Job Type: Full-Time

Duration: 2 years  

Introduction

In partnership with the Wildlife Management Institute, we are looking to fill a contracted position within the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife’s (MDIFW) Wildlife Diversity Section. This position is full-time for a term of two years with the potential for a term extension. 

The mission of the MDIFW is to preserve, protect, and enhance the inland fisheries and wildlife resources of the state as well as enable and promote the safe enjoyment of Maine’s outdoors. As part of this mandate, the Department’s Wildlife Division manages Maine’s game and non-game species and conserves and protects habitat for Maine’s wildlife.  This position will work closely with wildlife biologists in the Wildlife Division’s Wildlife Diversity Section.

Job Description

The position will lead efforts to advance conservation, research, and outreach for open habitat raptors and associated species of conservation concern in Maine. This position will focus on implementing a newly developed raptor program to support open habitat and species management, develop robust datasets, produce high-quality scientific outputs, and foster partnerships to achieve conservation objectives. The selected candidate will manage data, engage diverse stakeholders, prepare scientific publications and outreach materials, and assist with fieldwork.

The biologist will work closely with MDIFW staff, external partners, and the Wildlife Diversity Section to improve monitoring and conservation practices for Maine's open habitat raptors and other at-risk wildlife.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

The ideal candidate will possess:

• Strong understanding of northeastern raptor biology, conservation, and habitat management principles.
• Proficiency in geospatial tools (e.g., ArcGIS, ArcGIS Online) and statistical software (e.g., R) for data management and analysis.
• Exceptional data visualization and mapping skills for scientific and outreach purposes.
• Proven ability to produce high-quality technical reports, peer-reviewed publications, and engaging presentations.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to engage and educate diverse audiences, including landowners, volunteers, and community members.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team setting within the office and the field.
• Skilled in managing multiple priorities, problem-solving, and maintaining flexibility in dynamic conditions.
• Commitment to fostering inclusive participation in conservation programs.

Duties may include:

• Create and maintain data management frameworks to facilitate the entry, analysis, and interpretation of project data, including geospatial and statistical analyses using ArcGIS, R, or similar tools.
• Support the development of community science programs, including outreach to landowners and volunteers to promote participation in efforts linked to open habitat wildlife, and land conservation.
• Prepare and deliver publication-quality maps, data visualizations, scientific technical reports, peer-reviewed publications, and presentations to scientific audiences and stakeholders.
• Create and distribute a partner survey to better understand and inform outreach, summarize results, and provide recommendations based on results.
• Coordinate conservation planning and partnership efforts with state, regional, and federal organizations to enhance open habitat raptor management in the context of all at-risk wildlife.
• Manage and curate project communications, including newsletters, blogs, executive summaries, and press releases.

Minimum Qualifications:

Minimum of a B.S. in Wildlife Biology, Environmental Science, or a related field, with at least three years of professional experience. A graduate degree is preferred.

Benefits:

Through WMI you will be eligible for WMI 401(k) retirement plan with match. WMI will provide health, dental and eye insurance, workers’ compensation, general liability protection, professional liability protection, and unemployment insurance benefits. WMI will withhold taxes including social security.