National Wetland Reserve Program - Project Manager

American Conservation Experience Position Announcement

National Wetland Reserve Program - Project Manager

April 11, 2019

Title: National Wetland Reserve Program - Project Manager

Department/Division: NRCS, Private Lands Program

Reports to: National Director, NRCS and Private Lands Program

Location: Negotiable; Salt Lake City, UT preferred

Status: Fulltime salaried, exempt

Term: One year contract, with renewal opportunity based on desire, performance and fit

Travel: Required, up to 50% time, seasonally, per assignment to all 50 states and US territories

Start Date: May/June 2019

Position Summary:  American Conservation Experience (ACE), a nationwide Non-Profit Conservation Corps, is seeking an experienced National Wetland Reserve Program - Project Manager to support our emerging Private Lands Program in the implementation of conservation easement monitoring, reporting and restoration practices on Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) easements nationwide, as established in the Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) and the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program Wetland Reserve Easements (ACEP-WRE).

This opportunity is intended for emerging professionals with a background in natural resource management, conservation, environmental law, botany, ecology, planning, landscape architecture, or a related field -- with an interest in jointly advancing their career and the stewardship of private lands conservation through purposeful fieldwork, project management and programmatic support. 

Program Background and Objectives: NRCS manages the voluntary WRP and ACEP-WRE programs to conserve, protect and enhance the nation's wetland ecosystems. These programs promote restoration, enhancement, protection and management of wetlands and their associated upland habitats on private lands. Private lands provide a tremendous amount of social, economic and environmental value on a local, national and global scale. They are a great resource not only for people but also for all other living organisms that inhabit the area. Therefore, it is imperative to encourage and enhance sustainable practices to retain and enhance the value of such lands. To that end the NRCS is authorized to enter into these Easement programs with private landowners and is responsible for the implementation and compliance upon these resources in all 50 states and US territories.

The current objective of ACE's Private Lands Program is to provide support to NRCS at national and state levels by monitoring existing easements for compliance with deeds, allowed uses and ecological function, and by developing and modifying Wetland Restoration Plan of Operations (WRPOs) for implementation by the landowner, NRCS and other parties in order to improve wildlife habitat and ecological function on conservation easement properties across the United States. We work closely with local, state and federal NRCS staff, with consulting technical experts, scientists, engineers and lead field staff to provide efficient and high-level field work and reporting deliverables, restoration plans and implementation, and to maintain strong working partnerships.

For more information regarding NRCS's conservation management practices visit:  

• • https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/programs/easements/
  • https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb1045079.pdf

Essential Functions and Responsibilities: As part of the effort to repair and/or enhance easement habitat for ecological success and compliance with NRCS funded conservation practices on private lands across the United States, the National Wetland Reserve Program - Project Manager will manage key deliverables and outcomes of ACE's NRCS National Wetland Reserve Program by conducting monitoring visits with partner consultants to sites assigned by NRCS, contributing to restoration plan updates, aiding in developing an ecological success monitoring protocol, and supporting development of the ACE Private Lands Program in general. 

• Travel on assignment to all 50 states and US territories to conduct field work on private conservation lands enrolled in NRCS easement programs:
  • Comprehensively review technical documents, property deeds and compatible allowed uses for each field site, and appropriately interpret findings with observations in the field.
  • Collect field data per established protocols and tools and report findings and observations through existing templates and platforms in a timely way.
  • Work collaboratively with partners (federal and state NRCS staff, consultants, scientists, engineers, landowners) and maintain strong working relationships
  • Assist with the implementation of technical monitoring work (drones, engineering, design, survey) as needed
  • Assist in other compliance, restoration, monitoring and project implementation projects as requested
  • Staff and supervise non-technical field work projects, as needed
• Works under the supervision and direction of the ACE National Director, NRCS and Private Lands Program
• Assist the National Director in providing regular reporting of project status, needs, and changes
• Participates in preparatory conference calls with agency and program partners, field staff, and others
• Maintains detailed records of travel expenses and logistics; reports in a timely manner
• Provides specialized assistance to the NRCS and/or consulting partners in data processing and report writing, as needed
• May assist National Director with marketing the Private Lands Program for additional contracts; support in grant and budget management, as well as seeking new contracts and grant/proposal writing as it relates to the Private Lands Program

Qualifications: Applicants should have a degree in natural resource management, environmental law, environmental planning, ecology, biology, botany, range science, wildlife biology, conservation biology, landscape architecture, land use planning or related field. Candidates with a Masters degree and interest in a career in agriculture, habitat restoration and/or resource management within a public/private context are strongly encouraged to apply. 

Required:

• Genuine interest and/or knowledge in upland, wetland and riparian resource management
• Plant identification skills, and/or willingness to learn
• Some field work experience; wetlands and associated upland habitat exposure a bonus
• Proficient research, analytical, organization and writing skills
• Strong time management skills; ability and desire to perform multiple and variable tasks
• Flexible and adaptable; capable of working well as part of a highly mobile, highly functional team with members located in throughout the nation
• Comfortable communicating directly with resource professionals, landowners, consultants, contractors and federal agency staff
• Ability to work alone and in small groups with minimal supervision
• Strong computer management skills including experience with online personnel databases and email, iOS, Google Docs, Excel, MS Office, and Adobe Suite software
• Knowledge and experience with GPS units and ArcGIS software
• Must be able and willing to work outdoors, hike and walk for extended periods of time, and be capable of lifting up to 50 lbs
• Valid driver's license with clean driving record; comfortable driving in various terrains; ACE will conduct driving record check
• Ability and willingness to undergo a federal criminal background check

Preferred:

• Knowledge of ecological functions and plant communities associated with wetlands and riparian habitats
• Experience and/or familiarity with legal methods for private land conservation, e.g. conservation easements
• Practical knowledge of the general land use-planning process and land management programs
• Experience with various field data collection methods
• Effective communication skills with diverse audiences
• Interest in joining a dynamic team, with opportunity for career development and growth
• Experience in backcountry hiking and navigation in steep terrain
• Ability to work independently in remote areas
• Experience and training driving four wheel drive vehicles over rugged roads

Compensation: Salary starting at $40-45k+, depending on experience and qualifications.

Benefits package including paid vacation, sick leave, paid holidays, 401k retirement and health, dental and vision insurance. Visit www.usaconservation.org for more information about ACE.

• Work schedule that is dynamic and flexible
• Multiday travel to project locations in all 50 states and US territories; travel approximately 2 weeks/month, every other week in base office. If based elsewhere, travel to SLC office as needed.
• Casual yet professional, non-partisan work environment

To apply: Visit https://usaconservationstaff.applicantpool.com/jobs/Please provide (1) a resume outlying your experience and qualifications, (2) a cover letter expressing your interest and capacity to work on conservation of private lands and with diverse stakeholders, and (3) three professional references who can speak to your technical abilities and interpersonal skills. Application must be submitted at https://usaconservationstaff.applicantpool.com/jobs/. Qualified applicants will be contacted by email to arrange an interview. Applicants must follow all application instructions in order to be considered for this opportunity.

Deadline: Position open until filled. Accepting applications on a rolling basis. Target start date: May/June 2019.

American Conservation Experience provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, American Conservation Experience complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.

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