Conservation Planner / Project Manager (GIS)

Complete job posting and application info here:  http://natureserve.iapplicants.com/ViewJob-122037.html

NatureServe is a non-profit conservation organization whose mission is to provide the scientific basis for effective conservation action. NatureServe and its network of natural heritage programs are the leading source for information about rare and endangered species and threatened ecosystems.

Description: The Conservation Planner develops, conducts, and manages conservation planning projects as part of a collaborative team of internal staff and external partners. The position acts as the lead or supports the Department Director in managing programs and projects. The position conducts all facets of conservation planning work and also contributes methodology, training, and support for NatureServe Vista, a conservation planning software. The position reports to the Director of Conservation Planning and Ecosystem Management.

Duties: Conduct conservation planning projects by applying knowledge of conservation biology and systematic conservation planning principles and tools. Manage project schedules, budgets, and coordinate other staff in production of deliverables. Maintain client contact and relationships. Develop conservation planning projects through outreach activities, response to RFPs and inquiries, and consulting with other staff of NatureServe. Contribute to the NatureServe Vista Program through delivery of training, tech support and methodology development. The essential job functions listed above are not meant to be all-inclusive and may be subject to change at any time.

Qualifications: REQUIRED EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS:
• Graduate degree in relevant discipline (conservation biology, ecology) or equivalent level of education and experience
• Minimum three years experience applying conservation biology to conservation assessment and planning at a variety of scales and complexity
• Minimum two years experience in full project management: developing and managing budgets and schedules, coordinating work groups, interacting with clients, developing deliverables
• Intermediate-level GIS experience. Demonstrated ability to apply spatial analyses concepts to conservation planning/modeling applications
• Understanding of current concepts in wildlife connectivity and climate change assessment and adaptation planning
• Ability to efficiently multitask
• Experience in work-group coordination and facilitation
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Willingness to conduct frequent and sometimes extended domestic and international travel

PREFERRED SKILLS:
• Experienced with conservation planning software especially NatureServe Vista and Marxan. Experience with species distribution and connectivity modeling software also highly desirable.
• Fluency in Spanish and conversant in scientific and technical application of the language.