Project Manager Wildlife Capture Programs

About the Organization

White Buffalo Inc. (WBI; whitebuffaloinc.org) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization focused on the conservation of native species and ecosystems. We conduct, sponsor and support scientific research and educational efforts to improve the management of natural resources for the purpose of conservation. Our approach is unique, in that we generate funding for conservation research by providing management alternatives in non-traditional settings. We have spent more than 25 years committed to improving both the techniques and technology of ungulate management, leading to safer, more humane, and efficient practices. We believe in sharing our findings with fellow professionals and others passionate about ecosystem management. 

Purpose of the Role

White Buffalo Inc. is seeking a Project Manager to primarily serve as a field-based leader for WBI’s white-tailed deer capture programs. Additionally, there will be opportunities to serve as a field-based member of the WBI team for ungulate (e.g., various deer species and wild pigs) population management and research programs. This position will play a key role in pursuing WBI’s mission by providing field-based management and implementation of population control and eradication projects. White Buffalo focuses on both lethal and nonlethal control of native and non-native ungulates, with additional opportunities for other species. 

Necessary Attributes for Position

The position requires a strong commitment to WBI’s mission and impeccable integrity. The ability to be a positive leading member of a small, highly motivated team in the face of demanding field conditions, long hours, and months away from home each year is critical. Attention to detail and the ability to track multiple tasks simultaneously without sacrificing quality is essential. One of the most important aspects of WBI projects is the ability to foster and maintain strong relationships with a diverse array of project stakeholders. Thus, a demonstrated ability to work effectively with local partners, by providing clear and frequent communication in support of positive relationships, is necessary. 

Responsibilities

The Project Manager will function as an integral member of a small team consisting of administrators, biologists, veterinarians, and technicians. This person will be responsible for the successful implementation of projects, will have direct field work responsibilities, and will be expected to maintain strong working relationships with local partners. This position requires extensive travel for several months/year with limited time off during the primary field season which generally lasts from September to April. The majority of projects will be located within the United States, with a smaller number of international projects occurring each year. This position requires extended travel to remote field locations in cold northern and hot jungle environments and a willingness to live and work in sometimes rustic conditions with few amenities. Frequent night work and a variable schedule, depending on weather and seasonal conditions, is the norm. A large portion of daily duties includes intensive field labor such as baiting, site prep, trap management, net hanging, and camera data analysis, to name a few.

Required Qualifications

• 5 years minimum of demonstrated field team management experience.
• M.S. in wildlife science or a related field.
• Experience hunting and/or safely using firearms.
• Work experience in conservation or wildlife management related projects involving multiple partners and stakeholders.
• Ability to always maintain a professional attitude while working with staff and members of other organizations who may have varying missions, opinions, and personalities.
• Applicants must be physically fit, maintaining an ability to perform efficiently under physically demanding conditions, including lifting heavy objects, walking variable terrain while carrying a heavy backpack as well as safely climbing trees and working from tree stands. 
• Able to live harmoniously in small group settings and in remote field camps. 
• Excellent interpersonal skills, intellectual curiosity, approachability, and willingness to listen to internal and external constituents and to learn from their best ideas.
• Excellent organizational skills, ability to work independently and as part of a team, ability to solve problems with limited supervision, pay extreme attention to details, and the ability to prioritize and meet deadlines.
• Willingness and ability to spend significant time in the field away from home. Individual field deployments can run from 1 to 16 weeks or longer. We expect that the successful candidate will be away from home several months per year or longer.
• Willingness to have a highly flexible annual work schedule that comes with contract-dependent work.
• Strong mechanical and technical troubleshooting abilities. 
• Familiarity with the safe operation of various hand and power tools.
• Experience operating 4WD trucks, ATVs, and boats.

Desirable Qualifications

• Experience in wildlife population control and/or eradication including baiting, capture, and camera surveys
• Experience with wildlife capture and VHF telemetry
• Experience with GPS and GIS applications

This is a full-time position, but we note that our “full-time” schedule includes several months off each year. We also note that the successful candidate has the flexibility to live in the U.S. state of their choosing during the off season. The extension of this position will be contingent upon successful performance within an annual probationary period and project funding. That said, our goal is to have the successful candidate become a long-term member of our team. Compensation, including health care and retirement programs, is competitive and will be based upon the applicant’s work and educational experience. Travel and living costs will be covered during field deployments.