Partner Avian Biologist

Location: White Hall, West Virginia

Start date: September, 2024

Scope of work:

Under general supervision of NRCS District Conservationist and WVDNR State Ornithologist, conduct professional-level work related to Farm Bill implementation and outreach, management, research, and conservation of golden-winged warbler, cerulean warbler, and other nongame and game birds on private and public lands in West Virginia, and additional duties as assigned

Primary duties include:

• Assisting in private landowner outreach, education, and service pertaining to Cerulean Warbler and other species
• Development of habitat management plans on private lands based on established best management practices
• Administration of NRCS contracts
• Pursuing Cerulean Warbler management opportunities on public and private lands – e.g., wildlife management areas, state forests, national forests as well as private lands within species focal areas; assist staff on a case-by-case basis with similar efforts for Golden-winged Warbler
• Pre- and post-treatment species survey and monitoring
• Professional development and education (e.g., participating in forest stewardship training workshops) related to forest songbird management, and farm bill opportunities
• Participate in the WV Private Lands Working Group and Appalachian Mountains Joint Venture Technical Committee
• Up to 2-3 weeks/year, assist WVDNR with (1) annual surveys and monitoring of Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN), (2) conducting Breeding Bird Surveys, (3) assist in providing technical assistance to private landowners related to SGCN habitat enhancement, (4) preparing annual WVDNR project and progress reports and statistics, and (5) assist WVDNR staff with reporting
• Other duties as assigned

Preferred qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or graduate degree (preferred) in wildlife biology or related field, or commensurate work experience, with a focus on birds.
• Excellent networking and communication skills in a broad range of contexts
• Experience with project management and coordination
• Understanding of silvicultural practices, habitat management, and conservation implementation
• Experience with diverse field survey/monitoring methods and equipment, including GPS
• Ability to identify by sight and sound all bird species native to West Virginia
• Ability to identify Appalachian plants and forest communities
• Demonstrated experience and skill with MS Office, ArcGIS, and other software tools

Term and Compensation:

• Starting compensation is $15/hour (undergraduate degree) or $16/hour (graduate degree), with guaranteed annual raise for up to 5 years
• Position is year-round, 40 hours/week
• Ad hoc telework is permitted with approval
• Health insurance is available