The Nature Conservancy

Bismarck, ND (negotiable)

BA/BS

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS: Minimum of a B.A. or B.S. in natural resource sciences, biological sciences, wildlife management, or a closely related field. Five or more years experience in conservation or natural resources management with experience in developing and applying practical applications of scientific concepts and technical innovations for conservation purposes. Knowledge and experience in the theory, principles, and methods of wildlife biology and plant and animal ecology as applied to migratory and resident bird management, wetland management, grassland management, and related disciplines. Ability to assess natural, social, and economic resources at the landscape level to direct the NGPJV planning and implementation of NGPJV projects. This requires extensive communication and coordination between agencies, landowners, and non-government partners. Incumbent must recognize potential partners’ contribution to specific projects and build the necessary relationships to accomplish the task. Individual must provide leadership in natural resource planning by assisting technical specialists from a variety of agencies to provide coordinated management and improved communication between and within agencies and cooperators. Knowledge of the broad range of habitat conservation programs being implemented by private, state, and federal groups on public and private lands and ability to interpret and analyze program interrelationships. Skills necessary to initiate, write, and administer grant applications from state, federal, and non-government organizations for projects within the NGPJV. Provide leadership and guidance in the identification, review, and submission of projects under the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) and other partnership funding opportunities. Ability to fundraise from public and private organizations and individuals. Effective verbal and written communication and works cooperatively with a wide range of constituents and partners. Demonstrated project management experience, including defining goals and deliverables, assembling and motivating teams, managing team assignments, scheduling, budgeting, tracking progress and milestones, product delivery and close-out. Candidate should be entrepreneurial with excellent partnership building skills. COMPLEXITY/PROBLEM SOLVING: Anticipates, analyzes and addresses complex, multi-scale conservation problems and facilitates team problem-solving and decision-making processes. Proposes and implements procedures to enhance overall performance in accordance with short and long-term objectives. Highly diversified work involves participation in the formulation and evaluation of broad policies and/or long-term programs, or making decisions, which typically have broad organizational impact. Designs, implements and directs complex and diverse projects, encompassing multiple programs. Incorporates cross-disciplinary knowledge to support program objectives. DISCRETION/LATITUDE/DECISION-MAKING: Much opportunity to act independently. Decisions may affect organization’s public image and scientific credibility. Decisions often made with incomplete information, high factors of ambiguity and risk. COMMUNICATIONS/INTERPERSONAL CONTACTS: Establishes constructive and effective relationships with a variety of public and private individuals and organizations. Conveys the conservation vision and mission of the NGPJV to diverse groups including public and private partners and others with interest in the NGPJV Periodic briefings before agency administrators will be required. WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL EFFORT: Frequent travel throughout the NGPJV area and other parts of the U.S. Work may involve long hours and weekends. Work requires average physical exertion and/or physical strain. Position requires both office and outdoor work. Temperature and weather extremes may be encountered in the performance of outdoor work.

Permanent

Contact for more information.

Bob McCready, The Nature Conservancy, 4889 Eagle Harbor Dr., Bainbridge Island, WA 98110

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
The Joint Venture Coordinator provides primary support to the Northern Great Plains Joint Venture (NGPJV) Management Board by serving as a leader in promoting, guiding and facilitating the implementation of bird conservation projects and programs associated with the North American Waterfowl Management Plan, Partners in Flight, North American Waterbird Conservation Plan, the U.S. Shorebird Conservation Plan, and all other applicable bird plans for the Joint Venture area of BCR 17. Responsibilities include: serving as principle spokesperson for the NGPJV, coordinating implementation of the NGPJV Plan, implementing policy and project development, and facilitating communication among private, state, and federal conservation partners to build effective working relationships and combine resource to restore, enhance, and develop habitat for resident and migratory bird conservation throughout the Northern Great Plains Joint Venture area


DUTIES:
Assist the NGPJV Management Board by:
Coordinating meetings;
Serving as intermediary for communication among Board Members and partners; and
Coordinate activities required for conservation planning, development, and implementation of NGPJV projects, including tracking budgets and fiscal accomplishments, evaluating the process and results, and fundraising.

Coordinate the implementation of the NGPJV Plan under the general guidance of the NGPJV Management Board. Provide leadership and guidance in the development of plans and strategies at regional and state levels. Provide leadership and guidance in the implementation of policies, work priorities, and immediate and long-range objectives.

Coordinate and facilitate communication among partners to build effective working relationships. Incumbent provides outreach, evaluation, and seeks legislative and funding support.

Direct coordination and land management activities in the NGPJV toward environmental enhancement programs that promote wetland and grassland habitat benefits for breeding birds and for spring and fall migrating birds. These activities are conducted in a manner that best meets the needs of migratory birds while recognizing specific goals and objectives of individual partners.

Supervision of existing and future NGPJV staff. At present, this includes the NGPJV Science Coordinator, but may include additional positions in the future.

Provide leadership for directing the operation and implementing policies of the NGPJV as an integral part of the NAWMP , the US Shorebird Conservation Plan, Partners in Flight, and the North American Colonial Waterbird Conservation Plan. Recognize resource issues and conflicts as they affect all potential partners, landowners, government agencies, and private conservation organizations. Work cooperatively with partners to resolve conflicts, recognize opportunities, and build a cohesive effort. This often includes coordinating local public meetings and planning processes.

Takes the lead in organizing and promoting outreach to the local communities as well as at the regional and national levels. This requires formal presentations in written and verbal format at international, national, state, and local meetings; conferences; workshops; and professional meetings. Incumbent works closely with other Joint Venture Coordinators and other bird initiative personnel to maintain continuity of integrated bird conservation.

January 27, 2006