Farm Bill Wildlife Biologist
Pheasants Forever & Quail Forever
Effingham, IL
Salary: 32,000 + Health Benefits and Retirement Package
Anticipated Stare Date: February 2019
Overview & Job Duties:
Work in a joint capacity with Pheasants Forever, Inc. (PF), the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to promote, coordinate and implement the conservation provisions of the Federal Farm Bill and other related wildlife conservation programs. Conservation planning and implementation support to farmers and landowners with an emphasis on soil, water and wildlife resources in agricultural landscapes. Meet with local chapters of Pheasants Forever and other local partners to influence habitat management efforts and participate in statewide habitat meetings. Attend Farm Bill Biologist training and assist in coordinating technical assistance efforts. This new position will have an intensive focus on the promotion of early successional habitat across southern Illinois, primarily for the benefit of quail. This position will also focus outreach efforts to help promote sustainable and wildlife friendly grazing practices throughout the 5-county area.
Responsibilities include:
- Program promotion, providing technical assistance, conservation planning, contract coordination, conservation plan modification, site assessment, and reporting.
- Develop an outreach program for both partners and landowners focused on promoting wildlife friendly grazing.
- Coordinate and conduct training sessions which include workshops and tours for landowners and resource professionals.
- 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 coordinate and influence habitat management efforts and participate in statewide meetings.
- Meet regularly with PF, NRCS, and IDNR staff to coordinate technical assistance efforts and for resource training.
- Implement specific conservation programs to improve wildlife habitat and public access.
- Assist or coordinate activities and projects as needed for PF, IDNR and NRCS.
Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities:
- Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with landowners and partner agencies.
- Ability to provide excellent customer service, sales and promotion to cooperators interested in conservation.
- Ability to work independently with little supervision and with diverse personalities and organizations.
- Extensive knowledge of wildlife ecology, wetland and grassland management techniques, principles, goals and objectives.
- Strong background in prescribed fire, both implementation and education.
- Strong background in ecology of grasslands.
- Knowledge of conservation and wildlife programs provided by federal Farm Bill (WRP, CRP, SAFE, EQIP, WHIP, CSP, etc), other state, & local entities. In addition, knowledge of how these programs are implemented in an agricultural landscape is desired.
- Knowledge of the Farm and Prairie Campaign of the Illinois State Wildlife Action Plan
- Sound working knowledge of applying mid-contract management techniques, especially prescribed burning, to benefit target wildlife species. Practical application of practices preferred.
- Excellent verbal and written communication. Good computer skills (Word Excel, ArcMap).
- 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 general qualification guideline for this position is a Bachelor of Science Degree in Wildlife Management or closely related natural resources field and/or related field experience.
To Apply: https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=e9cf9c51-b70e-4607-b723-b8bf76c3161b&jobId=238584&lang=en_US&source=CC3&ccId=19000101_000001
Scroll to the bottom of the page and click the blue APPLY icon.
For any questions, please contact Erin Holmes, Illinois State Coordinator, at 608-658-0969 or eholmes@pheasantsforever.org