Point Blue advances conservation of biodiversity and ecosystems through innovative research, restoration, outreach, and extensive partnerships. Our highest priority is to reduce the impacts of habitat loss, climate change and other threats to biodiversity and people, while promoting adaptation to the changes ahead.
Point Blue achieves this by conducting research and developing and communicating science-based solutions to mitigate the negative impacts of these changes. Because of our work today, healthy ecosystems will continue to support thriving biodiversity and human communities in California and beyond, on land and at sea.
Position Summary:
The Working Lands Partner Biologist is a partnership position between the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Point Blue Conservation Science that focuses on providing value-added delivery of wildlife conservation programs on working lands through USDA Farm Bill, Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB) and other federal and state funding programs. The Partner Biologist will actively participate with NRCS Field Conservationists, working lands producers, and other resource professionals in the development of ranch, farm, and forestry conservation and grazing plans, including resources assessments, conservation practice design, implementation, and monitoring. They will seek to expand the adoption of prescribed conservation practices under NRCS Farm Bill and WCB habitat conservation programs. The Partner Biologist will also be involved with assessment and monitoring of conservation practices that have been applied on those working lands. This position will provide technical assistance with the NRCS field conservationists to working lands producers whose primary focus is on the implementation of conservation in mountain meadow, forest, rangeland, and intensive agricultural habitats (working lands).
Essential Functions:
- Build trust with and enroll working lands producers into conservation programs through Farm Bill, WCB, and other federal, state, and local programs.
- Provide technical assistance and program support to NRCS Field Conservationists and working lands producers on habitat conservation practices (e.g., EQIP, CSP, WRE, CDFA Healthy Soils, Point Blue’s WCB program,)
- Develop technical proficiency in the use of NRCS Conservation Planning process and NRCS technical tools such as Web Soil Survey, Ecological Site Descriptions, Wildlife Habitat Evaluations, Rangeland Health Assessments, Protracts, Conservation Desktop and the Conservation Assessment Ranking Tool, and Stream Visual Assessment Protocol2.
- Initiate and sustain cooperative working relationships with working lands producers, NRCS, other federal, state and local agencies, tribes and other underrepresented groups, conservation groups and other resource professionals.
- Provide technical support for the incorporation of biodiverse habitat considerations and climate-smart conservation principles into producers’ conservation plans.
- Identify and assist with the development of biodiverse habitat related education and outreach materials and deliver these materials at conferences, workshops and workshops.
- Conduct standardized sampling of soils, plants and wildlife, especially birds through Point Blue’s Rangeland Monitoring Network. Adhere to best practices in data management and data analysis.
- Provide fish and wildlife habitat evaluation, management, restoration, and monitoring related training, workshops, and field sessions to NRCS Field Conservationists, working lands producers, and other conservation partners.
- Ensure conservation practice implementation is NEPA or CEQA compliant, and in some cases consult with CDFW or USFWS.
Experience, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- At least 2 years’ experience in working with planning, design, assessment, management, restoration, and monitoring of fish and wildlife habitat on private, public, or tribal lands.
- Strong working knowledge of the flora and fauna of the range and forest lands of California, especially those in proximity of or on working lands.
- BA/BS degree or equivalent experience in an agriculture, forestry, or conservation related field, preferably wildlife biology, range, soil science, hydrology, animal science, agronomy, or forest ecology.
- Working experience and knowledge of USDA Farm Bill Conservation Programs or CDFA programs.
- Prefer experience and understanding of cropland, range and forest management principles and implementation of grazing management systems that are beneficial to both domestic livestock and fish and wildlife resources.
- Knowledge of local agriculture and related conservation and cultural practices is desirable.
- Knowledge and experience working with hydrology or riparian restoration is a plus.
- Self-starter, with strong organizational skills, with the ability to multitask and prioritize objectives and tasks daily, as well as long term.
- Attention to detail and exceptional follow-up skills are critical.
- Strong communication skills (oral, written, and presentation) are required.
- Strong interpersonal skills, proven ability to work collaboratively and remain flexible under pressure.
- Ability and desire to work with a diverse group of people including, state, federal, tribal, and non-government resource professionals, working lands producers, and the public.
- Excellent computer skills (Microsoft Office Suite, GIS mapping software and Internet) are required.
- Ability to traverse various terrains on foot.
Compensation:
Compensation for this position is $64,480-$72,552 annually. Salary is based on qualifications and internal equity.
