THIS IS A NON-CIVIL SERVICE POSITION

POSTING DATE: 08/29/2024

CLOSING DATE: 09/27/2024 AT 12:00 MIDNIGHT

SALARY RANGE: $72,000.00 - $82,000.00 USD Annually

CLASS DESCRIPTION

We are seeking a dynamic and passionate individual to lead the Baltimore City Department of Recreation and Parks’ Forest Health and Deer Management Initiative. The focus of the initiative is to strategize around the management of deer populations within the City’s public forested natural areas, through community engagement and ecological stewardship. The Wildlife Conservation Analyst will play a pivotal role in developing a comprehensive deer management plan for various parks to help balance ecological sustainability with community values while laying the groundwork for deer management implementation.

This is a contractual position funded by a grant for a two-year term, with the objective of securing additional funding to extend the contract period. Remote work is permitted at least two days per week; however, flexibility will be required for in-person committee and community meetings. Occasional evening and weekend work may also be necessary.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Project Leadership:
  • Oversee the "Forest Health and Deer Management Initiative," ensuring alignment with project goals and objectives
  • Manage project timelines and resources, supporting budget decisions
• Community Engagement:
  • Work with the BCRP Community Engagement Division to establish and maintain strong relationships with local communities, advisory boards, and stakeholders
  • Organize and lead public meetings, ensuring open communication and addressing community concerns [with support from the Community Engagement team]
• Educational Outreach:
  • Oversee the development and implementation of an educational outreach plan [generated by BCRPs Marketing and Communications & Community Engagement teams] to raise awareness about healthy forests, deer management, their ecological impacts, and the importance of community involvement
  • Provide content for and input on the development of informative materials and serve as a key speaker during workshops and presentations
• Ecological Expertise:
  • Collaborate with ecologists and wildlife biologists to conduct thorough assessments of deer populations and their impact on local ecosystems in Baltimore City, Note: ample funding allocated
  • Compile data and resources from local jurisdictions and urban deer management programs to inform Deer Management Studies
  • Interpret ecological data to inform management strategies and decisions built into the Deer Management Study and subsequent Community Forestry Deer Management Plans
• Contract Management:
  • Develop contract scopes and facilitate vendor awards
  • Oversee contract administration/deliverables; ability to address issues or disputes
• Legal Compliance:
  • Work closely with legal advisors to ensure compliance with wildlife conservation laws and local regulations
  • Develop legislative amendments required for project implementation and facilitate their adoption into the City Charter
• Collaboration and Team Management:
  • Coordinate efforts with a diverse team, including ecologists, community outreach coordinators, legal advisors, and field operations teams.
  • Foster a collaborative and positive team culture, encouraging open communication and innovation.
  • Establish and oversee deer enclosure fence monitoring schedule with volunteers and Forestry staff

Potential Responsibilities:

• Implementation Planning:
  • Develop and oversee the phased implementation of deer management strategies.
  • Ensure that lethal/non-lethal methods are applied ethically and in line with the project's goals.
• Monitoring and Evaluation:
  • Establish and maintain a robust monitoring system with USDA-APHIS for deer populations and the natural areas team for vegetation health.
  • Ensure timely data collection and analysis

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION: Have a bachelor's degree in environmental science/studies, ecology, wildlife management, forestry, or a related field from an accredited college or university.

AND

EXPERIENCE: Have a minimum of 5 years’ experience in project management, community engagement, and ecological conservation.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of relevant legislation and policy issues related to urban wildlife conservation laws and regulations
• Master’s or advanced degree in a related field
• Professional experience in urban ecological conservation or wildlife management.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to convey complex ecological concepts to diverse audiences.
• Experience leading and coordinating interdisciplinary teams, fostering collaboration, and promoting a cohesive team environment to achieve project goals.

This is a 2-year contractual position.

For inquiries about the position, please contact: abowers@baltimorecity.gov.

Application Process: Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and a brief statement outlining their understanding of the need for community-based ecological conservation and/or urban wildlife management. Applications will be accepted until Friday, September 27, 2024, and interviews will be scheduled thereafter.

Join us in establishing a balance between urban nature and community, as we work to support the healthy deer populations and resilient forest ecosystems.

Reports to: City Arborist. Staff to receive direction from the Natural Areas Unit manager.

NOTE: Those eligible candidates who are under final consideration for appointment to positions in this class will be required to authorize the release of criminal conviction information.

BALTIMORE CITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER