Deadline: Thu, 11/30/2023 - 12:00pm Employer: Wildlife Mississippi Job Field: Fisheries Forestry Water and Soil Resources Wildlife GIS/Technology Job Type: Full Time Location: Mississippi Location Detail: Amory, Mississippi Job Description: Wildlife Mississippi is seeking qualified candidates for a forest and wildlife land manager to be located in Amory, Mississippi. The person hired for this position will be responsible for management of lands owned by Wildlife Mississippi throughout the state. Wildlife Mississippi owns over 25,000 acres of actively managed forests, and other lands that are in various stages of protection, restoration, and enhancement that require management and oversight. These lands are mostly bottomland hardwoods, wetlands, and riparian lands along the Buttahatchie River, Pearl River, Wolf River, Bayou Pierre, Buckatunna Creek, and Bull Mountain Creek; other lands are in native prairie and longleaf pine. The specialist will also have the opportunity to work with other private landowners in various elements of forest and wildlife habitat management. Wildlife Mississippi is a private, non-profit conservation organization based in Stoneville. Its work focuses on habitat conservation, conservation policy, conservation education, and outdoor recreation. It has offices in Amory, Biloxi, Hattiesburg, and Stoneville, Mississippi. Now 25 years old, the organization has protected, restored, or enhanced more than 650,000 acres in the state since its founding in 1997. For more information about Wildlife Mississippi, go to www.wildlifemiss.org and www.conservationfinancecenter.org. Duties include: • Management and maintenance of forestland, grassland, wetlands and facilities owned by Wildlife Mississippi, which includes over 25,000 acres of land and several facilities. • Field work includes gathering specific environmental/natural resources data within conservation areas, and performing a variety of manual labor activities which could include heavy equipment (e.g., tractor) operation, facilities and property management, and maintenance. • Coordinating and overseeing contracted work including forest management operations, site preparation for habitat restoration, boundary line establishment and surveying, and implementing other wildlife habitat practices. • Coordination and communication with technical service providers, contractors, and field personnel for duties, assignments, and progress reporting. • Frequent travel to project sites throughout Mississippi will be required, including some overnight trips. Qualifications: Preferred Qualifications are: • A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a science-related field and demonstrated knowledge of wildlife habitat restoration techniques including wetland restoration, reforestation, native grass establishment, and other habitat management practices. Preferred majors are Environmental Economics, Forestry, Wildlife, and Fisheries. • Experience working with contractors, landowners, and government agencies. • Experience with USDA Farm Bill programs. • Excellent interpersonal and public speaking skills. • Experience with deeds, easements, rights-of-way, surveys, and legal descriptions. • Computer skills and be proficient in using spreadsheets and other Microsoft Office applications, ArcGIS, and digital mapping experience. • Strong organizational skills, networking, communication (ex. verbal, presentation, interpersonal, writing), project management, and leadership ability. • Experience with agriculture, forestry and silviculture, conservation practice implementation, habitat management, and wildlife biology. • Able to work in a wide range of field conditions often requiring rigorous physical activity. • Capability to work independently with little direct supervision. • Valid drivers’ license required; basic knowledge of land management tools and equipment such as trailers, ATVs, boats, tractors, and implements. • Proven ability to manage multiple projects, produce effective results, and meet deadlines; applicant must be self-motivated, responsible, and have ability to solve problems. Salary: $45,000 (or commensurate with education and experience) plus health insurance, retirement, most holidays paid, medical leave, and personal leave. Benefits: Health Insurance: Wildlife Mississippi provides coverage through Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Mississippi with a deductible of $250 and out of pocket of $1,500. Co-pay for a primary care visit is $15 and for a specialist is $25. Wildlife Mississippi pays the entire Individual Coverage rate. BlueBonnet Life provides a $20,000 natural/$20,000 accidental death and dismemberment life insurance policy in conjunction with the health insurance coverage for the employee as long as they are an employee with Wildlife Mississippi. Wildlife Mississippi does not provide dental or vision insurance. Life Flight Insurance: Wildlife Mississippi provides each employee an Air Evac LifeTeam membership (participating provider in the AirMedCare Network) at no cost to the employee. This covers you and anyone living in your household, providing emergency transport with participating providers from over 320 locations across 38 states. Members who are transported by AirMedCare Network will not receive a bill for the flight. Retirement: Wildlife Mississippi’s retirement plan is a 403(B) retirement plan managed by Vanguard. Wildlife Mississippi will match up to 6% of gross salary for retirement. Once enrolled, the employee is 100% vested. Holidays/Leave: Wildlife Mississippi provides ten days as paid holidays throughout the year. Wildlife Mississippi provides 12 days of vacation leave, and 12 days of sick leave annually. How to Apply: Email a copy of a resume and three references by November 30, 2023, to Steven Gruchy, Conservation Coordinator, at sgruchy@wildlifemiss.org.
