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Description
~ Pheasants Forever is dedicated to the conservation of pheasants, quail and other wildlife habitat through habitat improvements, public awareness, education and land management policies and programs. ~
In 1982, a group of pheasant hunters saw the connection between upland habitat loss and declining pheasant populations. An organization dedicated to wildlife habitat conservation was needed, and Pheasants Forever was formed. Pheasants Forever's mission work quickly garnered it a reputation as "The Habitat Organization," a tagline the nonprofit conservation group uses proudly to this day.
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
Work in a joint capacity with Pheasants Forever, Inc. (PF), Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS) and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources 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.
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 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 office in Dodgeville and will provide assistance to Monroe, LaCrosse, Vernon, Crawford, Richland, Sauk, Iowa, Lafayette, and Grant Counties. 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.
The incumbents serve as a USDA NRCS Conservation Programs Biologist providing biological/wildlife aspects of all USDA NRCS Conservation Programs, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WI DNR) and Pheasants Forever (PF) programs to private landowners and participants.
Responsibilities
- 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.
Qualifications
- 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 or closely related natural resources field.
- Related practical field experience is also beneficial.
- The position will receive training on the USDA Conservation Programs, Pheasants Forever, WI DNR and other local and state programs.
Compensation: Starting Salary: $33,000 – $34,000 + Health Benefits and Retirement Package.
~ Pheasants Forever & Quail Forever are an EEO Employer/Vets/Disabled. ~