Job Type: Full-Time
Supervisory Controls
The Conservation Specialist works under the general supervision of the River Program Director (RPD). The position does not include any supervisory duties.
Overview
Since 1994, the Land Trust has been a growing and dynamic presence in the Wood River Valley, preserving and protecting the Big Wood River, its tributaries, and the treasured landscapes of central Idaho. Our mission is to protect and sustain the treasured landscapes and life-giving waters of the Wood River Valley and inspire love for this special place for generations to come. For more information about the Wood River Land Trust please visit: woodriverlandtrust.org
The Big Wood River watershed has suffered a decrease in fish habitat, tributary connectivity, and functioning floodplain conditions due to historical anthropogenic activities. The Wood River Land Trust seeks a Conservation Specialist to work within the river program that will oversee monitoring efforts and provide project support to restore the Big Wood River back to health.
Duties and Responsibilities
Monitoring (40%):
- Assist RPD with macroinvertebrate monitoring program (e.g. equipment preparation,
collection and processing of field data and samples) - Assist RPD with development of annual trend monitoring reports
- Monitor restoration project effectiveness using established methods and protocols
- Monitor and measure groundwater levels at designated sites
Project Development (15%):
- Develop project materials such as maps, site photos, and site plans
- Research funding opportunities
- Assist RPD with grant applications
Project Implementation (15%):
- Assist RPD with project management as needed
- Volunteer supervision and coordination for planting events
Grant Administration (15%):
- Assist RPD in preparation of grant deliverables including annual and final progress
reports
Other (15%):
- Assist Lands Program staff with stewardship, monitoring, and maintenance needs
- Assist Communications staff with education and outreach programs or events that
promote conservation in the valley - Evaluate and comment on stream alteration permits (SAP) by working with municipalities
to provide recommendations to enhance fish and wildlife habitat and natural fluvial
processes - Lead all aspects of our Trout Friendly landscaping program
Qualifications
- A Bachelor’s Degree in Aquatic Ecology, Fisheries, Hydrology, Environmental Science or related subject
- A minimum of one season of field data collection. Several lab courses with extensive field work can satisfy this requirement. However, preference will be given to people who have collected habitat or hydrologic data in a work setting
- Experience following established field protocols to conduct sampling and field data collection on new and existing monitoring sites, including experience with data entry and management using electronic devices
- Experience navigating and collecting coordinates with hand-held GPS units and other electronic devices
- Experience with Microsoft Office and Google Suite
- Experience using ArcGIS
- Valid driver’s license
- Ability to work long days in and around streams, both in winter and summer where conditions may be challenging
Desired Skills and Interests
- Grant writing experience
- Using R Studio or other statistical software to manipulate data and create graphics
- Knowledge of salmonid life history and habitat needs
- Knowledge of macroinvertebrate life history and habitat needs
- Knowledge of restoration techniques such as bioengineering and beaver dam analogs
- Knowledge of the Big Wood River watershed and geography
- Experience or interest in working for a non-profit organization
Compensation
- Starting salary is $44,000 – $50,000 DOE
- 35 hour work week, plus flexible schedule, some after hours or weekend work activities
may be required - 401K retirement plan with 3% employer match
- 100% employer paid health and dental insurance
- 3 weeks paid vacation
Open until filled. Send resume, cover letter, and three references in a single PDF to Cory McCaffrey at cory@woodriverlandtrust.org