District Biologist - Ohio
NWTF District Biologist / District Forester – Ohio
The National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) has an immediate need for a permanent, full-time District Biologist or District Forester to manage conservation delivery in Ohio. This position will be responsible for all facets of the NWTF’s habitat conservation, wild turkey and upland wildlife management programs. Collaborative efforts will be with NWTF field staff, volunteers, governmental agencies, corporate partners, major donors, and policy liaisons to meet and exceed goals for NWTF’s initiative, Save the Habitat. Save the Hunt. This position will maintain and expand conservation delivery through the development of new partnerships, grants, agreements, and innovative solutions focused directly within the state, region, and/or of national significance. While location is negotiable, a centralized duty station near Columbus, Ohio is preferred.
Essential Duties:
· Identify opportunities for wildlife habitat improvement projects for game and non-game species
· Work closely with the USFS, USFWS, NRCS, and state agency partners to identify opportunities prioritized within NWTF’s Big 6 of Wildlife Conservation and Focal Landscapes to conserve / enhance habitat and/or access lands through habitat initiatives
- Assist respective state agencies with all wild turkey related management and decision-making activities; Provide guidance for programmatic turkey-focused habitat grants/research
· Administer NWTF’s habitat initiatives and assist the NWTF State Chapter and state agency personnel in the administration of the Hunting Heritage Super Fund Program in Ohio
· Represent NWTF at local, state, and regional meetings
- Provide relevant information to NWTF staff, volunteers and Communications Department for promotion, marketing and awareness of area priorities and activities. Contribute to Turkey Country magazine, NWTF state newsletters, websites, blogs, etc. as requested
· Develop, administer, implement, and monitor existing grants and agreements
· Identify funding sources, such as grants, contracts, donations, sponsorships, in-kind contributions, and permits, to support and expand conservation delivery objectives
· Provide daily oversight of contractors & manage multiple ongoing habitat improvement projects on public lands in Ohio
- Assist in developing and reviewing projects, along with handling project administration and implementation
- Assist regional directors and state chapter boards with outreach and mission delivery, and work with development staff on philanthropic fundraising opportunities
- Track important hunting and conservation related regulations and legislation, land use planning and policy within Ohio; communicate regularly with State Chapter President, NWTF volunteers, and other OH based NWTF staff; and may serve as the NWTF Policy lead for Ohio
- Seek training opportunities to expand both leadership skills and conservation knowledge
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS: Preferred candidates should possess experience working in northeast/mid-west ecosystems with associated management techniques. Knowledge of forest and wildlife management is preferred; Map reading and GIS/GPS technology, ArcGIS skills, PowerPoint, Outlook, Google Suite, & Social Media; ability to effectively communicate and work with the general public, state / federal / Non-Governmental Partners, other cooperators and peers; ability to collect and record metrics regarding activities within the NWTF’s reporting systems; proficient skills in the use of Microsoft Office including spreadsheets, internet use, and computer applications.
QUALIFICATIONS:
· Position requires a Bachelor’s degree in a natural resources related field or a Bachelor’s degree in Forestry from a SAF-accredited program and a minimum of two (2) years of professional experience, and/or a Master’s Degree or equivalent;
· Master’s degree preferred with 3+ years professional experience; ability to meet requirements for TWS Associate or Certified Wildlife Biologist or meet SAF Certified Forester requirements.
· Wildlife management, forestry, conservation implementation, habitat management, and wildlife biology experience desired with in-depth knowledge of wild turkeys, big game, and upland birds
· Experience in supervising multiple project staff is highly preferred
· Strong organizational skills, networking, communication (ex., public speaking, verbal, presentation, inter-personal, writing), project management, and leadership ability is preferred
· Experience working with Federal / State agencies (ex. NRCS, USFWS, USFS, Ohio DNR), corporate, and industry partners
· Experience working with major gift contributors, private land owners, and land managers
· Policy and legislative experience preferred
· Able to work in a wide range of field conditions often requiring rigorous physical activity in remote locations
· Proven ability to manage multiple projects, produce effective results, and meet deadlines; applicant must be self-motivated, responsible and have ability to solve problems
· Applicant must have a valid driver’s license and live in Ohio
This position will incur moderate travel throughout Ohio, including multi-night stays. Office location will be considered as remote or working from home with direct reporting to the Northeast Director of Conservation Operations. Excellent benefits package. Salary is commensurate with experience. Application Deadline – April 12, 2019.