Lower Mississippi Valley Joint Venture West Gulf Coastal Plain & Ouachita’s Conservation Delivery Coordinator

American Bird Conservancy

Lower Mississippi Valley Joint Venture (LMVJV) West Gulf Coastal Plain & Ouachita’s (WGCPO) Conservation Delivery Coordinator

Position Summary:

Title:                LMVJV WGCPO Conservation Delivery Coordinator

Supervisor:     WGCPO Partnership Coordinator

Location:         WGCPO Bird Conservation Region (Southern AR or LA area preferred)

Application Deadline: March 31, 2023

Introduction:

The mission of American Bird Conservancy (ABC) is to conserve birds and their habitats – the places birds need to thrive – across the Americas. We are a growing group of 125+ dedicated staff, located across the United States and with a network of partners from Canada to Chile. Each year, we grow in budget and staff, and we deliver more results aimed at preventing bird species extinctions and reversing declines that are reducing populations of nearly all bird groups. Our work is guided by our principles, which include a commitment to Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI).

The Lower Mississippi Valley Joint Venture (LMVJV) Conservation Delivery Coordinator works for the LMVJV partnership, which consists of state, federal, and NGO conservation agencies and organizations that have assumed responsibility for the implementation of national and international bird conservation plans within the Lower Mississippi Valley Bird Conservation Regions (www.LMVJV.org). The Conservation Delivery Coordinator will work collaboratively with LMVJV partners to develop and implement conservation projects that provide high-quality habitat for bird species of conservation concern across the region. This position requires an understanding of the LMVJV and ABC missions, and a basic knowledge of Joint Venture structure and function (see LMVJV.org).

Primary Duties:

• Work with the LMVJV Coordinator, WGCPO Partnership Coordinator and Science Coordinator to integrate science-based conservation recommendations into management guidelines and tools designed for on-the ground practitioners and transfer of this information to managers and other practitioners through education and outreach (e.g., workshops, presentations, etc.).

• Work with LMVJV staff and partners to implement the JV’s conservation goals for priority birds within the WGCPO Bird Conservation Region (BCR). This includes working in partnership with federal, state, and private organizations to provide conservation delivery across a range of ownerships, both private and public, via restoration and enhancement of forest, woodland and grassland habitats that support regionally, nationally, and internationally important bird species. This staffer will coordinate efforts across the WGCPO and at times the entire JV and assist partners with setting objectives, implementing strategies, and assessing the effectiveness of management actions.

• Complete conservation plans and maps, contracts, applications and other required documentation on Farm Bill conservation programs (i.e. EQIP, ACEP-ALE, CRP) requiring biological and grazing science expertise in cooperation with the partners and in cooperation with the local NRCS District Conservationist.

• Participate in meetings, conferences, and committee assignments with various agencies and partners to promote LMVJV bird conservation goals.

• In collaboration with partners, identify opportunities and/or utilize national and regional programs to fund LMVJV conservation efforts.

• Develop and foster relationships with partners across the WGCPO and communicate with them regularly on objectives, projects, and progress.

• Working with local partners and with NRCS field staff, closely develop working relations with forestry and wildlife professionals, NGOs, agencies and others to: promote open forest management for private landowners; organize and conduct training workshops with other partner resource managers; and complete conservation plans and maps, contracts, applications and other required documentation for Farm Bill conservation programs (i.e. RCPP, EQIP, ACEP-ALE, CRP) requiring biological and forestry expertise in cooperation with local NRCS District Conservationist. Specific Duties include:

  • Identify and directly contact private landowners with forest stewardship opportunities.
  • Coordinate and facilitate property field visits by recognized professional foresters to provide technical assistance and advance management plan development.
  • Facilitate private landowner enrollment in NRCS programs and NRCS contracting.
  • Maintain records of all landowners involved in the program and track each to assure contacts are made, landowners are connected to appropriate resources / contractors, and management activities are implemented and completed.
  • Work with professional resource managers to assist with contracting, preparing, and overseeing the implementation of forest stewardship plans on private lands (commercial or non-commercial) using established open forest management guidelines.

Position Requirements:

1. Bachelor’s degree or higher in forestry, wildlife management, wildlife ecology, or a related field (masters or higher preferred) with at least 5 years of professional experience. An understanding of habitat management, especially forest and woodland management, the use of prescribed fire for natural community restoration, and a working knowledge of U.S. Department of Agricultural farm bill private lands incentive programs are essential.

2. Knowledge of ecology and natural resource issues of the WGCPO, especially related to neotropical migrant and resident birds.

3. An entrepreneurial approach to achieving conservation objectives; ability to create, recognize and act on conservation opportunities and develop innovative solutions to address bird conservation needs.

4. Desire to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders. Demonstrated networking and communication skills (presentation, inter-personal, reading, writing), project management experience, and organizing and leadership skills.

5. Results-oriented. Demonstrated ability to accomplish ambitious conservation objectives.

6. Ability to work and coordinate multiple projects at the same time. Ability to set priorities, work independently, efficiently and accurately, and meet deadlines.

7. Demonstrated written and oral communication skills and the ability to adapt messages to a diverse audience that includes habitat managers, conservation administrators, academia, and the general public.

8. Ability and willingness to travel often and sometimes for significant periods of time, including remote locations.

9. Proficiency with computers and software, especially Microsoft Office products. Working knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and ArcGIS preferred as well.

10. Knowledge of NRCS landowner cost-share programs, especially EQIP and RCPP and ability to obtain USDA Security Clearance and NRCS Conservation Planning certification.

11. Background screening required

12. Authorized to work in the US, or Permanent Resident

Benefits:

• Benefits include medical, dental, and 403(b) plans.
• Paid vacation days, holidays, and sick leave.
• Professional training and workshop expenses covered, contingent on available budget and supervisor approval.
• Lodging, meals, and transportation covered for work-related travel away from home within available budget.
• Rental vehicle or personal mileage reimbursement where applicable.

To Apply:

If you have difficulties, please send your cover letter and resume to HR@abcbirds.org

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.