ABOUT AFC

Arroyos & Foothills Conservancy (AFC) is a Los Angeles area land trust focused on wildlife and biodiversity. We save and restore habitat and improve connectivity for the movement of wildlife between the Verdugo Mountains, San Rafael Hills, Griffith Park, other isolated areas of natural habitat and the San Gabriel Mountains. We work to increase the use of native plants throughout our region. Our focus on wildlife corridors is unique for its complexity due to habitat fragmentation in dense development across multiple jurisdictions.

AFC is looking for a biologist to help assess, acquire and restore properties of high biological value across a network of urban wildlife corridors in Southern California. This highly motivated individual will contribute critical scientific-based analyses that serve as the basis for our acquisition decision making process.

The Urban Conservation Biologist (UCB) will:

• Make initial evaluation of lands for their relative conservation values utilizing AFC’s Land Prioritization Database and related data.
• Ground truth high priority targeted lands with site visits, engaging neighbors and analyzing remote wildlife camera data.
• Work with CEO and DO to evaluate properties for acquisition, shepherding them through the process from identification to acquisition and ultimately, restoration.
• Contribute to strategy regarding our overall acquisition and restoration approach.
• Lead outreach and foster good working relationships with landowners, interested neighbors and local organizations to promote long term land protection and restoration.
• Engage city and county planners, government agencies and departments.
• Become knowledgeable about, and at opportune times help shape, local jurisdictions’ planning documents.
• Represent AFC’s land acquisition program in stakeholder meetings.
• Identify and foster working relationships with other conservation-minded organizations, land trusts, tribes, community leaders, and other partners to help attain mission goals.
• Work with AFC’s research team members and interns to mentor them in acquiring skills for translating research into conservation impact.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in related field, master’s or equal experience preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years’ relevant experience.
• High-energy, creative, self-starter with excellent time management and organizational skills; proven ability to meet deadlines and maintain flexibility in a fast-paced work environment requiring quick response time.
• Ability to exercise independent judgement, discretion, and decision making. Maintain confidentiality and professional standards and ethics.
• Proven ability to work independently with minimal supervision and to work effectively, positively, and collaboratively as part of our dynamic team.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to interact and communicate with a variety of public and private interests, partners, and constituents.
• Knowledgeable of and able to apply statistical principles.
• Working knowledge of GIS and GPS technologies as well as Windows systems and PC applications such as Microsoft Office Suite.
• Knowledge of local flora and fauna.
• Ability to operate remotely, as well as willingness to work in the field (often alone)
• Willingness to work occasional nights and weekends.
• Willingness to travel locally and regionally.
• A valid driver’s license and willingness to use personal vehicle when necessary.
• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds and walk on uneven terrain.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

For more information and to apply, click here

CONTACT
Barbara Goto
BarbaraGoto@arroyosfoothills.org