PLJV is seeking a dynamic leader with the drive and entrepreneurial spirit to develop collaborative conservation programs that advance the PLJV partnership. PLJV is a regional partnership of federal and state wildlife agencies, conservation groups and private industry dedicated to conserving bird habitat throughout portions of Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas. Our mission is to conserve the playas, prairies and landscapes of the western Great Plains through partnerships for the benefit of birds, other wildlife, and people. The Joint Venture facilitates cooperation among a broad coalition of partners on the national, regional, state and local levels.

We provide regional planning, coordination, efficiency and implementation approaches that promote habitat conservation and bird population goals for the region. In addition, PLJV supports local conservation partnerships, state agencies and other partners by developing various biological and social decision support tools, communication products and messaging, as well as by providing information and guidance about how to use the tools to target and deliver the most effective habitat conservation.

The person in this position serves as the Coordinator for the PLJV partnership, and assumes principal responsibilities for initiating, facilitating, integrating, coordinating, communicating, and directing the work and activities of the partnership. Work and activities relate to several primary functional aspects of Joint Venture implementation and administration, including biological planning, conservation design, conservation delivery, research, monitoring and evaluation, social science, and communications and outreach. 

The Coordinator works collaboratively with the PLJV staff, Management Board, working groups, teams, and other partners to develop, initiate and link priority work assignments within these functional areas and provide the oversight and direction necessary for successful completion. The Coordinator represents the interests of PLJV and its partners in a variety of professional forums, and plays a key role in developing, maintaining and advancing a strategic, landscape oriented, partnership-driven approach to integrated migratory bird conservation in the geography of the PLJV.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Works closely with the Management Board to facilitate a fully engaged partnership that develops and executes large-scale conservation programs.
• Supports the Management Board by coordinating regular meetings, by serving as an intermediary for dialogue among Board members and agencies, and by coordinating development and implementation of priority projects, tracking accomplishments, and evaluating long-term results.
• Supervises and mentors staff directors and helps guide team leadership to achieve desired outcomes.
• Facilitates cooperation and dialogue among governmental and non-governmental entities, as well as among private citizens and landowners — dealing with a variety of perspectives and potentially conflicting interests.
• Clearly defines work assignments and priorities for staff, board, and partnership members, outlining objectives and goals to be accomplished, and timelines within which to complete them; reviews work at critical junctures/phases, suggests necessary modifications, and provides appropriate oversight.
• Identifies and assesses core competencies of programs, projects and teams.
• Stimulates technical and media support for Joint Venture activities and projects.
• Exercises patience, tact, understanding and respect in addressing and balancing a variety of perspectives and interests that influence the partnership’s direction and priorities.
• Develops and manages budgets and funding allocations related to PLJV operations.  Seeks external funding through grants, partners and cooperative arrangements. Ensures that all PLJV obligations are met/exceeded.
• Acts as a public representative and spokesperson for conservation on behalf of the organization.

Desired Traits and Characteristics

• Leadership. Ability to effectively manage personnel to maximize the potential of PLJV (e.g. high emotional intelligence, fostering a positive work environment, encouraging career growth and training opportunities). Ability to plan and adapt in executing priorities.
• Vision. Ability to assess the conservation landscape and political climate to develop a strategic vision that generates maximum value for future conservation efforts. Willingness to build upon existing PLJV initiatives and programs that support this vision.
• Communication. Ability to communicate effectively in writing and in person across a broad range of organizations and agencies to convey PLJV’s mission, ongoing work, and availability to assist, and with staff to provide guidance and nurture growth as needed. Addresses conflicts with directness, kindness, and professionalism.
• Collaboration with Diverse Partnerships. Ability to capitalize on existing relationships and to develop and foster new ones within a politically, economically, and culturally diverse landscape.
• Energy. Strong work ethic and self-driven. Thrives in a partnership environment and is adept at identifying, developing, and maintaining effective advisory teams, working groups and larger partnerships.

