Wildlife / GIS position in Rhode Island

Wildlife Ecologist Position

The Rhode Island Natural History Survey (RINHS) seeks to hire a full-time Wildlife Ecologist to work in close coordination with RI Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM) staff and contractors to facilitate all
aspects of the participation of municipalities, no-profit organizations, and other public stakeholders in the development of a revised RI Wildlife Action
Plan (RIWAP). Facilitation includes identifying and communicating with diverse RIWAP stakeholders regarding the goals and contents of RIWAP, other wildlife management and land use planning tools, and state and federal goals, plans, and priorities. Also, communicating to RIDEM input gained from stakeholders as to how proposed plan elements interact with local processes and priorities and what planning products and tools would be most useful to positively affect wildlife conservation in RI. The Wildlife Ecologist will identify and meet with municipal officials, community planners, decision
makers individually and in groups, identify and assist in engaging technical expertise for plan development, lead stakeholder meetings/workshops, prepare informational materials for print and electronic dissemination, assess existing resources and resource gaps, develop habitat data and mapping products for RIWAP revision, to assist key stakeholders, and other uses, provide diverse other input into and assist in writing, compiling, and implementing the RIWAP revision. The Wildlife Ecologist will participate in other RINHS programs and tasks from time to time.

The successful candidate will:

• evidence prior success in managing and facilitating participation of diverse stakeholders in a planning task
  
• evidence a strong ability to work productively with diverse individuals and groups
  
• demonstrate an ability to work systematically towards long-term goals using independent initiative as well as by working collaboratively with the State, partners, and peers;
  
• have a Master’s in wildlife ecology, biology, or management or related discipline and significant experience in municipal government, community land use planning, or land conservation planning;
• demonstrate significant prior experience and familiarity with Northeastern U.S. biota, habitats, and natural communities;
• demonstrate significant prior experience and familiarity with GIS software, data, and mapping applications;
• evidence strong writing and organizational skills and an ability to work to deadlines;
• have a valid driver's license and ready access to a vehicle (mileage will be reimbursed);

The Wildlife Ecologist will work at the RIDEM offices in Providence with regular visits to RIDEM and RINHS in Kingston but will also travel throughout the state in the course of work. Occasional out of state travel may also be required. Fieldwork requiring substantial physical exertion and/or physical strain, sometimes in remote locations, difficult terrain, and inclement weather and a possibility of injury and/or exposure to arthropod-borne disease may be required from time to time but is not a major part of the duties of the Wildlife Ecologist.

Pay is competitive and commensurate with experience. This position is full-time and eligible for RINHS's competitive benefits package. The Wildlife Ecologist reports to the RINHS Executive Director. RINHS is an equal opportunity employer.

Review of applications will commence May 6, and continue until the position is filled. To apply, send a cover letter, resume, and names and contact information, including email and phone number, of three persons whom RINHS may contact regarding your experience and qualifications to RIWAP Search, P.O. Box 1858, Kingston, RI 02881, or email the same to kstillwell@rinhs.org.

The RI Natural History Survey is a 501(c)(3) organization founded in 1994 to facilitate communication among people, agencies, and organizations interested in the ecology of Rhode Island and to gather and disseminate information on Rhode Island's animals and plants, geology, and ecosystems. RINHS manages biodiversity databases and hosts events to highlight
biodiversity and the work of researchers and naturalists. For more information visit www.rinhs.org.

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