Position Summary
Title: Private Lands Biologist
Location(s): Bellaire, MI
Reports to: Michigan Private Lands Forester
Term: Renewed Annually
Salary: $45,000; Based on experience
Introduction:
American Bird Conservancy (ABC) is the Western Hemisphere's bird conservation specialist — the only organization with a single and steadfast commitment to achieving conservation results for birds and their habitats throughout the Americas. We are currently looking for a motivated, self-starting, and detail-oriented individual with wildlife habitat and forestry project management experience to join our Great Lakes team in Michigan.
This position will primarily work with private landowners, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), and other local partners in Michigan to implement best management practices (BMPs) on non-industrial private lands for focal bird species. The Private Lands Biologist (Biologist) will work with project partners to manage for focal bird species that best represent wildlife habitat needs in various forest and other habitat types in the northern Lower Peninsula and Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
The Biologist will also assist ABC in developing and coordinating additional bird conservation initiatives to expand ABC’s presence in the region for both private and public lands. This will include, but is not limited to, assisting the Forestry for Michigan Birds initiative, assisting private landowners with accessing cost share opportunities with NRCS and other federal and state programs, assisting with ABC collaborative forest habitat projects, promoting ABC and its various programs, and assisting with grant preparation and reporting.
Primary Duties:
The Private Lands Biologist’s main duties will be targeted within identified focal areas in the northern Michigan. Specific duties include:
- Work with NRCS District Conservationists to implement existing and future contracted practices to advance forest health outcomes (this will encompass approximately 60% of the Biologist’s responsibilities). This will include but not be limited to:
- Provide technical assistance to private landowners to facilitate the NRCS cost-share application and contracting process, and develop site-specific conservation plans in accordance with NRCS practice standards and focal species BMPs. This includes conducting field visits to private landowner field sites as necessary.
- Certify project completion via site visits, GPS tracking, and photo documentation to provide NRCS District Conservationists with GIS shapefiles and visual evidence to complete contracts and cost-share.
- Provide outreach and education to private landowners; technical service providers (TSPs); NGOs; and local, state and federal agency staff on habitat and focal species BMPs through workshops, trainings, meetings, etc.
- Assist ABC and other partners with the Forestry for Michigan Birds effort by conducting meetings or workshops and promoting the ongoing initiative.
- Develop strong relationships with non-profit, agency, local government, and industry partners to expand collaborative conservation opportunities that advance bird conservation strategies.
- Identify and communicate with contractors capable of completing forest/habitat management treatments to continue developing a growing referral list for landowners.
- Work with ABC Finance and Development staff to prepare and submit grant reports. Monitor and track project activities using an electronic database and GIS to ensure proper reporting.
- Assist ABC Development staff with preparing and reviewing fundraising proposals and assist with preparation of new funding/grant agreements and sub-awards.
Position Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree or higher in wildlife biology, forestry, or natural resources management is required. An advanced understanding of wildlife management, forest stand improvement and management, and bird conservation, and a working knowledge of U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Bill private lands incentives programs are essential.
- Professional knowledge and skills to assess, devise, and apply forest management strategies to meet desired wildlife habitat and conservation objectives. Experience developing and implementing site-specific habitat management plans/practices is preferred.
- Applicant must be prepared to travel within the project area with occasional travel outside the region. ABC will reimburse travel expenses.
- Experience working with private landowners as well as public agencies (NRCS, DNR, USFWS, etc.) with knowledge of landowner incentive programs, including NRCS landowner cost-share programs such as EQIP and CSP preferred.
- Ability to use programs and apps, such as ArcGIS, Avenza, OnX, and/or similar to identify and delineate project boundaries, as well as Microsoft Excel and other database management tools to organize project and program information.
- Demonstrated written and oral communication skills are critical, as well as the ability to adapt bird habitat and conservation messaging to a diverse audience that includes habitat managers, conservation practitioners, academia, and the general public.
- Willing and able to work in physically challenging outdoor environments on occasion, during all seasons and with varied weather conditions or insect presence.
- Biologist may be required to participate in specific NRCS training programs in order to use partner facilities, software, vehicles, and equipment.
- Ability to obtain USDA Security Clearance and NRCS Conservation Planning certification. General knowledge of local, state, and federal laws, regulations and policies to ensure legal standards are met during habitat project development and implementation activities.
- This position requires an unrestricted driver's license with a clear driving record.
- Background screening required.
- Must be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident
Benefits:
- Excellent benefits package includes medical, dental, flexible spending accounts, and employer-matched retirement savings.
- Paid vacation days (starting at 15 days annually and increasing to 20 days after 1 year of employment), paid holidays (including both US holidays and additional ABC holidays) and sick leave
- Forestry equipment/office expenses covered.
- Pre-approved professional training and workshop expenses covered.
- Lodging and meals covered for work related travel.
- Rental vehicle or personal mileage reimbursement, if partner vehicles are unavailable.
To Apply:
Applicants should apply online at Bamboo HR: https://abcbirds.bamboohr.com/careers/184
*Resumes are reviewed, and interviews are being scheduled on a rolling basis. The final interviews are being conducted the week of May 22.
If you have trouble submitting an application, please send your cover letter and resume as one document to [email protected]
At American Bird Conservancy, we believe that a diversity of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills makes us more effective. We are committed to creating a respectful and inclusive work environment for all of our employees.
As an equal opportunity employer, ABC is committed to ensuring that employees and applicants for employment have equal opportunities regardless of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other factor unrelated to the requirements of the position.