Natural Resource Specialist 4 (Sagebrush Mitigation Coordinator)

State of Oregon • Salem, OR

9d

About The Position

The Sagebrush Mitigation Coordinator serves as the agency’s expert in fish and wildlife habitat mitigation in sagebrush habitat, playing a lead statewide role in development, revision, interpretation and implementation of the Greater Sage-Grouse Conservation Strategy. This position coordinates with field staff and serves within the Land Resources Program on development and implementation of policy, plans, and programs necessary to maintain ecosystems consistent with the State’s and ODFW’s conservation, recovery, and management goals.

Requirements

• To meet the qualifications, candidates must meet at least one of the following options:
• Option 1: Eight years of experience performing studies, research, or resource management activities in a biological or ecological program. At least three years of the experience must be at a technical or professional level performing activities such as researching and analyzing data, conducting investigations, applying pertinent laws and regulations, or coordinating and monitoring project activities.
• Option 2: A Bachelor's degree in Fisheries or Wildlife Science or a closely related Bachelor’s degree with at least 45 quarter (30 semester) hours of related coursework and five years of experience performing studies, research, or resource management activities in a biological or ecological program. At least three years of the experience must be at a technical or professional level performing activities such as researching and analyzing data, conducting investigations, applying pertinent laws and regulations, or coordinating and monitoring project activities.
• Option 3: A Master's degree in Fisheries or Wildlife Science or a closely related Bachelor’s degree with at least 45 quarter (30 semester) hours of related coursework and four years of experience performing studies, research, or resource management activities in a biological or ecological program. At least three years of the experience must be at a technical or professional level performing activities such as researching and analyzing data, conducting investigations, applying pertinent laws and regulations, or coordinating and monitoring project activities.
• Option 4: A Doctorate degree in Fisheries or Wildlife Science or a closely related Bachelor’s degree with at least 45 quarter (30 semester) hours of related coursework and three years of experience performing studies, research, or resource management activities in a biological or ecological program. At least three years of the experience must be at a technical or professional level performing activities such as researching and analyzing data, conducting investigations, applying pertinent laws and regulations, or coordinating and monitoring project activities.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in evaluating impacts of a project or activity on fish, wildlife, and habitat resources; developing recommendations to avoid, minimize and mitigate for these impacts; and negotiate for acceptance of these recommendations
• Ability to work constructively with others to reach consensus on controversial projects and issues
• A well-developed sense of diplomacy is required when working with agency partners, elected officials and the public. Political acumen is required when assessing agency commitments and standards in negotiations
• Advanced background and knowledge of sagebrush ecosystem
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Broad understanding of natural resource issues

Responsibilities

• Lead policy development, review and implementation of ODFW’s statewide sage-grouse mitigation program leads implementation of the Greater Sage-Grouse Habitat Mitigation Program Operations and Administration Manual (Mitigation Manual)
• primary responsibility for understanding and supporting calculation of project debits and credits in sage grouse habitat leads implementation of changes to the sage-grouse mitigation or broader fish and wildlife habitat mitigation programs based on revisions to statute, rule, and policy in coordination with agency leadership
• regularly acts as lead representative for ODFW in controversial mitigation negotiations in sagebrush habitat with land use developers and regulatory agencies where the outcomes have economic impacts
• plays a lead statewide role for ODFW providing technical and policy expertise in ensuring consistent implementation of the Fish and Wildlife Habitat Mitigation Policy for all fish and wildlife species in sagebrush, working as part of a team within the Land Resources Program
• provide technical review of and formal testimony on state legislative bills related to sage-grouse habitat mitigation
• Lead development of mitigation solutions in sagebrush habitat leads development and implementation of mitigation funding solutions, including mitigation banks credit generation projects, in-lieu fee payments, and other options
• leads the strategic development, coordination and implementation of novel market based mitigation options for sagebrush habitat mitigation. This work may involve development of legislative concepts, statutes, or administrative rules
• identifying and implementing strategic landscape level conservation actions for sage grouse and other species within sagebrush habitat
• serve as ODFW’s lead representative and subject matter expert on state and national sage-grouse mitigation related working groups
• Lead development, review and implementation of sage-grouse mitigation field methods and program tools
• identify research and technical needs for the program
• develop, maintain and implement tools to support the program
• develop, maintain, and update program documentation
• lead training on program tools

Benefits

• Work/life balance, 11 paid holidays a year, and a competitive benefits package.
• Advancement and learning opportunities that will help grow your career with the State of Oregon.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree