POSITION TITLE: MONITORING BIOLOGIST (GS7-1)

SALARY:                    $53,105 (BASED ON HOURLY RATE OF $25.53/HR)

POSITION TYPE:   GRANT CONTRACT EMPLOYMENT*

LOCATION:              EASTERN SHORE

START DATE:          IMMEDIATELY

 

ABOUT US:

The Southern Maryland Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) Board, Inc. is a nonprofit organization administering projects related to resource conservation, habitat restoration, forestry, agricultural preservation, and wetland restoration. We were founded in 1971.

ABOUT THE POSITION:

The RC&D has entered into a Cooperative Agreement with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to fund a Biologist position to provide services on the Eastern Shore of Maryland with focus on Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester Counties. The successful applicant will be responsible for assisting with implementation of conservation programs and provisions included in the Farm Bill. The Biologist provides direct technical assistance to landowners and cooperators and works with project partners to accomplish goals and implement conservation practices. The Biologist will coordinate directly with the NRCS State Biologist on projects and provide support to local NRCS field office staff in Eastern Shore Maryland.

USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) helps America’s farmers and ranchers conserve the Nation’s soil, water, air and other natural resources. We need people who want to apply their education and experience to make sure we all enjoy the benefits of productive soil, clean water, clean air, and abundant wildlife that come from a healthy environment.  “Helping People Help the Land”.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

The primary responsibility of the Monitoring Biologist position is to complete annual easement monitoring for lands enrolled in the USDA NRCS Farm Bill Program, Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) Wetland Reserve Easements (WRE) and lands formerly enrolled in the Wetland Reserve Program (WRP).

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Conduct onsite and offsite easement monitoring to ensure compliance with easement requirements and restrictions.
  • Conduct onsite easement monitoring to evaluate ecological and hydrological functioning of easement.
  • Identify problems using photographs and GPS and communicate with landowners to resolve issues.
  • Complete monitoring worksheets and documentation and enter information into NRCS business tools.
  • Conduct follow-up with landowners who are interested in implementing management activities.
  • Develop compatible use authorizations to meet landowner and NRCS objectives in line with WRE policies.
  • Develop conservation plans to restore wetlands and wildlife habitat for existing easements using NRCS business tools.
  • Communicate with NRCS State Office staff responsible for easement stewardship activities.
  • Communicate with NRCS field staff and partners about easement stewardship activities.
  • Perform all other duties as assigned by the Supervisor.

 PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS:

  • A bachelor’s degree or higher in the biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or other related disciplines appropriate to the position. Knowledge of agricultural operations and federal and state conservation programs is advantageous.  Knowledge and skill in interpreting and applying technical manuals, specifications, topographic maps and standard construction blueprint designs.
    • The ability to identify plants in agricultural, forested, and natural areas.
  • The ability to communicate with landowners, farmers, conservation planners, and contractors.
  • The ability to work independently while effectively managing multiple priorities, projects, and tasks.
  • The ability to conduct field work, where physical exertion is required for activities, such as walking through dense vegetation, traversing ditches and streams, wading through wet soils, walking long distances through woods and crop fields, and carrying GPS, survey, and other equipment for habitat assessment and monitoring. Candidates must be willing to work in hot, cold, and wet field conditions, with exposure to annoying and biting insects, livestock, and being willing to operate agricultural and construction equipment (with appropriate training).
  • The candidate must have a valid state driver’s license.
  • The position will require the operation of 4-wheel drive vehicles on dirt roads and crop fields. Must be willing to relocate or commute to duty station. The ability to have your salary sent to a financial institution of your choice by Direct Deposit.
  • The candidate must have U.S. citizenship.
  • A clean criminal record verified by a standard background check with local, state, and national law enforcement agencies. Security clearance is not a requirement.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND TO APPLY FOR THIS POSITION:

Please email Resume and Cover Letter and 3 professional references to: somdrcd@somdrcd.org

The Southern Maryland RC&D is an equal opportunity employer. All programs and services of the Southern Maryland RC&D Board are offered on a non-discriminatory basis, without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital or family status, disability or political belief.

(*) This is a position that is funded through a grant agreement with NRCS and is contingent upon funding.