Farm Bill Wildlife Biologist II or III - Illinois
PHEASANTS FOREVER AND QUAIL FOREVER
The Habitat Organization
JOB VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
Farm Bill Wildlife Biologist II or III
Cambridge, IL
Application Deadline: July 31, 2022
Anticipated Start Date: August 2022
Overview: This position will be an employee of and supervised by Pheasants Forever, Inc. and Quail Forever (PFQF), with daily instruction, quality assurance, training, and workload prioritization provided by USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and the PF Senior Farm Bill Biologist. One vacancy is available. The work area will include Rock Island, Henry, Warren, Knox, Mercer and Henderson Counties, with the primary duty station located in the Cambridge USDA Service Center. Occasional service to counties outside the primary work area may be required to address annual workload variance and assist teammates and partners. The biologist will work in joint capacity with NRCS, IDNR, and other partners to promote, accelerate enrollment, coordinate, and implement the conservation provisions of the Federal Farm Bill and other related wildlife conservation programs. This position will also meet with local chapters of Pheasants Forever and other local partners to influence habitat management efforts and participate in statewide habitat meetings.
Job Duties:
- Provide technical assistance (wildlife habitat focus) and guidance to private landowners, government agencies, non-government organizations and other groups primarily through federal Farm Bill programs. Training provided jointly by NRCS, IDNR, and PFQF.
- Communicate program requirements, complete site visits to determine eligibility, and develop contract documents for applicants and participants of Farm Bill conservation programs and other local and state programs.
- Review plans and specifications for feasibility for implementation under Farm Bill program contract rules, etc.
- Specific activities for CRP may include evaluations and conservation planning for new and re-enrolled contracts, mid-contract management and maintenance evaluations and recommendations, and status reviews.
- Provide on-site landowner technical assistance for conservation practice implementation.
- Coordinate and conduct training sessions which include workshops and tours for landowners and resource professionals.
- Occasional travel both in and out of state for conferences, training and other work related events
- Work with local PF/QF chapters to assist with habitat program education and outreach and provide technical assistance for habitat projects.
Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities:
- Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with landowners and partner agency staff.
- Ability to work independently with little supervision and with diverse clientele.
- Knowledge of wildlife ecology, grassland, wetland and early succession habitat management including the ability to utilize various habitat management tools in the development of management plans. Specific knowledge of grassland/farmland associated wildlife species’ habitat requirements is desirable.
- Strong background in prescribed fire, both implementation and education.
- Knowledge of conservation and wildlife programs provided by federal Farm Bill (WRP, CRP, SAFE, EQIP, CSP, etc), other state, & local entities. In addition, knowledge of how these programs are implemented in an agricultural landscape is desired.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong organizational skills, time management, and attention to detail.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel and ArcGIS is required.
- Valid driver’s license required; use of personal vehicle required with a mileage reimbursement provided.
- Must be able to obtain USDA Federal Security Clearance.
Education and Experience Preferred: 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. Proven experience working with USDA Farm Bill programs is preferred. The ideal candidate will exhibit a balance of technical knowledge and interpersonal skills required to implement voluntary conservation programs on private lands. Practical and/or professional experience in farming and agricultural disciplines is highly beneficial. The successful applicant must enjoy working with private landowners and producers to achieve their conservation objectives.
Salary: $39,700-$49,213 Commensurate with experience and qualifications + Benefits and 401k match (5%)
To Apply: Please combine your cover letter, resume and 3 references into a single Word document or PDF file before uploading to the “Resume” area of your application on our Recruitment website at: www.pheasantsforever.org/jobs (benefit summary viewable on Recruitment website)
If you have questions about the position, contact: Katie Kauzlarich-Stockman, Illinois State Coordinator, kkauzlarich@pheasantsforever.org or (309) 264-1678
Pheasants Forever, Inc 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.