Wildlife Steward

The Wildlife Heritage Foundation is a statewide, 501(c)(3) land trust dedicated to protecting, enhancing, and restoring wildlife habitat on lands conserved for the benefit of future generations. WHF holds nearly 100,000 acres on over 190 conservation easements and fee title lands throughout California in both rural and urban areas. We work collaboratively with landowners, government agencies, and conservation partners to secure and manage critical landscapes for wildlife and natural resources. WHF has been accredited by the Land Trust Alliance since 2008 and is a member in good standing of the California Council of Land Trusts. You can learn more at www.wildlifeheritage.org.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The primary responsibility of the Wildlife Steward is to help WHF ensure that the nearly 100,000 acres of ecologically significant lands and water resources protected throughout California continue as vital habitat for plant and animal species, intact natural resources, and functional ecological systems. Primary tasks include conducting monitoring inspections on various properties, taking detailed notes on field observations, summarizing associated data into specified report formats, organizing biological records and files, and performing land management tasks. You will report to and collaborate regularly with WHF’s Senior Wildlife Biologist.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Conduct compliance monitoring of protected properties, primarily conservation easements, in accordance with relevant monitoring protocols; take thorough observational field notes and accurately geopositioned photographs.
• Summarize data for annual biological monitoring surveys and prepare high-quality annual reports as required by state or federal regulatory agencies, adhering to WHF standards.
• Track, schedule, and complete monitoring visits and inspections efficiently to meet required timelines.
• Organize digital and paper documents using a variety of software programs; create new, user-friendly survey data sheets and report templates as needed.
• Maintain professional, positive, and effective communication with entities and diverse stakeholders, such as project proponents, land managers, landowners, resource agencies, community members, original indigenous peoples, consultants, state and federal regulatory personnel, and other conservation organizations.
• Identify and report any apparent violations, land management needs, or maintenance requirements on properties; assist with these tasks as needed.
• Perform land management tasks on protected properties as needed.
• Produce maps as needed.
• Other responsibilities and duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required:

• Dedication protecting and managing California’s plants, wildlife and natural resources.
• Knowledge of California ecosystems, special-status plant and animal species, natural resources, and general ecology.
• Field experience with demonstrated ability to take detailed and accurate field notes.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Ability to conduct fieldwork involving hiking over uneven terrain in various weather conditions.
• Ability to work efficiently to timely meet site monitoring oversight and stewardship goals.
• Willingness to attend training sessions or conferences to improve skills and knowledge needed to perform assigned tasks.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate complex information clearly and professionally to diverse audiences.
• Ability to build positive relationships and navigate potentially sensitive conversations with landowners and stakeholders.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Knowledge and ability to utilize hand-held GPS equipment, take photographs, and read topographical and other maps.
• Competency using common land management equipment and tools such as weed eaters, chainsaws, and mowers.
• Competency operating off-highway vehicles and trailering equipment.
• Competence in working with common software programs, such as Word, Excel, and Adobe Acrobat, as well as email and the internet.
• Valid California driver’s license and willingness/ability to travel throughout WHF’s service area, sometimes on short notice.
• Ability to conduct fieldwork involving hiking over uneven terrain in various weather conditions.

Preferred:

• Bachelor’s degree in Botany, Biology, Environmental Science, Ecology, Natural Resource Management, or related fields. (Significant college study in these areas, combined with relevant experience, may serve as a substitute for a bachelor’s degree.)
• Proficiency with GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS).
• Direct experience working for a land trust.

Working Conditions:

Your base of operations will be from a home office, but some time may be required at WHF’s offices in Lincoln CA. This position involves a mixture of office-based work and fieldwork.

Fieldwork requires spending considerable time outdoors monitoring nature preserves, potentially encountering inclement or hot weather. Fieldwork may require driving long distances, hiking on uneven terrain, and exposure to variable weather conditions, insects, and potentially hazardous plants or wildlife. Work occurs primarily during daytime hours over a regularly scheduled work week, but there may occasionally be work on weekends or evenings. Some remote sites require overnight stays at WHF-provided accommodations. Staff must adhere to standard field safety protocols. WHF will assist with meeting any necessary safety requirements and provide appropriate equipment and reasonable accommodations as needed.

The position requires the employee to have a valid California driver’s license and will require driving in a WHF-issued vehicle. The employee must be able to lift and carry boxes and equipment, and move items such as tree branches, weighing more than fifty (50) pounds, and must be able to do repetitive motion tasks, including, but not limited to, weed whipping, sawing, and tree and brush limb removal.