Position Requirements

• Master’s degree in a natural resources/natural science field, or a Bachelor’s degree in another relevant discipline combined with 10+ years of relevant experience in a conservation context.
• Strong background in effective organizational development and in nurturing sustainable conservation partnerships, with more than five years of experience.
• Knowledge of theory, principles, and methods of migratory bird management and research, and their application in the conservation of migratory birds and their habitats, especially in the western High Plains.
• Knowledge of the theories and principles of landscape ecology, ecosystem management, communications, social science, and adaptive resource management, and their application to conservation planning at multiple spatial and temporal scales.
• Working knowledge of the USFWS Strategic Habitat Conservation approach and a basic understanding of a highly functioning JV as described in the Joint Venture “Matrix”.
• Direct experience leading and implementing strategic planning, as well as biological planning and landscape conservation design.
• Direct experience in supervising staff.
• Direct experience in writing successful grant proposals and cultivating donors.
• Excellent planning, management, and team building skills.

Supervisory Controls

Incumbent reports to the PLJV Management Board and is under the direct supervision of the Chairperson who manages an annual performance review and establishes annual performance objectives with the Executive Committee.

Travel Required

Travel requirements may be as much as 30% or greater to attend staff meetings, management board meetings, and other regional partnership meetings, as needed.

Salary, Benefits, and Start Date

Starting salary is commensurate with education, experience, and location with an expected range of $105,000–$136,000 per year. PLJV offers a generous benefits package, including employer-paid health coverage (medical, dental and vision), HSA with annual contribution to defray medical deductibles, and a 7% match on salary toward our retirement plan. We anticipate this position will begin working mid-July or early August.

Job Location

The job location can be anywhere in the PLJV region that supports the corporate charter requirements and facilitates ease of travel to meet with regional partners.

To Apply

Playa Lakes Joint Venture is an Equal Opportunity Employer and seeks a diverse applicant pool. Please email your application documents as one complete PDF file to [email protected]. All applications should include a resume or CV, a cover letter (three pages max), three professional references, and any relevant authored materials, as appropriate. In the cover letter, please include salary requirements and desired location. The deadline for all applications is 5:00PM MST on May 10.

The Niobrara Valley Program Manager oversees activities at NVP, including land stewardship, outreach, research and evaluation, conservation planning, and facilities operations.  They hire and supervise staff and are responsible for maintaining strong team cohesion and a strategic conservation focus.  The Program Manager also builds partnerships with landowners, community members, and a variety of organizations around the state in support of NVP’s conservation goals. 

The Program Manager is responsible for assembling and managing annual budgets for NVP.  Working with others, they manage grant funds from both private and public sources. They also write and supervise contracts for NVP-based projects related to livestock infrastructure, tree clearing, invasive species control, building construction and maintenance, and more.

This position will require travel and work select evenings and/or weekends, as needed. The Program Manager may work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.

The location for this position is in a rural part of north-central Nebraska near the towns of Valentine and Ainsworth, along the northern edge of the Nebraska Sandhills.

WE’RE LOOKING FOR YOU

If you’re looking for a career where you can find meaning and purpose, come join our Chapter as the Niobrara Valley Program Manager! Not only will you fulfil conservation objectives in the beautiful state of Nebraska, but you’ll contribute to conservation goals through many networks!  Come join TNC and apply today!
 

WHAT YOU’LL BRING

• Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 5 years’ experience in natural resource management or related field.
• Experience negotiating complex agreements
• Supervisory experience
• Experience communicating with the public and/or media both in writing and verbally.
• Experience in training and team-building
• Experience using applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and Web Browsers.

WHAT WE BRING

Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world! 

TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits. Learn more about our benefits on our Culture Tab on nature.org/careers.

We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.

ADDITIONAL JOB INFORMATION

The Niobrara Valley Preserve (NVP) encompasses approximately 56,000 acres along a 25-mile stretch of the Niobrara River in north-central Nebraska. This portion of the Niobrara River is designated as a Wild and Scenic River.  Ecosystems on the Preserve include Sandhills and Dakota mixed-grass prairie, tallgrass prairie, bur oak savanna, ponderosa pine savanna, deciduous woodland, and others. Those are managed with a combination of prescribed fire, grazing by two resident bison herds (1000+ animals), cattle grazing through lease arrangements, and various invasive species control efforts.

Staff at the Niobrara Valley Preserve work to promote biological diversity, mitigate climate change and influence land stewardship around Nebraska and beyond.  We look for creative and innovative approaches to reach those goals and to translate lessons learned to a broad variety of audiences.

