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Natural Resource Specialist/Forester

NATURAL RESOURCES SPECIALIST NEBRASKA

The National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) is seeking qualified candidates for a natural resources specialist. This is a cooperative position between the NWTF and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and will be responsible for administering, implementing and promoting conservation practices through NRCS technical assistance programs on private lands across Nebraska. This is a full-time, term limited (three-year minimum) position. The preferred duty station is the NRCS Service Center in Kearney, NE but other NRCS offices in south-central Nebraska are also possibilities. 
 
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF WORK
The natural resources specialist position assists the NRCS and its partners in promoting management of privately owned forested lands and riparian areas for multiple resource benefits, including forest health, wildlife habitat, fuels reduction and water quality. The natural resources specialist provides technical assistance to private landowners, communities and public agencies to achieve optimum environmental, economic and social benefits from forest resources. In addition, the  natural resources specialist will prescribe silvicultural practices and deliver financial assistance programs under the direction of cooperating partners.
DUTIES
·      Develop conservation plans that address multiple forest and riparian health concerns on private lands through the delivery of technical assistance and available federal and state financial assistance programs
·     Develop   recommendations for woodlands to ensure that they are being conserved in private  land management plans
·     Work with local conservation districts to identify and plan multi-partner landscape level conservation projects
·     Provide expertise related to management of woodlands for wild turkeys, deer and other native species Develop contracts with private landowners for the implementation of forest management practices
·     Develop and deliver innovative woodland management techniques to landowners and cooperators through workshops, written materials, field days and educational programs
·     Provide internal review and input as requested on need, purpose and design during all stages of USDA-NRCS program planning and implementation
·     Promote awareness and collaboration of state, federal and local conservation programs and planning, and acquire project support through engagement with conservation organizations, local conservation groups, industry and local communities
·     Participate on forestry-related sub-committees & workgroups with conservation partners and assists NRCS State Biologist/Forester with review and revision of conservation standards, specifications and job sheets
·     Other functions as assigned by supervisor

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
Preferred candidates will possess experience working in forest ecosystems and a working knowledge NRCS programs and processes. Applicants must have a working knowledge of forest management techniques, habitat requirements for woodland wildlife, and GIS/GPS technology. The natural resources specialist must be able to effectively communicate and cooperate with private landowners, the general public, cooperators, and their peers. 
QUALIFICATIONS
·        Demonstrated knowledge of restoration techniques and sustainable management practices for forest lands; especially riparian woodlands 
·        Demonstrated knowledge of habitat requirements for woodland wildlife species
·        Ability to develop conservation practice prescriptions for woodlands Strong organizational skills and capability to work independently with little direct supervision
·        Strong written and verbal communication skills
·        Applicants must possess a Bachelor’s degree in a Natural Resources Discipline. (Applicants with a degree in forestry and relevant experience are preferred). Applicants within two months of graduating with a qualifying degree will need to secure degree before date of hire.
·        Demonstrated proficiency using GIS and Microsoft Office programs including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook

PHYSICAL QUALIFICATIONS
Applicant must be able and willing to:
·        Work alone in a diverse range of climatic and topographic conditions including extreme hot and cold temperatures, biting insects, and snakes, possibly in remote areas with limited access and amenities and other extreme conditions as warranted 
·        Walk several miles per day in the conditions described above and drive and/or ride long distances frequently
Salary is commensurate with experience and skillset and includes an excellent benefits package. 

Please visit the NWTF website (https://nwtf.applicantpro.com/jobs/) to apply