located across the United States and with a network of partners from Canada to Chile. Each year, we grow in budget and staff, and we deliver more results aimed at preventing bird species extinctions and reversing declines that are reducing populations of nearly all bird groups. Our work is guided by our principles, which include a commitment to Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI).

This position will foster the mutual conservation objectives of the RGJV, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Texas Parks and Wildlife and other partners (see RGJV board) by enhancing wildlife habitat in streams and uplands of the Chihuahuan Desert. This position contributes to the goals and objectives of the Texas Conservation Action Plan, the National Fish Conservation Area in the Chihuahuan Desert, and national and international bird conservation plans by working closely with RGJV, American Bird Conservancy (ABC), and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) staff and other partner organizations to provide technical and financial assistance related to habitat enhancement and restoration.

Major Duties:

• Apply hydrologic principles to grassland and stream restoration projects;
• Establish, improve, and maintain grassland habitats and riparian zones;
• Conduct outreach to landowners and partners and advise/recommend/support restoration and/or habitat management and improvement projects;
• Conduct data collection, reduction and reporting of stream characterization or monitoring data;
• Implement a low-tech, process-based stream restoration plan on cooperating private land as well as public lands that includes but is not limited to siting and laying out in-stream structures, and supervising the construction of in-stream structures;
• Operate appropriate heavy equipment in support of the implementation of stream restoration or wildlife habitat management plans;
• Lend technical assistance to partners with respect to stream restoration techniques and construction upon request;
• Coordinate and aid in preparation of appropriate permits for stream restoration and habitat management activities;
• Candidates will often work outdoors, in relatively difficult weather conditions
• Job will require wading in streams, walking on uneven terrain, manual labor, working in close proximity of large heavy equipment, odd hours, and travel/time away from home.
• Required to travel up to 50% with possible overnight stays.
• Driving to sites may require maneuvering over steep, uneven terrain along rivers and streams;
• Manual labor often required, including lifting supplies and materials up to 40 lbs.;
• May be required to operate a State vehicle;

Qualifications:

• A fundamental knowledge of hydrology, environmental, agriculture and/or natural resource science.
• Excellent computer skills and ability to use databases and specialized software;
• Ability to communicate and interact effectively and professionally with private landowners, land managers, advisory boards, universities, consultants, governmental and nongovernmental organizations, as well as the general public;
• Knowledge of grassland and/or riparian ecology and research issues;
• Ability to design and write habitat management plans;
• Skill in reviewing, analyzing, and presenting technical data and documents;
• Ability to maintain accurate records and prepare written correspondence;
• Ability to provide site investigations, sampling and analysis to determine restoration plans;
• Ability to work independently with little or no supervision;
• Experience working with and around light and heavy equipment or machinery: excavators, track trucks, dump trucks, skid steers, and farm tractors;
• Experience or ability to operate power hand tools such as gasoline powered chain saws, drills, chainsaws, cutoff saws, etc.;
• Master’s degree, preferably in hydrology, environmental engineering, geology, environmental science, range science, or closely related field in natural resources management, or bachelor’s degree with equivalent experience;
• Some experience with on-the-ground conservation planning and implementation preferred;
• Experience in one or more of the following areas: hydrology, environmental engineering, ecosystem restoration or environmental planning in private, government, or academic arenas;
• Desire to improve habitat conditions and overall health and wellbeing of our environment;
• Applicant must possess a valid State driver’s license. CDL a plus.
• Background screening required
• Position open to US Citizens or Permanent Residents

Benefits:

• Benefits include medical, dental, flexible spending accounts, and supplemental health insurance policies; including vision.
• Paid vacation days, holidays (10+), sick leave, retirement savings with employer match, life insurance, parental leave, and Verizon cell service discount.