PHEASANTS FOREVER AND QUAIL FOREVER

The Habitat Organization

JOB VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

Farm Bill Wildlife Biologist

Madison, MN

Application Deadline: April 14, 2023

Anticipated Start Date: April/May 2023

Overview & Job Duties: Work in a joint capacity with Pheasants Forever, Inc. (PF), USDA Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS), Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCD’s), the Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to promote, accelerate enrollment, coordinate, and implement the voluntary conservation provisions of the Federal Farm Bill and related state, local and other voluntary conservation programs. Activities will include program promotion, contract coordination, conservation planning, conservation plan modification, site assessment and reporting. Provide technical assistance to farmers/landowners on conservation planning, habitat planning and other wildlife related practices. Meet with local chapters of Pheasants Forever and other local partners to influence habitat management efforts and participate in statewide meetings. Attend Farm Bill Biologist training and assist in coordinating technical assistance efforts.

The incumbent will work from the Lac Qui Parle County Service Center in Madison, MN while covering additional Counties in the area. The incumbent is an employee of Pheasants Forever, Inc. and receive supervision from Pheasants Forever with daily instruction provided by the local USDA-NRCS and SWCD staff. The incumbent will serve as a USDA NRCS Conservation Programs Biologist providing biological/wildlife aspects of all USDA NRCS Conservation Programs, BWSR, SWCD and PF voluntary programs to private landowners and participants.

Duties:

• Provide outreach and technical assistance (wildlife biology focus) and guidance to private landowners, government agencies, non-government organizations and other groups for USDA NRCS voluntary conservation programs. The positions will receive training on USDA NRCS Conservation Programs, PF, BWSR, and other local and state programs.
• Coordinate the implementation and application of biological sciences within the conservation programs in cooperation with local NRCS District Conservationists, SWCD Managers, PF Biologists, and others.
• Complete 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 farmers, 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. Background in agriculture is a plus.
• 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.

Experience Guideline: A Bachelor of Science Degree in Wildlife Management or closely related natural resources field is required.

Starting Salary: Commensurate with experience + Health Benefits and Retirement Package

To Apply: Please include your cover letter, resume and three (3) references as 1 Word document or PDF file before clicking on 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/jobs. For information regarding the position contact Tanner Bruse, Minnesota State Coordinator, at (507) 865-1163.

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.