May

WHF Wildlife Conservationist

Position Announcement: Conservationist

Overview: WHF is seeking a Conservationist to assist with urban-focused prairie and pollinator habitat restoration projects in the Greater Houston area and surrounding counties. The role includes conducting site visits, providing technical assistance to landowners, and preparing written habitat management plans to guide restoration and conservation projects on public and private lands. Work will include wildflower plantings, pocket prairie installations, native grassland restoration, and other conservation project work.

Responsibilities and Duties:

Conduct site visits and assessments on public and private lands in coordination with land stewards (personal vehicle required).
Develop conservation plans that assess natural resource concerns within project areas and identify conservation practices aligned with client goals and objectives.
Create realistic implementation timelines for selected conservation practices.
Provide post-implementation monitoring and maintenance plans for completed projects.
Lead education and outreach initiatives through direct communication, seminars, field days, and partnerships with conservation organizations.
Represent WHF at local and regional meetings and public outreach events.
Exercise initiative and independent judgment following initial training and onboarding

Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

Ability to work within multiple teams and, when appropriate, provide coordination and leadership among diverse partners to achieve conservation objectives at multiple scales.
Knowledge of native and invasive plant species, with the ability to identify key rangeland and wildlife ecology concepts, habitat restoration practices, and management approaches.
Ability to communicate the application of habitat management tools used in the development of native habitat and management plans.
Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to clearly engage landowners, partner agencies, and colleagues.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while serving a diverse clientele.
Strong organizational skills and demonstrated leadership ability with a high degree of self-motivation.
Proficiency in Google Workspace, Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), Google Earth, QGIS, or similar mapping tools.
Ability to use personal cell phone and computer for work-related duties.· Valid driver’s license required; personal vehicle use required (mileage reimbursement provided at IRS-approved rates).

In addition, the applicant must be able to safely accomplish moderate lifting (up to 50 lbs.), sustain moderate physical activity (walking) in an outdoor setting, safely and legally operate a motor vehicle, and be willing to perform related work as assigned.

Training and Experience Guideline: Three or more years of experience in conservation planning, habitat restoration, or related natural resource work, including familiarity with NRCS conservation programs and practices, is preferred. Equivalent combinations of education, training, and professional experience that demonstrate the ability to successfully perform the responsibilities of the position will be considered. Typical qualifications include a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Biology, Ecology, Rangeland Science, Wildlife Management, or a related natural resources field, and/or relevant professional field experience.

Location: within 2 hours of Houston Metro, preferably on west side of Houston

Position Type and Schedule: 1099 Independent Contractor position with a flexible schedule; hours vary depending on workload and individual initiative.

Travel: Required, within 2-3 hours of home, must provide reliable transportation. Occasional overnights required. Reasonable travel expenses provided.

Compensation: To be determined and based on billable hours.

HOW TO APPLY:

Please combine your cover letter and resume into a single Word document or PDF file and email to garry.stephens.whf@gmail.com.