AUTO SAFETY POLICY

This position requires a valid driver’s license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program.

Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered “high risk drivers.” To learn more about the Auto Safety Program, visit https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/careers/recruitment/ under the FAQ section.

Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee’s motor vehicle record.

SALARY INFORMATION

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $60,000 to $75,000 for annual base salary. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidate’s actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate’s location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. Please note countries outside the USA would have a different pay range in the local currency based on the local labor market, and not tied to USA pay or ranges. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.

APPLY NOW

To apply for job ID 54931, submit your materials online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/. Need help applying? Visit our recruitment page or contact [email protected].

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character is a priority and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy’s background screening process.

Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings!

TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to [email protected] with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.

An attractive salary and benefits package is part of TNC’s value proposition to our employees. TNC strives to provide competitive pay and bases salaries on the geographic location of the role committing to being equitable across groups and providing hiring salary ranges when possible.

WHO WE ARE

The mission of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is to conserve the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we develop innovative, on-the-ground solutions to the world’s toughest environmental challenges so that people and nature can thrive. Our work is guided by our values, which include a commitment to diversity and respect for people, communities, and cultures. From a rewarding mission to career development and flexible schedules, there are many reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want to know more? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube   to hear stories from staff or visit  Glassdoor.

One of TNC’s primary goals is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that employees around the globe have a sense of belonging and feel that their unique contributions are valued. We know we’ll only achieve our mission by hiring and engaging a diverse staff that reflects the communities in which we work. Recognizing that people bring talent and skills that have been developed outside the scope of a job, we take a holistic approach to recruitment that considers life experience in addition to the professional requirements listed in our postings. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and you’ll stay for the people.”

Job Description

The JCPRD Natural Resource Internship provides an opportunity for college students to gain real world experience in natural area management.

The internship is designed to provide a broad set of skills that aren’t available in the classroom including: 

• Regional native seed collection and processing with community partners.

• Instruction on Utility Terrain Vehicles, Tractors, and Forestry equipment.

• Invasive plant removal, chemical mixing, and safe herbicide use.

• ArcGIS Pro and natural resource data collection. 

• Wildlife/Fisheries tasks and Prescribed Fire opportunities if available. 

What you bring to the Internship:

• Ability to work outdoors. 

• Energy and enthusiasm for field work. 

• Coursework in natural resources, ecology, environmental science or a related field. 

• Valid Driver’s License 

• Job Requirements

• Minimum age 18. 

• Must have high school diploma or equivalent and an interest in natural resource management with preference given to individuals with advanced course work in the field.

• Must possess valid driver’s license and have a good driving record verified through a background check.

• Ability to work outdoors and tolerate the climate and conditions of natural areas typical to NE Kansas

JCPRD requires reference/background screening for all positions.  Specified criteria may vary by Department.

Overview

Make a positive impact on the community by joining the Johnson County Park and Recreation District team and help us enhance the lives of thousands through excellence in parks, recreation, culture, education, and public service. As a JCPRD employee, you’ll be part of a locally, regionally, and nationally acclaimed organization that annually hosts nearly 7 million park visitors and engages nearly 3 million participants in 4,000+ programs. With excellent benefits, retirement plans, employee incentives, and a great organizational culture, JCPRD is building a thriving park and recreation system that inspires play, culture, and education, supporting healthy and fulfilling lives for all. Come work where you play!

The Southern Fire Exchange (SFE) helps tackle America’s wildland fire problems by moving science into practice. As a member of the Fire Science Exchange Network, SFE bridges the gap between the southeastern U.S. fire science and natural resource management communities so that relevant cutting-edge fire science information can be applied to address wildfire and prescribed fire challenges in the Southeast. The SFE Outreach Specialist is part of a team that works with key regional partners to develop innovative programs, resources, and networks that move fire science and management forward.

