Farm Bill Wildlife Biologists

Quail Forever is dedicated to the conservation of quail, pheasants and other wildlife through habitat improvements, public awareness, education and land management policies and programs.

Position Overview

Pheasants Forever is currently seeking Farm Bill Wildlife Biologists. In partnership with the Oklahoma USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS); coordinate and implement wildlife-related conservation programs and provide technical assistance. Work in joint capacity with QF, NRCS, and the Farm Service Agency (FSA) to promote, coordinate and implement conservation provisions of the Federal Farm Bill and other related wildlife and range conservation programs. The programs of interest are promoting and implementing EQIP, CRP, CStP, ACEP and other state and federal conservation programs.

Duties will include wildlife habitat planning, contract coordination, writing plans, site assessment and reporting.  Provide technical assistance for wildlife habitat enhancement techniques to private landowners and public organizations.  Meet with local chapters of Quail Forever to help coordinate and guide habitat management efforts and participate in county and statewide habitat meetings.  Meet regularly with partnership staff to coordinate technical assistance efforts.  Implement specific conservation programs to improve wildlife habitat.

Start Date: October 8

Responsibilities

• Provide conservation technical assistance (range and wildlife focus) and guidance to private landowners, government agencies, non-government organizations and other groups for USDA NRCS Conservation Programs. 
• The position will receive on the job training on USDA NRCS Conservation Programs, Quail Forever, and other local and state programs.
• Develop grazing and wildlife related conservation plans and prescribed burn plans.
• Coordinate the implementation and application of wildlife habitat conservation within the conservation programs in cooperation with the local NRCS, District Conservationist, QF Biologists, and other state conservation partners.
• Complete contracts, applications and other required documentation for the conservation programs requiring biological expertise in cooperation with the NRCS, District Conservationist and other conservation 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.

Qualifications

• Ability to working independently, as a self-starter
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively at a high level with landowners and partner agencies. 
• Ability to work independently with little supervision and with diverse clientele.
• Knowledge of wildlife ecology, range management, prescribed fire, 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 Range Conservation and/or Wildlife Management or closely related natural resources field is required.