Forest and Wildlife Land Manager

Amory, Mississippi. The person hired for this position will be responsible for management of lands owned by Wildlife Mississippi throughout the state. Wildlife Mississippi owns over 25,000 acres of actively managed forests, and other lands that are in various stages of protection, restoration, and enhancement that require management and oversight. These lands are mostly bottomland hardwoods, wetlands, and riparian lands along the Buttahatchie River, Pearl River, Wolf River, Bayou Pierre, Buckatunna Creek, and Bull Mountain Creek; other lands are in native prairie and longleaf pine. The specialist will also have the opportunity to work with other private landowners in various elements of forest and wildlife habitat management.

Wildlife Mississippi is a private, non-profit conservation organization based in Stoneville. Its work focuses on habitat conservation, conservation policy, conservation education, and outdoor recreation. It has offices in Amory, Biloxi, Hattiesburg, and Stoneville, Mississippi. Now 25 years old, the organization has protected, restored, or enhanced more than 650,000 acres in the state since its founding in 1997. For more information about Wildlife Mississippi, go to www.wildlifemiss.org and www.conservationfinancecenter.org.

Duties include:

• Management and maintenance of forestland, grassland, wetlands and facilities owned by Wildlife Mississippi, which includes over 25,000 acres of land and several facilities.
• Field work includes gathering specific environmental/natural resources data within conservation areas, and performing a variety of manual labor activities which could include heavy equipment (e.g., tractor) operation, facilities and property management, and maintenance.
• Coordinating and overseeing contracted work including forest management operations, site preparation for habitat restoration, boundary line establishment and surveying, and implementing other wildlife habitat practices.
• Coordination and communication with technical service providers, contractors, and field personnel for duties, assignments, and progress reporting.
• Frequent travel to project sites throughout Mississippi will be required, including some overnight trips.

Preferred Qualifications are:

• A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a science-related field and demonstrated knowledge of wildlife habitat restoration techniques including wetland restoration, reforestation, native grass establishment, and other habitat management practices. Preferred majors are Environmental Economics, Forestry, Wildlife, and Fisheries.
• Experience working with contractors, landowners, and government agencies.
• Experience with USDA Farm Bill programs.
• Excellent interpersonal and public speaking skills.
• Experience with deeds, easements, rights-of-way, surveys, and legal descriptions.
• Computer skills and be proficient in using spreadsheets and other Microsoft Office applications, ArcGIS, and digital mapping experience.
• Strong organizational skills, networking, communication (ex. verbal, presentation, interpersonal, writing), project management, and leadership ability.
• Experience with agriculture, forestry and silviculture, conservation practice implementation, habitat management, and wildlife biology.
• Able to work in a wide range of field conditions often requiring rigorous physical activity.
• Capability to work independently with little direct supervision.
• Valid drivers’ license required; basic knowledge of land management tools and equipment such as trailers, ATVs, boats, tractors, and implements.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects, produce effective results, and meet deadlines; applicant must be self-motivated, responsible, and have ability to solve problems.