The Outreach Specialist will be responsible for developing creative, innovative, and successful fire science outreach and communication programs. While the specific responsibilities of the Outreach Specialist may be adjusted to best align with the skills and strengths of the individual, duties may include the following:

• Lead SFE social media programs by developing content, monitoring engagement, and analyzing metrics.
• Develop and publish 3-4 SFE fact sheets annually that synthesize scientific literature and research publications.
• Create, edit, and manage content for the SFE website.
• Coordinate in-person fire science workshops in the southeastern U.S.
• Support developing surveys and analyzing evaluation data from SFE programs to aid in science delivery planning.
• Capture and produce high-quality multimedia products to support fire science communication programs (e.g., videos, graphics, infographics, photos, podcasts).
• Represent and occasionally present SFE materials and resources at regional events (e.g., local natural resource management meetings, public events, conferences, and prescribed fire council meetings).
• Participate in weekly planning web meetings with a subset of the SFE Leadership Team.
• Participate in monthly SFE Leadership Team conference calls.
• Travel to and attend the annual SFE Leadership Team and Advisory Board planning meeting.
• Maintain regular email and phone contact with the SFE core team.
• Conduct other duties as assigned to ensure the success of the project. Other responsibilities could include overnight travel to participate in meetings in or out of state.

Qualifications

Candidates are expected to have a bachelor’s degree and preferably a master’s degree in a field relevant to the position. Experience burning, including Firefighter Type 2 qualifications, is not necessary but preferred.

The successful candidate should have experience and expertise in at least some of the following areas.

• Organizing and delivering outreach programs and events, including presentations, workshops, webinars, classes, and public events.
• Developing and implementing tools for the evaluation of outreach/extension programs.
• Experience synthesizing and reporting outreach and extension evaluation data.
• Experience writing and creating products and documents that synthesize and translate complex scientific literature for technical and non-technical readers (i.e., fact sheets, reports, research syntheses, newsletters, blog posts, and social media content).
• Graphic design or multimedia experience could include developing factsheets, infographics, posters, videos, or podcasts for science communication.

 We are particularly interested in candidates with knowledge of prescribed fire, fire science, fire ecology, southeastern ecosystems, and regional natural resource management techniques.

Location

This position will be hired through Southern Fire Exchange grant funds allocated to Tall Timbers Research Station (TTRS) in Tallahassee, Florida. This position can be remotely located within the southeastern US. The employee would need to be willing to travel to participate in meetings and events across the region.

How to Apply

This is a grant-funded Tall Timbers Research Station full-time position with health benefits and annual leave, and a starting salary of $48,000. Funds for this position depend upon the continuation of multi-year grants that have supported the program for over thirteen years.  Tall Timbers Research, Inc. is an equal-opportunity employer.

To apply, please send the following documents as PDF files to [email protected].

• Cover letter highlighting your interest in and qualifications for this position.
• Resume or equivalent.

This position is open until filled.

Southern Fire Exchange

Through a collaborative partnership among Tall Timbers Research Station, the University of Florida, and North Carolina State University, with funding from the Joint Fire Science Program, SFE develops and administers programs to increase the use and usefulness of wildland fire science in the Southeastern U.S. SFE seeks to bridge the gap between fire science research and natural resource management communities to make southern wildland fire more effective, efficient, and safe. SFE core outreach programs include presentations, webinars, videos, newsletters, factsheets, and in-person training workshops

Application Deadline: April 11, 2024

Anticipated Start Date: May 2024

Starting Salary Information: Commensurate with experience and up to $45,000 starting salary + benefits: up to $200/month student loan reimbursement, and modest performance-based yearly increases (view benefit summary on our recruitment website: www.pheasantsforever.org/jobs).

Overview: 

Position will be mainly home officed with the opportunity for some time within a USDA Service Center office, and will provide conservation technical assistance and conservation program delivery to private landowners within the Flint Hills Eco-Region of Kansas and other priority areas as appropriate.  The incumbent will work in a joint capacity with USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), and other State and Federal partners to promote, accelerate enrollment, coordinate, and implement the conservation provisions of the Federal Farm Bill and other wildlife related conservation programs with a heavy emphasis on the Great Plains Grassland Initiative (GPGI). The primary goal of this position will be to further the delivery and implementation of conservation efforts of the GPGI collaborative through range and wildlife technical assistance targeting conservation efforts on private lands.  

