The RGJV Conservation Delivery Specialist is a full-time one-year term position with American Bird Conservancy and the Rio Grande Joint Venture (RGJV). Position may be extended if funding is available.
Under the direction of the RGJV Coordinator, the RGJV Conservation Delivery Specialist assists with outreach, planning, implementation, and evaluation related to coordinated watershed conservation activities in the Chihuahuan Desert and Tamaulipan Brushlands of Texas. This position contributes to the goals and objectives of the Texas Conservation Action Plan, the National Fish Conservation Area in the Chihuahuan Desert, and national and international bird conservation plans by working closely with RGJV, American Bird Conservancy (ABC), and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) staff and other partner organizations to provide technical and financial assistance to private landowners for habitat enhancement and restoration.
Working with RGJV, ABC, TPWD, and other conservation partners, the person in this position will develop, implement, and evaluate watershed conservation activities to provide healthy habitats that benefit the wildlife and natural resources of the Rio Grande and Pecos River watersheds, including:
- Establish, improve, and maintain grassland habitats and riparian zones;
- Improve or maintain water quality;
- Improve or maintain watershed connectivity;
- Improve or maintain appropriate hydrologic conditions for the support of biota;
- Establish, improve, or maintain appropriate sediment flows;
- Maintain and restore physical habitat; and
- Restore or improve the ecological balance in habitats negatively affected by non-native, invasive, or problem species.
Primary areas of emphasis include:
1) Support the delivery of technical and financial assistance for grassland and riparian/aquatic habitat conservation projects on private lands,
2) Landowner outreach and education; and
3) Facilitate coordination of and learning opportunities for conservation partners.
Support Technical and Financial Assistance Programs
• Provide technical assistance in the identification, design, review, planning, implementation, and monitoring of watershed conservation projects. This includes writing descriptions, mapping, and monitoring for individual projects.
• Provide technical coordination and oversight of selected watershed conservation projects, incorporating expertise from TPWD, other state and federal agencies, NGOs, academia, and other partners.
• Collaborate with TPWD biologists and partners to monitor and evaluate project effectiveness and assess ecosystem response.
• Assist with grant writing and grant reporting.
Landowner Outreach and Education
• Coordinate with TPWD and other conservation partners to promote education and outreach in support of the Chihuahuan Desert Grassland and Riparian Restoration Incentive Program and the South Texas Grassland Restoration Incentive Program.
• Engage landowners in the Rio Grande and Pecos River watersheds to support conservation efforts and establish and strengthen relationships.
• Develop a network of willing landowners interested in a coordinated approach to landscape conservation.
• Convene and provide support for landowner meetings, field days, and workshops.
• Develop research and monitoring-based content for communications efforts supporting conservation delivery efforts of partners and Staff.
Conservation Coordination and Learning
• Convene conservation partners from various organizations to reduce redundancy, enhance strategic collaboration, and promote peer-to-peer learning.
QUALIFICATIONS:
• Bachelor's degree preferably in Wildlife Science, Wildlife Management, Wildlife Ecology, Range and Wildlife Management, or closely related field in Natural Resources Management. Master's degree preferred.
• Three or more years' experience with on-the-ground conservation planning and implementation, and partnership building preferred.
• Applicant must possess a valid State driver's license.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
• Ability to communicate and interact effectively and professionally with private landowners, land managers, advisory boards, universities, consultants, governmental and nongovernmental organizations, as well as the general public;
• Ability to work as a member of a team, including skill in establishing and maintaining effective work relationships with co-workers and work-related contacts;
• Knowledge of grassland and/or riparian ecology and research issues relevant to Texas;
• Knowledge of plant and animal habitat requirements and management techniques for birds and/or fish and wildlife with special emphasis on grassland and/or riparian habitats;
• Ability to design and write habitat management plans;
• Skill in reviewing, analyzing, and presenting technical data and documents;
• Skill in the use of MS Word, Excel, Outlook, and ArcGIS.
• Ability to utilize GIS/GPS for field recording, database compilation, and mapping;
• Ability to maintain accurate records and prepare written correspondence;
• Ability to plan, organize and accomplish work assignments and tasks effectively;
• Ability to work independently with little or no supervision;
• Ability to meet deadlines.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
• Required to perform work outdoors, occasionally in adverse weather conditions and with heavy insect infestations;
• Required to perform manual labor, including lifting supplies and materials up to 40 lbs.;
• May be required to operate a State vehicle;
• Required to travel up to 30% with possible overnight stays.
SALARY:
Starting at $47,000, depending on experience
BENEFITS:
• Benefits include medical, dental, and 403(b) plan.
• Paid vacation days (15), holidays (10+), and sick leave.
TO APPLY:
Please apply online at BambooHR: https://abcbirds.bamboohr.com/jobs/view.php?id=27
If you experience technical difficulties, please send your cover letter and resume as ONE PDF document to hr@abcbirds.org
