Position: Conservation Planner Closing Date: November 8, 2013. Application materials will be reviewed and initial responses will be made by November 22. The position starts on or around January 1, 2014 or when all Personnel Actions documents are completed.
Location: Saipan, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI). Nature of Work and Duties: The Conservation Planner will guide and manage the revision of CNMI’s State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP), which identifies species of conservation concern, articulates the perspectives and priorities of constituents, and guides research and management of wildlife and marine resources. The Conservation Planner will collaborate with internal and external partners at the state, regional and national level, be familiar with and implement the industry’s best practices, develop conservation priorities, and revise the SWAP in collaboration with and under the guidance of resource managers in CNMI’s Division of Fish & Wildlife. The Conservation Planner will review all of CNMI DFW’s research- and management-related activities. The Conservation Planner will represent the interests of CNMI’s Division of Fish & Wildlife and its constituents. The position reports directly to the Director of Fish & Wildlife on Saipan. Specific duties of the Conservation Planner will include: • Develop a list of criteria for identifying species of greatest conservation need • Review, compile, and summarize data and publications • Solicit and summarize perspective on conservation needs, priorities, and concerns • Generate and discuss a formative and comprehensive report • Make recommendations for and outline the writing of the 2015 SWAP • Hold a quarterly meeting with resource managers • Provide quarterly status update • Draft and finalize the CNMI SWAP Qualifications: Candidates will minimally have a Bachelor’s degree in wildlife conservation, ecology, conservation biology, natural resource planning, or a related field; three years of professional experience in planning or biological or natural resource fields; experience with at least one significant planning initiative; an understanding of species, habitats, cultures, socioeconomic conditions, and conservation challenges that characterize the region; an understanding of complex ecological processes (biodiversity, climate change, geology, hydrology and human- environment interactions) that influence species and habitat distribution and persistence; experience in team-building, group process facilitation techniques, and meeting design; advanced writing and organization skills; advanced communication skills sufficient to present information to lead discussions about specific aspects of planning; ability to search, read, and synthesize findings of scientific research and technical documents; have working knowledge and ability to use GIS; ability to organize and lead diverse groups of stakeholders. Preferred Candidates will have an advanced degree a related field and have significant work experience; advanced knowledge of both terrestrial and marine ecology; advanced statistical expertise; natural resource management experience; experience with geographic information systems and databases; extensive experience in developing and producing professional and/or technical reports. Eligibility and Appointment: Only United States Citizens or legal U.S. residents can be considered for this position. This is a one year term appointment (expiring on September 30, 2014) renewable upon availability of funding. Salary is $38,000 or commensurate with experience. Travel and relocation expenses will be paid based on approved rate. Contact: To apply, e-mail a letter of intent, CV or resume, unofficial transcript, and contact information for three references to: Russell Benford, PhD Supervisory Wildlife Biologist CNMI Division of Fish & Wildlife Saipan, MP 96950
