Natural Resources Biologist ; Wetland Wildlife Restoration Specialist

Main Purpose of Job

The main purpose of this position is to advance climate mitigation efforts by contributing to wetland restoration efforts on Maryland’s Lower Eastern Shore. The Department was awarded approximately $43 million through a multi-state application to EPA’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) program to support natural carbon sequestration through restoration and conservation. The position uses knowledge of coastal ecosystems, wildlife, wetland vegetation, and climate resilience to ensure that considerations for wildlife populations and habitats are included in project planning and implementation.

• Providing technical assistance regarding site-level characteristics, project design, and expected project outcomes for wildlife and natural plant communities during project planning and implementation, including consultation with Wildlife and Heritage Service staff and outside experts.
• Coordinating with Wildlife and Heritage Service staff to facilitate project implementation on Wildlife Management Areas.
• Collaborating with the Climate Projects Manager, other project staff, and nonprofit partners to achieve proposed deliverables and ensure alignment with grant requirements.
• Assisting with implementation of community engagement in coordination with the Climate Projects Manager and Environmental Justice Officer.
• Coordinating with the Department’s communication team to ensure outward storytelling about project initiatives and successes.

Experience:

Four years of professional experience conducting research and analysis in the fields of biology, biochemistry, environmental science, natural science, natural resources management, botany, marine biology, marine ecology, physical oceanography, ichthyology, fisheries management, wildlife management or zoology.

Notes:
Candidates may substitute the possession of a Bachelor’s degree in biology, environmental aquaculture, natural science, natural resources management, botany, marine biology, marine ecology or physical oceanography, ichthyology, fisheries management, wildlife management, zoology, or a natural resources management related field of study from an accredited college or university for the required experience. Candidates may also substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer in the natural resources management and biological sciences classifications or natural resources management and biological sciences specialty codes in the wildlife biology field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience.

• Mid-Atlantic tidal wetland systems, including wildlife and plants.
• Management and/or restoration of tidal wetlands.
• Climate resilience.
• Coordination and collaboration with wildlife professionals, including land managers.
• Working on a team to achieve grant objectives.

Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator's license valid in the State of Maryland.

Contractual employees who work for an agency covered under the State Employee and Retiree Health and Welfare Benefits Program, have a current employment contract and work 30 or more hours a week (or on average 130 hours per month) may be eligible for subsidized health benefits coverage for themselves and their dependents. As a contractual employee, you will be responsible for paying 25% of the premiums for your medical and prescription coverage, including any eligible dependents you have enrolled.

The State of Maryland will subsidize the remaining 75% of the cost for these benefits. You can also elect to enroll in dental coverage, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, and life insurance, but will be responsible to pay the full premium for these benefits. Leave may be granted to a contractual employee at a rate of one hour for every 30 hours worked, not to exceed 40 hours per calendar year.

* Should benefits be available, this information will be discussed at the time of hire.