Private Lands Conservation Coordinator

Swan Ecosystem Center (SEC), pronounced "seek", is a community-based nonprofit organization. Like other places in the West, the Swan Valley Community is shaped by the surrounding landscape.

Position Overview:

Private Lands Conservation Coordinator for a fulltime position in the Swan River Valley of Montana. The focus of the position will be working with landowners to restore and conserve wetland, riparian, instream and forested habitats for the benefit of grizzly bears, native fish and other wetland wildlife. The candidate needs to be a strong leader able to communicate and motivate within a collaborative team representing a variety of vested interests.

Responsibilities:

The Swan Valley Private Lands Conservation Coordinator will work in a collaborative structure to:

Assist private landowners in the Swan Valley, Montana in identifying, planning, and implementing wetland and stream habitat restoration to benefit waterfowl, grizzly bears, native fish, trumpeter swans, and other species.

Assist landowners in utilizing conservation easements as a tool to protect wildlife habitat.

Work with a team that includes U.S. Fish and Wildlife, Swan Ecosystem Center, and Northwest Connections personnel to coordinate, prioritize and plan restoration activities.

Work cooperatively with Swan Ecosystem Center's Forest Steward to identify private lands that would benefit from restoration and to assist with stewardship planning.

Coordinate private lands restoration activities with the Flathead National Forest, Swan River State Forest, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, and other public agencies for the best use of resources and to avoid duplication.

Co-lead the Swan Lands Coordinating Committee (SLCC) made up of representatives of the agencies and organizations that have a role in the Swan Valley to ensure holistic planning throughout the watershed and to enable information sharing.

• Co-lead at least 2 SLCC meetings annually.
• Communicate regularly with SLCC members.
• Interact with SLCC subcommittees, including Conservation Strategies, Forests, Native Fish, Water Quality, Wetlands, and Wildlife.

Interact with residents in the Swan Valley community to develop relationships.

Help design and participate in outreach activities, including community events and meetings. Develop Web site and print materials. Create visuals such as maps and photo displays.

Participate in fundraising by writing grant proposals, creating outreach materials, and representing the Swan Valley Private Lands Conservation program at events. Fulfill grant reporting requirements.

Participate in weekly staff meetings. Provide monthly project and travel reports, and timesheets for payroll.

Live at U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Upsata Lake house and care-take the property.

Qualifications:

The successful candidate will have excellent people skills with a desire to actively develop productive relationships as a highly visible community resource and valued partner working with landowners, civic leaders and public agencies in prioritizing, planning and project management for the common benefit. A bachelor degree in wildlife biology/management will be required.

Compensation: Housing in the Blackfoot Valley, vehicle and benefits provided. $35,000-$47,500 based on experience. This position is sponsored by Swan Ecosystem Center, Northwest Connections and the US Fish and Wildife Service.

Deadline: August 26, 2011.

To Apply:

Please send resume, 3 references and a 1-page letter in PDF or Microsoft Word format describing your skill and experience by August 26.