Farm Bill Wildlife Biologist (Multiple Vacancies in Arkansas: Pocahontas, Hot Springs, Harrison, Danville, and Monticello)
Full Time
Salary: $33,00-35,000 + Health Benefits and Retirement Package
Start Date: October 2017
Overview: In partnership with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS); FBB's will serve to coordinate and implement wildlife-related conservation programs and provide technical assistance within their assigned districts. FBB's will be located within assigned Focal Landscapes throughout the State of Arkansas, and will provide service to across multiple counties. Staff will work in joint capacity with AGFC, NRCS, and the Farm Service Agency (FSA) to promote, coordinate and implement conservation provisions of the Federal Farm Bill (EQIP, CRP, CCRP, ACEP & CSP) and other related wildlife conservation programs as well as assist in delivery of state level habitat programs and initiatives. General Duties will include wildlife habitat planning, contract coordination, writing plans, site assessment and reporting. Biologists will provide technical assistance for wildlife habitat enhancement techniques to private landowners and public organizations. Meet with local chapters of Quail Forever to help coordinate habitat management efforts and participate in county and statewide habitat meetings. Meet regularly with AGFC, QF and USDA staff to coordinate technical assistance efforts.
Specific Duties:
- Provide technical assistance (biology focus) and guidance to private landowners, government agencies, non-government organizations and other groups for USDA NRCS Conservation Programs. The positions will receive training on the USDA NRCS Conservation Programs, Quail Forever, AGFC and other local and state programs.
- Coordinates the implementation and application of wildlife programs within the Focal Landscapes in cooperation with the local NRCS, AGFC private lands biologists, QF Biologists, and other state partners as appropriate.
- Completes contracts, applications and other required documentation for the conservation programs requiring biological expertise in cooperation with the listed partners.
- Communicates program requirements, completes site visits to determine eligibility, and develops contracts/plans for applicants/participants for the USDA-NRCS 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 and partner agencies.
- Ability to work independently with little supervision and with diverse clientele.
- Knowledge of wildlife ecology, wetland and grassland 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 an agricultural landscape is desired.
- 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: Any combination of training and/or experience that will enable the applicant to possess the required knowledge, skills and abilities. A Bachelor of Science Degree in Wildlife Management or closely related natural resources field is required.
ONLY ONLINE APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED. Please combine your cover letter, resume and 3 references into a single Word document or PDF file on the Recruitment website.
To Apply: please visit our website at www.pheasantsforever.org/jobs For additional questions please contact: Chris McLeland, South Region Director at cmcleland@pheasantsforever.org or (573) 355-6530
