Position Description and Application Information
Anticipated Start Date: June 6, 2023 (can be flexible)
Overview & Job Duties:
As an employee of Pheasants Forever, Inc. (PF) you will work in close partnership with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS) and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) to promote, accelerate enrollment, coordinate, and implement the conservation provisions of the Federal Farm Bill and other related wildlife conservation programs. Activities will include program promotion, contract coordination, conservation planning, conservation plan modification, site assessment, and reporting.
You will provide technical assistance for wildlife habitat enhancement techniques to private landowners and public organizations. Meet with local chapters of Pheasants Forever and other local partners to influence habitat management efforts and participate in local and statewide habitat meetings. Attend Farm Bill Biologist training and assist in coordinating technical assistance efforts. Implement specific conservation programs to improve wildlife habitat. Assist or coordinate activities and projects as assigned by supervisor relevant to PF and the WI Farm Bill Biologist Partnership.
The position will be based in the NRCS field office in Menomonie, WI (Dunn County) and will provide assistance to multiple counties in northwestern Wisconsin. As needed based on priorities and opportunities, the biologist may also help service other counties outside of their primary work area. The incumbents are employees of Pheasants Forever, Inc. and receive supervision from Pheasants Forever with daily guidance provided by the local NRCS staff.
Note: This is a conservation planning position with an average of 60% office work and 40% site visits/field work; seasonal or programmatic variation does occur.
Duties:
- Provide technical assistance and guidance to private landowners that are interested in voluntarily improving the health of their land for wildlife, clean water and other important natural resource concerns.
- Assist Federal and state government agencies, non-government organizations and other entities on the implementation of USDA Conservation Programs.
- Coordinate the implementation and application of biological sciences within the conservation programs in cooperation with the local NRCS District Conservationist, DNR and PF Biologists and others.
- Complete contracts, applications and other required documentation for the conservation programs requiring biological expertise in cooperation with the listed partners and NRCS District Conservationists.
- Communicates program requirements, completes site visits to determine eligibility, and develops contracts/plans for applicants/participants for the USDA Conservation Programs and other local and state programs.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with landowners with a focus on understanding their goals and objectives for their property.
- Knowledge of grassland ecology, including pollinator habitat, is preferred given emphasis on CRP and rangeland.
- Ability to work independently with little supervision and with diverse clientele.
- Strong commitment to quality customer service with landowners and partners.
- Knowledge of wildlife ecology, wetland, grassland and forest management including the ability to utilize various habitat management tools in the development of management plans.
- Knowledge of conservation and wildlife programs provided by federal (i.e. Farm Bill, US Fish and Wildlife Service), state, & local entities. In addition, knowledge of how these programs are implemented in the defined work area.
- Excellent verbal and written communication.
- Strong organizational skills.
- Valid driver’s license required; some use of personal vehicle required (mileage reimbursement provided).
- Able to obtain USDA Federal Security Clearance.
Training and Experience Guideline: A minimum qualification for this position is a Bachelor of Science Degree in Wildlife Management, closely related natural resources field, or related practical field experience. The position will receive training on the USDA Conservation Programs, Pheasants Forever, WI DNR and other local and state programs.
Salary: $40,000 + benefits (View Benefits Summary on our Recruitment website at www.pheasantsforever.org/jobs )
Contact: Marty Moses, Wisconsin State Coordinator, 608-712-8625.
To Apply: Please combine your cover letter, resume and three (3) references into one Word document or PDF file before clicking the blue 'APPLY' button and then uploading to the “Resume” area of your application. For a complete list of current job openings, please see our recruitment website at www.pheasantsforever.org.
Pheasants Forever, Inc and Quail Forever is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, status as a qualified individual with disability, or any other category that may be protected by law.