Activities will include program promotion (workshops and one-on-one meetings), contract coordination, writing conservation plans, site assessment, and reporting. Work with local chapters of Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever (PF & QF) and other local partners to increase habitat management efforts and participate in regional and statewide habitat meetings. Assist or coordinate activities and projects with other PF & QF and NRCS staff. This position will be an employee of, and supervised by Pheasants Forever, Inc. & Quail Forever, with daily instruction and leadership provided by NRCS and PF & QF.  

Specific Duties: 

• Provide technical assistance (range conservation focus) and guidance to private landowners, government agencies, non-government organizations and other groups for USDA NRCS Conservation Programs. The positions will receive training on the USDA NRCS, PF & QF, KDWP, and other local and state programs.

• Coordinates the implementation and application of wildlife programs within target landscapes in cooperation with private landowners, the local NRCS, Conservation District Managers, KDWP Biologists, PF & QF Biologists, and other state partners as appropriate.
• Coordinate and participate in field work activities for Great Plains Grassland Initiative project implementation.
• Completes contracts, applications, and other required documentation for the conservation programs requiring biological expertise in cooperation with the listed partners.
• Communicates program requirements, completes site visits to determine eligibility, and develops contracts/plans for applicants/participants for USDA-NRCS Conservation Programs and other local and state programs.
• Facilitate information and awareness on grassland conservation opportunities to partners.
• Provide landscape-level conservation planning, technical assistance and project prioritization support to PF & QF, NRCS and partners in out-year planning efforts.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Desired Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with landowners and partner agencies. 
• Ability to work independently with little supervision and with diverse clientele.
• Knowledge of wildlife ecology, grassland, wetland, and early succession habitat management including the ability to utilize various habitat management tools in the development of management plans. 
• Experience or knowledge of woody encroachment and treatment, grazing/rangeland management and/or prescribed fire is preferred.

• Understanding of habitat management at a landscape scale.
• Knowledge of managing rangeland threats, applied fire ecology, range management and habitat management objectives.
• Knowledge of conservation and wildlife habitat programs provided by federal (i.e., Farm Bill, US Fish and Wildlife Service), state, & local entities.

• Excellent verbal and written communication, coordination, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency with ArcGIS and Conservation Desktop.

• Must be able to obtain USDA Federal Security Clearance.

Education and Experience Guidelines: 

A minimum requirement for this position is a Bachelor of Science Degree in Rangeland Science, Wildlife Management, or a closely related natural resources field. Proven experience working with USDA Farm Bill programs (CRP, CREP, ACEP, EQIP, and CSP) is preferred.  

To Apply:

Please combine your cover letter, resume, and 3 references into a single PDF file before uploading to the “Resume” section of your application on our recruitment website at www.pheasantsforever.org/jobs. 

 **Please title your attachment as LASTNAME_PFQFAPPLICATION_CDSFLINTHILLS

The Southern Fire Exchange (SFE) helps tackle America’s wildland fire problems by moving science into practice. As a member of the Fire Science Exchange Network, SFE bridges the gap between the southeastern U.S. fire science and natural resource management communities so that relevant cutting-edge fire science information can be applied to address wildfire and prescribed fire challenges in the Southeast. The SFE Outreach Specialist is part of a team that works with key regional partners to develop innovative programs, resources, and networks that move fire science and management forward.

The Outreach Specialist will be responsible for developing creative, innovative, and successful fire science outreach and communication programs. While the specific responsibilities of the Outreach Specialist may be adjusted to best align with the skills and strengths of the individual, duties may include the following:

• Lead SFE social media programs by developing content, monitoring engagement, and analyzing metrics.
• Develop and publish 3-4 SFE fact sheets annually that synthesize scientific literature and research publications.
• Create, edit, and manage content for the SFE website.
• Coordinate in-person fire science workshops in the southeastern U.S.
• Support developing surveys and analyzing evaluation data from SFE programs to aid in science delivery planning.
• Capture and produce high-quality multimedia products to support fire science communication programs (e.g., videos, graphics, infographics, photos, podcasts).
• Represent and occasionally present SFE materials and resources at regional events (e.g., local natural resource management meetings, public events, conferences, and prescribed fire council meetings).
• Participate in weekly planning web meetings with a subset of the SFE Leadership Team.
• Participate in monthly SFE Leadership Team conference calls.
• Travel to and attend the annual SFE Leadership Team and Advisory Board planning meeting.
• Maintain regular email and phone contact with the SFE core team.
• Conduct other duties as assigned to ensure the success of the project. Other responsibilities could include overnight travel to participate in meetings in or out of state.

