Bureau of Land Management joins TWS Partner Program

The Wildlife Society and the Bureau of Land Management have agreed to form a Premier Partner relationship that provides mutually beneficial support to the missions of both parties.

Over the past several months, common goals brought about discussions of potential collaboration, and the two organizations have now agreed on project objectives related to wildlife and habitat research and management, application of wildlife skills and knowledge, and advancing excellence and promoting professionalism in the wildlife and natural resources field.

“We are proud to add the Bureau of Land Management as a TWS Premier Partner,” said Ed Thompson, Chief Executive Officer of The Wildlife Society. “Together, we’ll help align professional development with federal agency job opportunities and highlight the BLM’s important wildlife management and conservation work.”

A significant component of the agreement is an effort to improve wildlife students’ and professionals’ understanding and awareness of federal agency employment standards. The educational and experiential standards set forth by the Office of Personnel Management, and the structure of the federal employment application process, can be tricky to navigate. Together, TWS and the BLM will work toward solutions to enhance communication of these standards and processes.

One such solution, which has already been outlined, is a webpage hosted on TWS’ website, wildlife.org, that clearly conveys the OPM’s standards for entry-level positions and advancement. Additionally, TWS and the BLM will create and promote a separate webpage to provide an overview of career opportunities with the agency.

The emphasis on professional development doesn’t end there. The Bureau will meet with TWS’ Professional Certification team at least semi-annually to develop strategies for encouraging BLM employees to pursue and complete CWB® and AWB® certifications.

In return for financial support of TWS publications and communication channels, the BLM will have the opportunity to reach vast audiences with contributed content related to wildlife and habitats in our magazine, on our website, and on our social media and electronic communication platforms. This will not only benefit TWS members, but BLM employees whose content would not otherwise not reach such audiences.

As a Premier Partner, the BLM will also sponsor TWS’ Annual Conference, where it will be recognized for its year-round support and participate in collaboration meetings with the Society and other Partners. The Bureau’s work and presence will be spotlighted with featured educational presentations that may include symposia, keynote sessions, workshops and/or panel discussions.