Position Available: Blufflands Field Assistant

By Taylor on January 21, 2015 in Blog

The application deadline is Friday, Feb. 6, 2015.

INHF is seeking a passionate, well-organized self-starter to help accomplish more protection and stewardship. The Blufflands Field Assistant (BFA) works directly with the Blufflands Director to carry-out and further develop INHF's protection and stewardship activities in Northeastern Iowa. The Bluffland program's operational base is located in Decorah, Iowa. This is a new, non-exempt, full-time, temporary (8 month) position.

Job duties include:

• Assist with all aspects of natural area stewardship including prescribed fire, invasive species control, woodland management and prairie management.
• Train, supervise and ensure the safety of the 4-person Bluffland Land Stewardship Intern crew.
• Supervise for-hire stewardship crews and contractors.
• Coordinate and lead volunteers.
• Assist with all aspects of conservation easement monitoring including landowner contact, monitoring and reporting.
• Complete annual site inspections and reporting of INHF-owned properties.
• Maintain and repair stewardship equipment.
• Assist in stewardship and project administration including documentation, research, grant reporting, creating maps, drafting management plans and creating baseline data reports.

Required education/skills:

• Baccalaureate degree in natural resource management, animal ecology, wildlife biology, botany, forestry, environmental sciences or a related field.
• Knowledge and field experience with natural area restoration and management.
• Experience in the identification of native and non-native flora and fauna.
• Experience operating and maintain power equipment including chainsaws, brush cutters, ATVs and tractors.
• Experience using herbicides and application equipment.
• Experience with prescribed fire (S130/S190 certification preferred).
• Ability to work long hours in adverse weather conditions and difficult terrain.
• Well-developed interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to lead and work with a broad range of people with different skill sets, backgrounds and personalities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel.
• General understanding of agricultural practices and issues.
• General understanding of voluntary land protection methods.
• Ability to budget time and resources among multiple demands.

How to apply:

Application should include the following:

1. Cover letter explaining how your skill-set and experience fits the position and how you would make a valuable addition to INHF.
2. Resume.
3. List of three references and their contact information.

Send your completed application either electronically (PDF or Word format) or by mail to:

Brian Fankhauser
Bluffland Director
Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation
802 Fair Street
Decorah, IA 52101
bfankhauser@inhf.org

Reminder: The deadline is Feb. 6, 2015.