Plant identification classes

Yes, we are now in a new year and it is time for you to think about plant id classes.  I have scheduled two for April, two for May, and one for June.  There are three basic ones where we will cover all kinds of plants (wildflowers, trees, shrubs, woody vines, ferns, and grasses).  Those three are scheduled for April 14-16, May 12-14, and June 9-11.  There is a wetland plant id class for April 28-30 and a graminoid for May 19-21.   We will cover all kinds of wetland plant species (wildflowers, trees, shrubs, woody vines, ferns, and grasses) and will travel more than the other classes in order to visit different wetlands.  The graminoid class will cover grasses, sedge, and rushes.  Each class is $200 for three days and lots of handouts and lots of hikes and some slide shows.  We offer a reduced rate of $150 for students.  You can commute or camp or stay in Allen Acres B and B.  Lots of after hour activities including moth lights, firefly counting, night sky, bon fires, and ?.  We have to limit each class to ten and it will be first come first serve.  Actually, there are only nine slots left in the April 14 and also in the May 12 basic classes.  You can print this form, complete and mail with check or use paypal to native@camtel.net.  You can also email to save a space.   Also, please pass the word onto others and if they or you have questions, please email Dr. Charles Allen native@camtel.net.

The form is here.

Wildlife Technician openings

• Wildlife Technician – Black Gap WMA (listed on TPWD jobs website as “Fish and Wildlife Technician I”). Closing date for this position, TPWD Job Posting #15-00343, is Tuesday, February 3, 2015, 11:59PM CST.
• Click here for information on this ~103,000-acre Wildlife Management Area (WMA) on northeastern boundary of Big Bend National Park.
• Please note the “Physical Requirements,” “Licensure” and “Working Conditions” for this position.
• Please note the “General Description” and “Knowledge, Skills and Abilities”.
• Note: 25% travel required.

• Wildlife Technician – TPWD The Nature Center, Tyler, TX (listed on TPWD jobs website as “Fish and Wildlife Technician I”). Closing date for this position, TPWD Job Posting #15-00333, is Wednesday, February 4, 2015, 11:59PM CST.
• Click here for information on this 82-acre Nature Center/Wildlife Management Area (WMA) on southeast side of Tyler.
• Please note the “Licensure” and “Working Conditions” for this position.
• Please note the “General Description” and “Knowledge, Skills and Abilities”.
• Note: 20% travel required.

• Wildlife Technician – East Texas Conservation Center, Jasper, TX (listed on TPWD jobs website as “Fish and Wildlife Technician I”). Closing date for this position, TPWD Job Posting #15-00334, is Wednesday, February 4, 2015, 11:59PM CST.
• Click here for information on this Conservation Center/Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in southeast Texas.
• Please note the “Licensure” and “Working Conditions” for this position.
• Please note the “General Description” and “Knowledge, Skills and Abilities”.
• Note: 20% travel required.

• Wildlife Technician – location to be determined in Wise County, TX (listed on TPWD jobs website as “Fish and Wildlife Technician I”). Closing date for this position, TPWD Job Posting #15-00328, is Tuesday, February 3, 2015, 11:59PM CST.
• Please note this position is not based at a WMA, but is responsible for collecting biological data as part of an ongoing research project involving Rio Grande Wild Turkeys in the Cross Timbers ecoregion of Texas.
• Please note the “Licensure” and “Working Conditions” for this position.
• Please note the “General Description” and “Knowledge, Skills and Abilities”.
• Note: 50% travel required.

How to Apply:

·         Please note for any TPWD position -  interview and hiring decisions are based on completed State of Texas Application for Employment, not on résumés. This means you want to do the most complete, thorough job possible; follow all instructions, and be as detailed as possible in completing the on-line TPWD State of Texas Application for Employment for TPWD positions. Please see the “How to Apply” section at the bottom of this page for some ways on how to do this. Please note “How to Apply” suggestions are for both full-time jobs and Internships, too.

o   To apply for TPWD positions: Complete online the TPWD State of Texas Application for Employment + attach to it any/all required documents in order to be considered for positions. Work history experience MUST be completed in the online application. The online TPWD State of Texas Application for Employment starts here, then click on “Applicant Login” in upper left-hand corner box of links.

