Assistant Science Coordinator - (1022)
Western EcoSystems Technology, Inc. (WEST), is one of the premier environmental and statistical consulting firms in the United States. WEST has a permanent core of professionals with broad experience in basic and applied ecological studies and the sophisticated analysis of natural resource data that allow us to provide original solutions to a wide range of natural resource issues from inventory to permitting to risk assessment to basic research.
WEST has an immediate opening for a full-time, Assistant Science Coordinator to support the Middle Rio Grande Endangered Species Collaborative Program (Collaborative Program). The Collaborative Program is charged with protecting and improving the status of listed species along the Middle Rio Grande (MRG) of New Mexico while simultaneously protecting existing and future regional water uses. Currently, five species are covered by the Collaborative Program, but much of the focus is on the Rio Grande silvery minnow (Hybognathus amarus) and the southwestern willow flycatcher (Empidonax traillii extimus), which have been listed for the longest amount of time (for more detail, please refer to the Program Portal). The Collaborative Program is a partnership of 16 federal, state, tribal, local, and non-profit signatory agencies and organizations working together to support species recovery in a highly complex management environment. Applicants must be willing to relocate to the Albuquerque, New Mexico area.
Please click here to see what benefits WEST offers
Job Description:
The successful candidate will have experience in environmental consulting and stakeholder engagement with diverse groups, as well as expertise in wildlife biology, ecology, or water resource management. The candidate will be responsible for assisting the Science Coordinator with organizing, synthesizing and linking findings from wildlife, fisheries and natural resource research and monitoring projects, consulting with individual stakeholders and collaborative groups on effectively messaging scientific findings for adaptive management, and providing/coordinating review of study plans, protocols, and reports, as appropriate. The Assistant Science Coordinator will work on a team with other Collaborative Program support staff to assist the Science and Program Coordinators. The Assistant Science Coordinator’s work will include:
- Assist the Science Coordinator in framing and coordinating research and planning needs/activities in support of adaptive management for the Collaborative Program;
- Develop relationships with and maintain open lines of communication with technical experts, scientists, and managers who work on the Middle Rio Grande, including those within the Collaborative Program signatory organizations;
- Along with the Program Coordinator, the Science Coordinator and stakeholder technical experts, assist in implementing the Collaborative Program’s Long-Term Plan for Science and Adaptive Management;
- Participate in scientific and technical meetings in support of the Collaborative Program’s monitoring and research;
- Maintain situational awareness regarding conservation and recovery needs of listed species, management approaches for water and natural resources within the Middle Rio Grande Basin, research and planning needs of the signatories, and research and management efforts by external organizations;
- Assist the Science Coordinator in design and maintenance of a relational database, the Science and Adaptive Management Information System (SAMIS), including:
- updating Collaborative Program planning objectives and strategies,
- updating conceptual ecological models,
- helping signatories to maintain their project metadata and linkages,
- supporting efforts on proposed studies and monitoring plans,
- tracking project status and cost-share needs,
- reviewing and tracking deliverables,
- incorporating study findings, and
- evaluating the accuracy of linkages within SAMIS;
- Assist the Science Coordinator in supporting and facilitating the Science and Adaptive Management Committee (SAMC), including:
- preparation of meeting materials,
- tracking meeting follow-up and action items,
- synthesizing meeting discussions,
- drafting documents and incorporating review comments,
- acting as liaison between SAMC and Science & Technical (S&T) Ad Hoc Groups, and
- maintaining SAMC files;
- Assist the Science Coordinator in administering S&T Ad Hoc Groups, as directed by the SAMC, including:
- iterative development of group charge,
- coordinating and facilitating group meetings,
- documenting progress on group tasks and deliverables,
- providing support on drafting, reviewing and summarizing deliverables,
- tracking group work products and findings in SAMIS,
- maintaining S&T Ad Hoc Group files;
- Assist in the coordination, synthesis and communication of science program findings and initiatives, including SAMC efforts, to the Program Coordinator, Program Executive Committee and ad hoc work groups.
This is a general description of the functions for this position and is not inclusive of the duties which may be associated with this position.
Requirements:
The Assistant Science Coordinator we are seeking has a great opportunity to help WEST manage a successful Collaborative Program, further develop the office in the Southwestern U.S. and take the next step in our growth as a premier environmental consulting firm. The successful candidate must be a self-starter who possesses:
- Minimum of a Master’s degree with preference given to those with a specialization in population ecology, fisheries or wildlife research in ecology, natural resources, endangered species management, water resource management, or a related field, plus 2 years of experience.
- Avian and/or fisheries and water resource management are the primary areas of technical expertise sought, but experience in wetland and/or riparian ecology, plant ecology, or other areas of ecology, especially within semi-arid or high-desert watersheds, will also be considered.
- Exemplary communication (both written and oral) and interpersonal skills, including a track record of maintaining positive relationships with coworkers, clients, or stakeholders. Experience with facilitation, stakeholder engagement, and/or science communication a plus.
- Ability to communicate complicated scientific concepts to diverse audiences of different backgrounds, knowledge levels, and authorities.
- Strong analytical skills, technical editing skills, professional scientific experience.
- Wildlife/fisheries biology/ecology/river systems technical knowledge, and experience with water management in the West, as well as application of the Endangered Species Act.
- Good time management, project management and organizational skills with the ability to work well under time constraints and meet deliverable targets and deadlines.
- Works well in a fast-paced work environment.
- Ability to follow instructions from a Supervisor and accept guidance and constructive criticism.
- Ability to effectively supervise others, including tracking deadlines and deliverables.
WEST is committed to providing a safe and healthy work environment for everyone and highly recommends all prospective hires be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 prior to their start date. While WEST does not currently require vaccinations, please be aware that WEST has a mandatory vaccination policy in place should local, state or federal law require vaccinations. Additionally, WEST has certain clients that require all personnel to be vaccinated prior to working on their projects, so individuals will be required to be fully vaccinated and provide proof of vaccination prior to working on those projects. As an exception, employees may also request a Medical or Religious exemption from the vaccine requirement and the request must be supported by a doctor for a medical exemption or by a statement from the employee outlining a sincerely held belief to qualify for a religious exemption. Please contact us if you have any questions.
After an offer of employment is made, the candidate must successfully pass a pre- employment background check, drug screening, and a DMV records check that meets WEST’s minimum criteria to operate a motor vehicle on behalf of the company. A valid driver’s license will be required.
WEST provides equal employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of their race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, genetics, and any protected veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. Further, WEST takes affirmative action to ensure that all individuals are treated fairly, and without discrimination, for recruitment, selection, advancement and every other term and privilege associated with employment.