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Full Job Description

The activities and responsibilities of the ONAR Conservation Specialist are central to the mission of the Oklahoma Natural Heritage Inventory (ONHI), a program within the Oklahoma Biological Survey (OBS), which is a state agency tasked to collect and archive biological diversity data for the state of Oklahoma. ONHI is mandated by the Oklahoma legislature to maintain a centralized and continually updated inventory of the biological diversity of Oklahoma that will contain accurate and timely information for environmental planning, resource management, protection of significant natural areas, endangered species review, and biological research and education. The professional research staff and faculty at ONHI maintain dynamic databases of georeferenced information collected through biotic inventories and surveys, published research, and other sources of information for the Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN), and significant ecological communities in the state. These data are crucial for entities seeking to fulfill federally mandated requirements of Section 7 of the United States Endangered Species Act. Upon request, and following appropriate vetting, these data are provided to natural resource agencies, conservation groups, and the public for resource management, research, and education.

General Duties Include:

• Plans, designs and conducts scientific experiments
• Analyzes and interprets data
• Presents research results and prepares research for publication
• Operates and maintains highly technical research equipment and facilities and assists others in the proper use of equipment
• Procures supplies and equipment needed for laboratory and field operations
• Assists in preparing funding proposals
• Assists with the preparation, identification, and cataloging of information and specimens
• Conducts literature searches as needed
• May teach one or more classes or seminars
• Performs various duties as needed to successfully fulfill the function of the position

Specific Duties Include:

Manage the Oklahoma Natural Areas Registry Program:

• Maintains database of Registered Natural Areas and associated landowner members
• Communicates with members as needed through site visits, email, annual letter, and telephone
• Provides biological information, conservation strategies, and technical assistance to members
• Collects biological data as needed on Registered Natural Areas and update internal databases with relevant information
• Evaluates new properties and register additional members

Coordinate Oklahoma Biological Survey outreach and education efforts. Possible activities include, but are not limited to:

• Develops, budgets, and executes outreach events, such as seminars, workshops, field days, tours, or webinars
• Develops and writes outreach or educational materials
• Develops relationships with other biological or environmental organizations and institutions; represents the Oklahoma Biological Survey at meetings and events
• Writes and distributes departmental e-newsletter and maintaining mailing list
• Maintains departmental website
• Maintains departmental social media

Conduct biological field work and conservation assessments. Activities may include:

• Develops, executes, or assists with research or field projects in Oklahoma
• Identification and curation of specimens
• Data collection, curation, and submission to relevant data repositories
• Disseminates results and analyses to cooperating agencies, peer experts, and the public
• Develops state conservation rankings for NatureServe on taxa of expertise
• Collaborates with and providing data and analyses to cooperating agencies

Job Requirements

Required Education: Bachelor's degree in a related field, AND: 

• 24 months of related research experience

Equivalency/Substitution: Will accept 48 months of related experience in lieu of the Bachelor's degree for a total of 72 months of related experience

Skills:

• Proficient in Microsoft Office
• Highly organized and able to handle multiple projects and deadlines
• Ability to communicate well and to handle multiple projects and deadlines
• Technical writing skills
• Knowledge of research methodologies and techniques
• Project management experience
• Knowledge of specialized terminology (e.g., scientific or technical)

Certifications:

• Valid Oklahoma Driver's License in order to drive University vehicles or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire date

Advertised Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift heavy objects 15 to 50 pounds
• Ability to walk long distances on uneven ground during all seasons
• Ability to stand for extended periods
• Ability to occasionally travel overnight

Departmental Preferences:

• Bachelor's and/or Master’s degree in biology, environmental studies, science education, or related field
• 12 to 24 months work or volunteer experience, may be concurrent with education
• Ability to work with a variety of audiences, including landowners, researchers, government officials, agencies, non-profits, and students
• Ability to write clear and engaging materials