Partner Avian Biologist

Scope of work:

Under general supervision of NRCS North Area Resource Conservationist and WVDNR State Ornithologist, and as part of a multi-disciplinary team including biologists, foresters, soil conservationists, and others, conduct professional-level work related to conservation planning for Farm Bill programs and outreach, management, survey, monitoring, research, and conservation of nongame and game birds on private and public lands in West Virginia.

Duties:

• Assisting in private landowner outreach, education, and service pertaining to priority species
• Development and oversight of conservation plans on private lands based on established best management practices
• Implementing silvicultural practices such as forest inventory and tree marking
• Pre- and post-treatment species survey and monitoring
• Professional development and education (e.g., participating in forest stewardship training workshops) related to focal species as well as farm bill opportunities
• Participating in multi-agency planning teams and the Appalachian Mountains Joint Venture Science and Delivery Committee
• Leading or assisting in projects to improve program success
• Up to 2 weeks/year, assist WVDNR with (1) surveys, monitoring, and research pertaining to avian Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN), (2) technical assistance to private landowners related to SGCN habitat enhancement, including incorporation of State Wildlife Action Plan and Conservation Focus Area objectives into conservation plans, (3) assisting WVDNR taxa and habitat specialists on SGCN priorities and habitat techniques, and (4) preparing and presenting annual project and progress reports and statistics
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or graduate degree (preferred) in wildlife biology or related field, or commensurate work, with a focus on birds and/or forestry
• Excellent networking and communication skills in a broad range of contexts
• Experience with project management and coordination
• Understanding of concepts of wildlife biology, forestry/silviculture, and conservation planning and implementation
• Experience with applicable wildlife and habitat survey/monitoring methods and equipment
• Ability to identify by sight and sound all bird species native to the central Appalachian region
• Ability to identify Appalachian plants and forest communities
• Skill with MS Office, ArcGIS, and other software tools

Term and Compensation:

• 5-year term position with possibility of renewal
• Salaried $41,600 – $49,920, increasing annually
• Paid annual and sick leave; federal holidays
• 401K plan
• Health insurance