This position will be housed at the Rainwater Basin Joint Venture Office in Grand Island, NE.

Work collaboratively with private landowners, public lands managers, and other resource partners to improve wetland habitat conditions, consistent with Rainwater Basin Joint Venture Implementation Plan objectives. Work closely with Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) staff to promote and enroll private landowners in the Agriculture Conservation Easement Program, with an emphasis on tracts enrolled in the Wetlands Reserve Easements (WRE) option. Annually coordinate wetland management activities on public and private lands, collectively. Promote and deliver the full suite of RWBJV habitat programs to private landowners. Throughout the duration of this position the incumbent will be exposed to a wide variety of work situations involving a diverse set of wetland and upland restoration projects. The incumbent will work with a team of restoration professionals, but will be expected to complete tasks independently.

Essential Job Duties: Work with a team of restoration professionals; assemble case file data and documentation associated with wetland and upland restoration; complete Landowner Agreements and compile all necessary paperwork to ensure funding obligation occurs. Oversee completion of prescribed management actions and agreements. Develop project specifications for use in contract bidding and coordinate directly with contractors. Develop Request for Proposals (RFPs) and solicit bids from contractors to complete on-the-ground management. Promote, establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with partners, including government agencies, tribal entities, conservation organizations, agribusiness organizations, local community groups, and individual farmers and ranchers. Provide the USFWS Partners for Wildlife program and other partner staff with information to process agreements for signature, funds obligation, and payment. Compile data, information, and assist in preparation of reports and other documents. Provide opinions on proposed actions and correspond with all necessary agencies, organizations and individuals. Provide outreach support to assigned initiatives.

Requirements / Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in fish or wildlife management or closely related field or equivalent experience in the field of biological science AND three years experience in fish or wildlife management or a closely related field; OR Master's degree in fish or wildlife management or closely related field or equivalent experience in the field of biological science AND one year experience in fish and wildlife management or a closely related field.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: Extensive knowledge of wildlife habitat management principles, goals and objectives, wildlife species; life history and habitat needs, budgeting processes and record keeping systems including documenting management actions in a GIS format, and conservation statutes and regulations as they relate to wildlife, as well as a working knowledge of current management philosophies, such as the conservation of biological diversity, and adaptive management. Ability to communicate effectively, set goals and objectives; work with little supervision, supervise and direct the work of others and develop and maintain professional relations with a broad range of agencies and publics.

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive package of pay, benefits, paid time off, retirement and professional development opportunities to help you get the most out of your career and life. Your paycheck is just part of your total compensation.

Check out all that the State of Nebraska has to offer! Benefit eligibility may vary by position, agency and employment status. For more information on benefits, please visit: https://statejobs.nebraska.gov/index.html#benefits

Equal Opportunity Statement

The State of Nebraska values our teammates as well as a supportive environment that strives to promote diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We recruit, hire, train, and promote in all job classifications and at all levels without regard to race, color, religion, sex. age, national origin, disability, marital status or genetics.

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