Private Lands Biologist

Background:

Private Lands Biologist - works as a Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory (RMBO)
regular employee to design, coordinate, and implement on-the-ground, conservation
projects with private landowners in western Nebraska. This employee will be
supervised jointly by RMBO and Nebraska Game and Parks Commission (NGPC),
and will be responsible for directing and implementing the Nebraska Shortgrass
Prairie Partnership (NSPP). The NSPP is a new, multi-partner initiative whose
goal is to conserve, enhance, and restore native grasslands and habitat for
grassland species at risk on private lands in western Nebraska. This employee will
utilize existing programs such as the Landowner Incentive Program, NGPC's Wild
Nebraska program and various USDA conservation programs to achieve the goals
of the NSPP.

Duties:

1. Design and implement habitat conservation, enhancement, and restoration
   projects through coordination with an interdisciplinary team, including
   NGPC, private landowners, other grassland habitat experts. This will also
   include the use of conservation easements in conjunction with project
   partners to provide long-term protection to grassland habitats.
2. Build long-term working relationships with a diverse group of organizations
   to establish a network of partners with a shared vision of conserving
   Nebraska's shortgrass prairie and to more effectively achieve the goals of
   NSPP.
3. Conduct public outreach to increase the public's awareness, support, and
   participation in native grassland and at risk species conservation.
4. Write grants to secure long-term funding for NSPP.
5. Write and distribute monthly reports summarizing work activities.
6. Supervise and coordinate the work of one field technician.
7. Conduct general species and habitat assessments required for project
   implementation.
8. Serve as a representative on committees and local boards associated with
   grassland conservation.

Qualifications:

Knowledge, Abilities and Skills:

1. Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with landowners and partner
   organizations.
2. Sound working knowledge of conservation issues and private lands
   programs of western Nebraska, including: Endangered Species Act
   provisions, NGPC private lands programs, USDA programs, etc.
3. Sound working knowledge of wildlife ecology and management and/or
   rangeland management including the ability to utilize various habitat
   management tools, such as fire or grazing, to achieve a management goal.
4. Excellent written communication, and organizational skills.
5. A working knowledge of shortgrass prairie habitats and species at risk.
6. Previous grant writing experience.
7. Ability to supervise and coordinate one or more technicians.
8. Ability to work independently without immediate supervision.
9. Good computer skills and knowledge of Microsoft Word, Microsoft Access,
   ArcView, and some database applications.

Education and Experience:

Bachelor's degree in wildlife biology, plant ecology, range management or a closely
related natural resources field (an M.S. is preferred). Prior experience with private
lands management is preferred. Experience with shortgrass prairie vegetation and
species at risk is required. Experience at prairie bird identification by sight and
sound is preferred. Ranching background and/or experience working directly with
private landowners highly is desired. Experience with Farm Bill programs or other
Federal/State conservation incentive programs is desired.

The position will be located at a site within the Nebraska Panhandle, yet to be
determined, in coordination with RMBO, NGPC, other partners, and the selected
candidate. The term of this position is 18 months with possible extension depending
upon available funding.

Compensation: Salary range is $28,000 to $34,000/year plus benefits depending upon qualifications.

Closing Date: April 25, 2003

Application Instructions:

Please send a cover letter and rsum to:

Ted Toombs
Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory
1510 S College Ave
Fort Collins CO 80524