§  You may want to consider using/adapting TPWD job description language to describe your work experience under “Work Experience” as well as “Certificates and Licenses,” “Skills,” and so forth.

·         If you have military service, you may also want to select “Military Service” section of “Supplemental Information” (in TPWD on-line application) to list Military Service accomplishments.

o   In terms of “jargon,” please consider using the language in each TPWD job you are interested in to describe your knowledge, skills, abilities and experience.

o   Also consider listing Military Service honors/awards under “Honors & Awards” section of “Supplemental Information” and other areas as appropriate.

·         For anything you are unsure about, consider using “Miscellaneous” in “Supplemental Information” of TPWD on-line application.

·         Submit completed Application + attach any required forms and transcript(s) by 11:59PM CT on application deadline. Thank you.

Land Steward

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

POSITION TITLE: Land Steward

LOCATION: Breaux Bridge or Lake Charles, Louisiana

STATUS: Salaried (full time, regular)

NOTICE DATE: January 9, 2015

ANTICIPATED START DATE: March 30, 2015

SALARY: Commensurate with education and experience

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SUMMARY

The Nature Conservancy, Louisiana Office, seeks a broadly trained natural resource professional with expertise in land management and conservation methods to serve as Land Steward. The Land Steward will be primarily responsible for managing and directing conservation programs on TNC preserves in Louisiana west of the Mississippi River. The Land Steward will coordinate the work of land management contractors and may have direct and indirect supervisory responsibility for other TNC land stewardship staff as well as volunteers.

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ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The Land Steward participates in preserve planning and leads preserve management programs and stewardship for TNC preserves mainly in southwest and north Louisiana. The Land Steward will also assist with specific conservation science issues in the Louisiana office. This will include the following functions:

• Leads the development of conservation management plans for preserves in southwest and north Louisiana and is the primary lead in the implementation of those plans, which may include the following management activities: control of invasive exotic and native species, restoration forestry, restoration plantings, preserve/target monitoring, boundary posting/maintenance, oversight of hunting leases, and trail maintenance.
• Identifies and addresses critical threats to natural systems and individual species of concern present on TNC preserves and key partner lands.
• Actively works with the broader conservation community to promote appropriate conservation management on other lands.
• Assists in acquiring varying degrees of legal interest in land targeted for conservation.
• Develops and oversees contracts with private contractors for particular management activities on TNC preserves.
• Leads work teams of volunteers or other TNC staff to accomplish management tasks on selected preserves.
• Conducts a variety of monitoring efforts, including annual monitoring of conservation servitudes held by TNC on private land, and habitat condition monitoring to determine relative health of ecological systems present on selected preserves.
• Participates in TNC’s prescribed fire program in primary focus areas as needed.
• Coordinates third-party research on selected preserves.
• Operates and maintains a variety of tools, equipment and heavy machinery.

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RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE

• Performs tasks with minimal supervision and makes independent decisions based on analysis, experience and judgment.
• Supervises administrative and professional staff with responsibility for performance management, training and development.
• Ensures program compliance with internal policies and external requirements.
• May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree and 3 years’ experience in natural resource management or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience managing staff.
• Experience using common software applications such as Word, Excel, web browsers, etc.
• Must have valid driver's license.

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PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

