Wildlife Habitat Specialist

Wildlife Habitat Specialist
Indiana University of Pennsylvania-Research Institute

Position Summary:
Title: Dynamic Forest Partnership Wildlife Habitat Specialist; one vacancy
Location: Central Pennsylvania
Supervisor: Indiana University of Pennsylvania-Research Institute in partnership with PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Bureau of State Parks and PA Game Commission.
Application Deadline: Until suitable candidates are found
Term of Position: 2 years with possibility for extension (full time)

Background:
Indiana University of Pennsylvania-Research Institute (IUP-RI), in partnership with the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Bureau of State Parks (“PA Bureau of State Parks” hereafter) and PA Game Commission, is looking for one motivated individual to work effectively with project partners to deliver habitat planning and implementation in several Pennsylvania state parks. The selected individual will collect forest inventory and other data on forest stand conditions and natural/cultural features, enter data into a GIS database, assist in drafting stewardship plans, and prepare habitat stewardship projects for implementation.

Primary duties:
Work with other IUP-RI staff, as well as local partners such as PA Bureau of State Parks staff and others to:

• Collect forest inventory data, delineate stand boundaries, and document cultural and natural features using tablets and GIS-based software/equipment and following established protocols to support the development of Dynamic Forest Restoration Plans for several Pennsylvania state parks.
• Work with PA Bureau of State Parks staff and other forestry resource professionals to identify and prepare new habitat stewardship projects in several state parks according to park-specific Dynamic Forest Restoration Plans.
• Develop and administer habitat stewardship projects using established forest management guidelines known to improve forest health, promote desired regeneration, and benefit wildlife especially imperiled species. This includes helping to oversee contractors who implement planned forest management practices, communicating the goals and importance of habitat stewardship projects to state park users (e.g., through signage, verbal interactions), and, where applicable, marking project boundaries and trees with temporary paint/other markers.
• Assist with monitoring and tracking habitat stewardship project activities using an electronic database and GIS to ensure proper reporting for assessing success.

Position Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Forestry, Forest Management, or related field is required. A strong understanding of forest stand dynamics in eastern deciduous forests, ability to identify native and nonnative woody Pennsylvania plants throughout the year, and ability to utilize forest inventory tools/inventory protocol are essential.
• Professional skills, knowledge and experience to assess, devise, and apply strategies for forest management to meet desired forestry and wildlife habitat objectives is preferred. Experience developing and implementing site-specific habitat stewardship projects using established forest management guidelines known to improve forest health, promote desired regeneration, and benefit wildlife is preferred.
• Willing and able to regularly travel throughout one’s assigned region with occasional travel to other parts of Pennsylvania. Overnight travel will periodically be necessary given the size of each region. Applicant should be prepared to spend as much as 20% of their time away from home on average. Work vehicles or mileage reimbursement are provided and IUP-RI will cover expenses related to overnight travel.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects, produce effective results and meet deadlines.
• Proven ability to be self-motivated, responsible, and solve problems. Applicant must be able to develop and manage their own daily work schedule to achieve results and work independently.
• Ability to use GIS-based software and equipment to identify and delineate project boundaries; and Microsoft Excel and Word to manage project information.
• Willing and able to work alone in physically challenging environments under adverse conditions. IUP-RI provides forest inventory equipment, tablet equipped with GPS capabilities, flagging, forestry paint, GIS software, etc. to complete work duties. Potential projects are in heavily forest landscapes and often in rugged terrain, so comfort, ability and desire to navigate environments is required.
• Applicant must have a valid driver’s license.

Though this position is largely field or home office based, candidates should plan to be located within (or near) their assigned region. The habitat specialist will be an IUP-RI employee and represent IUP-RI in their work. The habitat specialist will be supervised by the IUP-RI project manager in partnership with PA Bureau of State Parks and PA Game Commission staff.

* The IUP Research Institute is an equal opportunity employer.