Southern Indiana CWMA Project Director Position

Neat job opportunity over in Southern Indiana:

Job Announcement - Project Director for the Southern Indiana CWMA

To apply: http://www.in.gov/spd/2334.htm

, select "Apply Now", click on "Advanced Search" and enter Job Opening ID = 569597

Application closing date: 9/16/2010

Salary: $15-$20 per hour based upon qualifications and experience

Job Description:

The Southern Indiana Cooperative Weed Management Area (SICWMA) is a 501-c-3 non-profit organization whose mission is to protect, restore, and enhance southern Indiana’s landscapes by coordinating efforts to identify, prevent, and control invasive species. SICWMA entered into a cooperative agreementcontract with the DNR Division of Forestry to initiate an Early Detection Rapid Response (EDRR) program for invasive species in the 37 southern Indiana counties. Funding for this position is through a grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.

Responsibilities:

The primary responsibility of the Project Director (PD) is to implement and operate an invasive species early detection and rapid response program for Southern Indiana. This project will include:
• Creating awareness of the program among key target constituencies such as county extension and Soil and Water Conservation District staff, district foresters and wildlife specialists, park and highway department personnel, and the general public.
• Receiving reports of possible invasive species infestations and taking the appropriate action to follow-up.
• Organizing the training of response teams that will do verification and mapping of reported infestations.
• Developing and finding funding for appropriate control options of certain infestations based on species, severity, sensitivity of location, and funding eligibility.
• Tracking, reporting and follow-up on all aspects of the project including preparation of project reports to the SICWMA steering committee and its funding organizations.

Other duties and responsibilities include:
• Establishing a SICWMA office with appropriate communication capabilities.
• Pursuing additional funding sources for SICWMA and invasive species control projects.
• Strengthening involvement and relationships with SICWMA partner organizations.
• Assisting the Steering and Standing committees in spreading awareness among the general public and facilitating creation of local Invasive Species Organizations where possible.
• Developing and improving SICWMA web-based resources.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Natural Resources field – or equivalent experience.
• Vehicle and valid drivers’ license – significant travel within SICWMA will be necessary.
• Working knowledge of invasive species and vegetative management practices.
• Flexibility to work irregular schedule including some evenings and weekends.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and set priorities within broad goals and objectives.
• Personal Computer skills including experience with MS Office applications, web site use, and basic knowledge of social networking options.
• Good physical condition – ability to participate in educational and work activities in natural areas with rough terrain.
Highly Preferable:
• Advanced degree or significant experience in Natural Resources field.
• Demonstrated ability to secure funding.
• Project management experience.
• Experience working with state or federal agencies and institutions of higher education.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a valid Indiana pesticide applicator’s license.
Preferable:
• Extensive knowledge of current trends in invasive species spread and control.
• GIS and Invasive Species Mapping knowledge and experience.
• Basic accounting knowledge and experience.
• Experience coordinating volunteers.
• Web site design or management experience.

Position Duration: 16 months – with potential to extend with additional funding

Location: Seymour - Brownstown, Indiana area (tentative)

Questions about the position - contact Carl Hauser (chauser@dnr.IN.gov, (317) 232-4114), Teena Ligman (tligman@fs.fed.us, 812-276-4757), or Tom Tremain (ttinogil@bcremc.net)