• Ability and willingness to apply science to decision-making and guide activities.
• Experience working with a variety of partners (e.g., media, government officials, private landowners and internal scientists).
• Experience developing, directing and managing multiple projects while meeting deadlines and staying within budget.
• Basic knowledge of natural systems of Louisiana. Knowledge of characteristic plant and animal species found on Louisiana TNC preserves and willingness to learn to identify native and non-native plant and animal species that are monitored as part of various land management programs.
• Knowledge of current trends and practices in conservation, land management and natural resource preservation. Working knowledge of GPS, map reading/interpretation and GIS.
• Excellent communication skills via written, spoken and graphical means in English.
• Experience using common software applications such as Word, Excel, web browsers, etc.
• Experience with land management practices, including prescribed fire.
• Basic knowledge of routine forestry activities including timber cruising and marking, harvest supervision, site preparation and tree planting.
• Excellent physical condition. Ability to meet minimum TNC training and health requirements for prescribed burning at the arduous level. For LAOU: 45 pound pack test result of 45 minutes or less.
• Experience with and ability to perform physically demanding work.
• History of safe operation of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), utility all-terrain vehicles (UTVs), four-wheel-drive vehicles, farm tractors and equipment, and small boats and outboard motors.
• Experience with safe use and maintenance of hand and power tools and equipment.
• Able to obtain within 60 days of beginning employment first aid/CPR certification and Louisiana herbicide applicator’s certification.

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WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL EFFORT:

• Willingness to travel long distances, sometimes on short-notice, and to work long hours alone in an isolated setting. Work will frequently require overnight stays away from home.

• Ability to perform tasks requiring physical exertion, outdoors, in all weather conditions and on difficult and sometimes hazardous terrain..
• Work often requires extreme physical exertion and/or physical strain to the point of physical fatigue. Work environment involves exposure to job hazard’s where there is a frequent possibility of injury.

If interested, please contact Latimore Smith at latimore_smith@tnc.org.

Coastal Fisheries Ecosystem Technician

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) invites applicants for all our open positions, including the position below. Interested folks are welcome to contact hiring manager with any questions. Please find her contact information in hyperlinked job title below:

• Coastal Fisheries Ecosystem Technician – Matagorda Bay Ecosystem, Palacios, TX (listed on TPWD jobs website as “Fish and Wildlife Technician I-II”). Closing date for this position, TPWD Job Posting #15-00264, is Wednesday, January 14, 2015, 11:59PM CST.
• Click here for information on TPWD’s Fisheries Management.  
• Click here for information on TPWD Coastal Fisheries offices.
• Please note the “Experience,” “Licensure” and “Working Conditions” for this position.
• Please note the “Knowledge, Skills and Abilities,” “Preferred Qualifications” as well as “Acceptable Substitutions”.

How to Apply:

·         Please note for any TPWD position -  interview and hiring decisions are based on completed State of Texas Application for Employment, not on résumés. This means you want to do the most complete, thorough job possible; follow all instructions, and be as detailed as possible in completing the on-line TPWD State of Texas Application for Employment for TPWD positions. Please see the “How to Apply” section at the bottom of this page for some ways on how to do this. Please note “How to Apply” suggestions are for both full-time jobs and Internships, too.

o   To apply for TPWD positions: Complete online the TPWD State of Texas Application for Employment + attach to it any/all required documents in order to be considered for positions. Work history experience MUST be completed in the online application. The online TPWD State of Texas Application for Employment starts here, then click on “Applicant Login” in upper left-hand corner box of links.

§  You may want to consider using/adapting TPWD job description language to describe your work experience under “Work Experience” as well as “Certificates and Licenses,” “Skills,” and so forth.

·         If you have military service, you may also want to select “Military Service” section of “Supplemental Information” (in TPWD on-line application) to list Military Service accomplishments.

o   In terms of “jargon,” please consider using the language in each TPWD job you are interested in to describe your knowledge, skills, abilities and experience.

o   Also consider listing Military Service honors/awards under “Honors & Awards” section of “Supplemental Information” and other areas as appropriate.

·         For anything you are unsure about, consider using “Miscellaneous” in “Supplemental Information” of TPWD on-line application.  

·         Submit completed Application + attach any required forms and transcript(s) by 11:59PM CT on application deadline. Thank you.

Web Developer

Web Developer  – The current opening is located in Boise, Idaho.  The announcement may be accessed through the following link: https://labor.idaho.gov/DHR/ATS/StateJobs/jobannouncement.aspx?announcement_no=01702014787  

Applicants must apply online through the link listed above.  The announcement closing date is Monday, January 26, 2015.