Introduction
This is a contractual, position specific recruitment for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife and Heritage. This recruitment will be used to fill current vacancies for the position and may be used to fill future vacancies in the same classification/function. Future vacancies may also be filled via other recruitments. The resulting eligible list will be maintained for one year.
One (1) Long-Term Contractual Vacancy; Full-time; 12 Month Contract with the possibility of renewal
GRADE
15
LOCATION OF POSITION
580 Taylor Avenue, Annapolis, MD 21401 (Anne Arundel County)
Main Purpose of Job
The main purpose of this position is to coordinate the revision of the 2015 State Wildlife
Action Plan. This work will involve reviewing the current plan; compiling information to
meet plan revision requirements; reviewing best practices guidance and regional conservation
information for incorporation into the revised plan; standardizing terminology to that of
regional standards; meeting with federal reviewers and state partners; gathering input from
staff, stakeholders, and the public; organizing, facilitating, and leading outreach activities;
and writing or revising plan sections as needed. The position will work with a planning team
to ensure that revisions will meet the requirements for approval. Revision of the State
Wildlife Action Plan by September 30, 2025, is required for the continued acceptance of
federal State Wildlife Grants funding.
POSITION DUTIES
The Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife and Heritage Service, Natural Heritage Program, is currently accepting applications for a long-term contractual State Wildlife Action Plan Coordinator (Natural Resources Planner II). This position is full-time (40 hours per week). This position will be based in Annapolis, Maryland and will coordinate a revision of the 2015-2025 Maryland State Wildlife Action Plan. Duties will include reviewing the current plan; compiling information to meet plan revision requirements; reviewing best practices guidance and regional conservation information for incorporation into the revised plan; standardizing terminology to that of regional standards; meeting with federal reviewers and state partners; gathering input from Department of Natural Resources staff, technical experts, conservation partners, stakeholders, and the public; organizing and conducting planning meetings and outreach events; writing or revising plan sections as needed; and providing input on plan implementation strategies. The position will work with a planning team to ensure that revisions will meet federal requirements for approval. The position will end in January 2026. Applicants must be able to work independently with minimal supervision.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education: A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in an environmental science or natural resources planning, management or development.
Experience: One year of experience in natural resources planning or applied environmental science.
Notes:
1. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in urban or regional planning, engineering, physical geography, or the physical, chemical, biological sciences and one year of experience in natural resources planning or applied environmental science for the required education.
2. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in natural resources planning, management, administration, development, environmental, urban or regional planning; resources economics or development; environmental system management; water or land resources planning and management; environmental landscape architecture; or the physical, biological, chemical or environmental sciences for the required experience.
3. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer in the general natural resources management and biological sciences classifications or general natural resources management and biological sciences specialty codes in the general natural resources management and biological sciences field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience and education.
DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Demonstrated ability to write large documents that require the synthesis and analysis of information, such as conservation plans or strategic plans.
- Demonstrated experience managing a complex project and meeting set deadlines.
- Experience working with diverse individuals and stakeholder groups. Experience with organizing and facilitating meetings to effectively gather input from technical experts, conservation partners, stakeholders, and the general public. Excellent communication skills.
- Familiarity with Maryland species and habitats, especially those that are declining and in need of conservation, including threats to species and habitats and conservation actions to address them.
- A working knowledge of relational databases, photo editing software, Adobe Illustrator, Microsoft Word, and Excel is also preferred.
LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS
Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator’s license valid in the State of Maryland.
SELECTION PROCESS
Please make sure you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. We will not accept information submitted after this date. Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be considered for this position. Therefore, it is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Report all education and experience related to the essential functions and qualifications of this position.
For education obtained outside the U.S., a copy of the equivalent American education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service must be provided prior to hire.
BENEFITS
Contractual employees who work for an agency covered under the State Employee and Retiree Health and Welfare Benefits Program, have a current employment contract and work 30 or more hours a week (or on average 130 hours per month) may be eligible for subsidized health benefits coverage for themselves and their dependents. As a contractual employee, you will be responsible for paying 25% of the premiums for your medical and prescription coverage, including any eligible dependents you have enrolled. The State of Maryland will subsidize the remaining 75% of the cost for these benefits. You can also elect to enroll in dental coverage, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, and life insurance, but will be responsible to pay the full premium for these benefits.
Leave may be granted to a contractual employee who has worked 120 days in a 12 month period. This leave accrues at a rate of one hour for every 30 hours worked, not to exceed 40 hours per calendar year.
*Should benefits be available, this information will be discussed at the time of hire
FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS
The online application is strongly preferred. If you are unable to apply online, you may submit a paper application and supplemental questionnaire to: Department of Natural Resources, Human Resources, 580 Taylor Avenue, C-3 Annapolis, MD 21401. The Human Resources unit is not responsible for applications sent to any other address.
Faxed or e-mailed applications will not be accepted. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing the application.
If you are having difficulty with your user account or have general questions about the online application system, please contact the MD Department of Budget and Management at
Application.Help@maryland.gov ; ATTN: Recruitment and Examination Division. Please note, standard business hours for the help desk are 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Inquiries made after hours will be reviewed the following business day.
If you need to make adjustments to a submitted application before the announcement deadline or if you have general inquiries regarding this recruitment, please contact Adriana Parravano at
Adriana.Parravano@maryland.gov.
Please provide ample time to complete the application template. If you are having technical difficulties submitting an application on the day of the deadline, it is strongly advised that you complete the JobAps physical application template and hand deliver to DNR - HRS at 580 Taylor Avenue, Annapolis, MD 21401 before 4:30 p.m. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources cannot guarantee that late submissions, as a result of technical difficulties, will be accepted.
TTY Users: call via Maryland Relay
Candidates with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. We thank our Veterans for their service to our country, and encourage them to apply. As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity.
