Urban Conservationist

Position Announcement:  – Urban Conservationist                                 

Deadline: 11/7/2024

Overview: WHF is seeking professional-level assistance in the development and implementation of delivering prairie and pollinator restoration projects within the Greater Houston area. The Urban Conservationist will provide direct technical assistance to individuals seeking to restore and/or enhance native habitat on privately and publicly owned lands within an urban environment. Prospective projects that the urban conservationist will lead include wildflower plantings, pocket prairie installations, green stormwater infrastructure, residential natural areas, and native grassland habitat restoration.

Responsibilities and Duties:

• Develop and implement education and outreach opportunities to individuals through direct contact (phone, email, regular mail, social media), seminars and field days, and collaborative efforts with various partnering conservation-oriented organizations.
• Develop conservation plans to educate individuals and other interested groups about the existing natural resources within a project area and the applicable conservation practices that will assist them with their goals and objectives.
• Develop realistic timelines for the implementation of the planned and selected conservation practices.
• Provide post-monitoring and maintenance plans to individuals whose projects no longer require implementation efforts.
•  Represent WHF at local and regional meetings and public education events.
• After initial training and guidance, there will be latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to be part of multiple teams and, where appropriate, provide coordination and leadership working with a diverse set of partner organizations and individuals to achieve conservation objectives at multiple levels.
• Knowledge of native and invasive plant species and ability to identify, rangeland and wildlife ecology, habitat restoration and management.
• Ability to convey the use of various habitat management tools necessary in the development of native habitat and management plans.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with individuals, partner agencies, and colleagues.
• Ability to work independently with little supervision and with diverse clientele.
• Excellent verbal and written communication.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Demonstrated leadership abilities with a high degree of self-motivation.
• Proficiency with Excel, Word, Powerpoint, CANVA, Google Earth, QGIS, or other mapping products.
• Use of a personal cell phone and computer is required.
• Valid driver’s license required; use of personal vehicle is required (mileage reimbursement will be provided).

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 willing to perform related work as assigned.

Training and Experience Guideline: Any combination of training and/or experience that will enable the applicant to possess the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. A general qualification guideline for this position is a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science, Biology, Ecology, Rangeland Science, Wildlife Management, or closely related natural resources field and/or related field experience.

Position: Independent Contractor, part-time

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.