Qualifications

Candidates are expected to have a bachelor’s degree and preferably a master’s degree in a field relevant to the position. Experience burning, including Firefighter Type 2 qualifications, is not necessary but preferred.

The successful candidate should have experience and expertise in at least some of the following areas.

• Organizing and delivering outreach programs and events, including presentations, workshops, webinars, classes, and public events.
• Developing and implementing tools for the evaluation of outreach/extension programs.
• Experience synthesizing and reporting outreach and extension evaluation data.
• Experience writing and creating products and documents that synthesize and translate complex scientific literature for technical and non-technical readers (i.e., fact sheets, reports, research syntheses, newsletters, blog posts, and social media content).
• Graphic design or multimedia experience could include developing factsheets, infographics, posters, videos, or podcasts for science communication.

 We are particularly interested in candidates with knowledge of prescribed fire, fire science, fire ecology, southeastern ecosystems, and regional natural resource management techniques.

Location

This position will be hired through Southern Fire Exchange grant funds allocated to Tall Timbers Research Station (TTRS) in Tallahassee, Florida. This position can be remotely located within the southeastern US. The employee would need to be willing to travel to participate in meetings and events across the region.

How to Apply

This is a grant-funded Tall Timbers Research Station full-time position with health benefits and annual leave, and a starting salary of $48,000. Funds for this position depend upon the continuation of multi-year grants that have supported the program for over thirteen years.  Tall Timbers Research, Inc. is an equal-opportunity employer.

To apply, please send the following documents as PDF files to [email protected].

• Cover letter highlighting your interest in and qualifications for this position.
• Resume or equivalent.

This position is open until filled.

Southern Fire Exchange

Through a collaborative partnership among Tall Timbers Research Station, the University of Florida, and North Carolina State University, with funding from the Joint Fire Science Program, SFE develops and administers programs to increase the use and usefulness of wildland fire science in the Southeastern U.S. SFE seeks to bridge the gap between fire science research and natural resource management communities to make southern wildland fire more effective, efficient, and safe. SFE core outreach programs include presentations, webinars, videos, newsletters, factsheets, and in-person training workshops.

Employment and Internships

Area of Specialization: Climatology, meteorology, statistical modeling, or fire science

Background, duties, and responsibilities:

Prescribed fire modelers require succinct summaries of potential wind conditions at burn sites to generate burn scenarios. The Fire Science lab at Tall Timbers is applying the Offset Elliptical Normal (OEN) modeling system as a tool for communicating and predicting wind conditions. This position entails developing parameters for OEN models, using software in the R programming language developed by N. Cook (2019). The incumbent will apply OEN models to sites of high prescribed burning activity across the United States; develop a computer program for simulating wind sequences and other data based on the OEN models; and contribute to a manuscript summarizing this work. The incumbent will have the opportunity to participate in research fires and to program and operate micrometeorological equipment in research fires.

Tall Timbers has been at the center of fire research since its founding in 1958.

Cook, N. J. 2019, The OEN mixture model for the joint distribution of wind speed and direction: A globally applicable model with physical justification. Energy Conversion and Management 2019 Vol. 191 Pages 141-158. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enconman.2019.04.015

Minimum Qualifications:

A B.S. degree in either climatology, meteorology, engineering, forestry, ecology, geospatial analysis, fire behavior, or a related field. Candidate should have the ability to work independently. Proficiency in the R programming language, or proficiency in a related programming language and willingness to learn R, is required.

Preferred Qualifications:

M.S. in aforementioned fields of study; publication in peer-reviewed outlet.

Workplace Environment and Commitment to Diversity:

Tall Timbers is an equal opportunity employer. We reject racism, prejudice, discrimination or hate toward any race, ethnicity, culture, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, ability, national origin, veteran status, socioeconomic class, religion, or professional status. We value applications from historically underrepresented groups and those that add to and engage the local communities.

Term: 5 mo, with possible extension.

