JOB TITLE

Wildlife Biologist Technical Guidance Coordinator

PROJECT(S):

• This position manages and coordinates a technical guidance program at the intersection of wildlife science and environmental regulation. Core functions include the collection and management of species occurrence and habitat data to support state and federal regulatory processes; assessment of development project impacts to listed species and their habitats; compliance coordination and technical assistance for project proponents; review of conservation plans, environmental compliance documents, and impact statements. The position also supports partners with project design and planning to improve outcomes for threatened, endangered, endemic, and native species across the CNMI.

NATURE OF WORK:

This position serves as a professional-level biologist within the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) Department of Lands and Natural Resources, Division of Fish and Wildlife (DFW). The WILDLIFE BIOLOGIST TECHNICAL GUIDANCE COORDINATOR will apply advanced biological knowledge to evidence-based wildlife and habitat monitoring and management programs in the CNMI. The incumbent serves as the division's primary interface between wildlife science and the regulatory and development communities, providing biological expertise and guidance on ESA, MBTA, and NEPA compliance to agencies, developers, and other project proponents. The incumbent works under the direct supervision of the Wildlife Section Supervisor. This biologist will be based on Saipan but may travel for work on other islands.

DUTY STATION:

The duty station is Saipan, CNMI. The CNMI is a United States Commonwealth in Micronesia comprised of 14 islands, with Saipan serving as the Commonwealth's capital and most populous island. The position offers a rare opportunity to work at the intersection of Pacific Island conservation science and state regulatory practice, with field access to endemic and endangered species found nowhere else on Earth. The Wildlife Section currently has 15 positions across Saipan, Tinian, and Rota.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Review land use and development project proposals that may affect threatened, endangered, endemic, and native species. Provide formal written comments and technical recommendations to improve conservation outcomes.
• Provide technical guidance and biological assistance to developers, federal agencies, and local government entities regarding potential impacts to threatened, endangered, and native species; assist project proponents in understanding applicable federal and local regulatory frameworks, including ESA, MBTA, and NEPA, and in developing project designs that avoid or minimize impacts.
• Design and implement applied research focused on understanding the status, distribution, and habitat needs of threatened, endangered, endemic, and native species.
• Analyze and interpret biological data; summarize results in technical reports and peer-reviewed scientific publications.
• Write grant proposals and prepare interim and annual progress reports; manage conservation-related projects and report outcomes to the DFW Director and funding agencies as required.
• Represent DFW in interagency coordination and stakeholder engagement; communicate biological, ecological, and regulatory information to diverse audiences professionally and diplomatically.
• Participate in public outreach and collaborate with DFW staff to make biological and ecological information accessible to the public and other government agencies.
• Work a flexible schedule, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends as field work demands; travel to other islands as required.
• Present results of research at scientific conferences and meetings as requested.
• Other duties as assigned.

BENEFITS:

• Work with island endemic, threatened, and endangered species.
• Employee health insurance plan through Aetna.
• 403b retirement plan.
• Generous sick and annual leave accrual rates.
• Fourteen paid holidays per calendar year.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with government agencies, developers, community members, and scientific collaborators.
• A Bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, wildlife science, or a related field. Master's degree is preferred.
• Familiarity with state or federal environmental regulatory frameworks.
• Minimum three years of experience implementing biological field techniques.
• Exceptional writing skills, including demonstrated ability to produce formal biological reports, regulatory correspondence, and technical guidance documents.
• Experience working with threatened or endangered is preferred.
• Candidates with knowledge and experience with CNMI wildlife, habitats, government operations, and regulatory landscape are strongly encouraged to apply.