Conservation Biologist

About the role

The Conservation Biologist will serve in a capacity similar to a consultant with additional aspects of outreach and education. Services provided by the Biologist will include one-on-one site visits with land owners to advise on best management practices, demonstrations or mentoring landowners on how to complete these activities or practices, developing conservation plans and recommendations for natural resource management, and providing guidance on Farm Bill programs and the application process. The Biologist will advise on issues of native habitat restoration, soil quality, invasive species, regenerative agriculture and water quality issues that are priorities for our area. Landowner projects will often focus on habitat improvements (tree and shrub planting recommendations, native wildflower seedings/landscaping, establishing pollinator habitat); invasive species management (shrub removal), soil health improvements (reduced tillage, cover crops, precision agriculture), forestry (stand improvements and agroforestry), riparian or lakeshore restoration (erosion control and natural shorelines) and agriculture practices that limit sediment and nutrient inputs to our waterways. This position requires the Biologist to be a resource for landowners, but also provides the opportunity for a top candidate to be proactive with local conservation, building connections with landowners, local governments and community groups to address natural resources issues at a local level. The Biologist will also work side-by-side with NRCS to help Farm Bill clients to complete their field projects. They will utilize current research and NRCS conservation planning standards to help landowners better understand, plan, manage and conserve their natural resources. Over the long term, this position offers room for growth and creativity in interdisciplinary projects for a candidate who can recognize natural resource needs in the community, create a plan of action to address those needs and pool resources to implement that plan. Project management will be necessary for the position, which will require successful grant reporting and writing, management and/or contracting on the part of the candidate, with support from the Executive Director.

Responsibilities

• Provide, as a public service, on-site and in-office technical advice to private landowners to advance implementation of conservation practices as outlined above
• Work closely and maintain a good working relationship with other resource management professionals, both public and private, in support of a holistic approach to the management of natural resources, building partnerships to achieve land management goals. This may include County/Township Parks, Drain Commissioner, MSU Extension, lake and watershed associations, Tribal partners and others
• Work with partners to organize and promote workshops, seminars and field days to support peer-to-peer learning among farms and private landowners, incentivizing regenerative agricultural practices
• Help landowners to plan and map out projects via Google Earth, ArcGIS online, sketches, field layout etc.
• Track grant deliverables and client interactions accurately using Google Suite, PLET model, internal NRCS software; report progress via monthly staff reports, annual grant progress reports
• Work cohesively with NRCS to assist clients with implementing conservation practices
• Become familiar with Federal Farm Bill Programs, State Conservation Programs, etc. and help to promote to clients where appropriate
• Assist with sourcing seed and plant materials for projects and sales
• Attend trainings to improve working knowledge on conservation practices, regenerative agriculture and any topics relevant to this role to offer the best services to our clients
• Support Conservation District programs and assist with office walk-in clients, answering telephones, general office up-keep, major events such as Tree Seedling and Plant Sales, Household Hazardous Waste Day, Annual Dinner and other duties as assigned by the MLCD Executive Director
• Promote best management practices for ag and natural resources monthly through website, newsletters, social media or similar avenues
• Prepare and provide presentations to public on soil and water conservation topics, as requested

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s of Science in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management or a related field
• A minimum of four years of experience in field biology, agriculture or other conservation fieldwork
• Possess technical knowledge of natural resource management techniques outlined above and ability to guide clients in such projects. Must be able to learn quickly and independently any new/unfamiliar practices
• Self-directed, creative problem solver
• Ability to connect with landowners, build relationships to “sell” conservation
• Proficient computer skills in Google Drive workspaces, MS office suite and ability to navigate on shared computer network; learn and utilize internal planning programs (GIS-based), modeling software
• Must be detail-oriented with strong organizational skills
• Excellent time management, written and verbal communication skills
• Able to work efficiently in and outdoors at any time of year in varying conditions and rough terrain; able to bend, lift and carry up to 50 pounds
• Must maintain a valid driver’s license and clean driving record
• Occasional travel for trainings and meetings is required, including overnight stays