Compensation. Tall Timbers provides a competitive salary and subsidized benefits that includes health, dental, and vision.

Instructions for Applying:

Applications should include 1) a letter of interest and 2) a current CV that includes references. Applications should be emailed to Dr. Seth Bigelow, Research Ecologist ([email protected]). Phone: 229-344-2290.

Position Start Date:    May 1, 2024

Work Location: Tallahassee, FL (Tall Timbers).

Employment and Internships

Tall Timbers is recruiting a scientist to lead applied prescribed fire smoke and air quality research, with an emphasis on smoke management and policy engagement. A major need in wildland fire science is better measurement, prediction, and modeling of wildland smoke. Federal scrutiny on particulate matter, ground level ozone, and other pollutants heighten the need for smoke science to have a seat at the public policy table. The Southeast is the region with the most prescribed fire extent in the US, offering tremendous opportunities for research and for application of findings.
Tall Timbers has been at the center of fire research since its founding in 1958. This position represents an organizational commitment to better understanding prescribed fire smoke, its components, and its impacts on policy and management. The incumbent will work with a team of engaged, collaborative fire scientists at Tall Timbers that focus on related topics of fuels, fire behavior, and ecological effects of fire. The region is rich in potential collaborators across academia, USDA Forest Service R&D, NASA, NOAA, EPA, and other state and federal agencies and NGOs focused on prescribed fire. The Red Hills region and conservation lands across northern Florida and southern Georgia offer an unparalleled natural laboratory to study smoke, both in urban and rural areas.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
The scientist will lead efforts on increasing understanding of wildland fire smoke and engage land managers who deal with these issues. There is an acute need to better characterize prescribed fire smoke transport to inform regional management practices, policies, and regulations. The scientist will understand empirical and process-based smoke generation and transport models, have strong interests in applied fire science questions, and be committed to a productive, collaborative research environment. The incumbent will be expected to build a dynamic, collaborative team focused on relevant issues in the southeastern Coastal Plain and beyond. The proximity to Florida State University and Florida A&M University, both in Tallahassee, offers additional potential to build novel partnerships that leverage local capacity.

Tall Timbers scientists are expected to publish high-quality research in leading outlets, to generate external funding to support world-class research, and to be responsive to applied needs of the fire and conservation community. Supervision of technicians and staff, service on graduate student committees, and a collaborative spirit are expectations of all scientists at Tall Timbers. The scientist will develop proposals in response to related RFPs and interact with numerous academic, NGO, and federal scientists of diverse academic backgrounds. The scientist will engage regional land managers to understand needs, to assist with decision support, and to educate using the latest science. The scientist will work closely with land managers spanning private and public lands to apply lessons learned from research into actionable management.

Qualifications:
An advanced degree (Ph.D. preferred) in climatology, meteorology, environmental policy, engineering, forestry, ecology, geospatial analysis, fire behavior, public health, physics or related fields. Candidate should be highly motivated with the ability to work independently. The scientist should have a clear record of relevant peer-reviewed publication on smoke science. Post-doctoral research experience or advanced policy engagement highly desirable. A strong understanding of applied smoke issues in the southeastern Coastal Plain is preferred.

Workplace Environment and Commitment to Diversity:
Tall Timbers is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. We reject racism, prejudice, discrimination or hate toward any race, ethnicity, culture, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, ability, national origin, veteran status, socioeconomic class, religion, or professional status. We strongly encourage applications from historically underrepresented groups and those that add to and engage the local communities.

Instructions for Applying:
Applications should include 1) a letter of interest that includes educational and experiential preparation and 2) a current CV. All applications should be emailed to Dr. Morgan Varner, Research Director & Senior Scientist ([email protected]).

Contact: J. Morgan Varner
Contact Email: [email protected]
Contact Phone: 850-893-4153 x224
Applications Reviewed: May 1, 2024
Position Start Date: Summer/Fall 2024 (negotiable)
Work Location: The position will be located at the 4,000 acre Tall Timbers campus in Tallahassee, Florida. Tallahassee is the capital of Florida and a vibrant small city surrounded by private and public conservation lands. More information on Tallahassee: https://visittallahassee.com . More information on Tall Timbers: www.talltimbers.org.

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