Biologist

NEW Solutions • Davis, CA

2d

About The Position

This is a non-federal, temporary enrollment opportunity through National Experienced Workforce Solutions (NEW Solutions) and the USDA-NRCS Agriculture Conservation Experienced Services (ACES) Program. The role provides direct support to farmers and landowners and increases field-office capacity for conservation planning, practice implementation, and technical assistance. It is intended to free NRCS staff for emergency and high-priority responses, not to replace federal employees. The enrollee is a participant in a grant program and is not a federal employee or an employee of NEW Solutions. Enrollment is at will and does not guarantee employment for a definite period. Applicants must be legally eligible to work in the United States, and the opportunity is for experienced workers ages 55 and older.

The Biologist supports the State Biologist and State Resource Conservationist on biological components of wetland and waterbird management planning for California easement activities under Farm Bill programs, including WRP, ACEP-WRE, and ACEP-ALE. The role prepares, reviews, and submits Compatible Use Authorizations (CUAs), provides technical assistance concerning easement activities, conducts ownership reviews and easement monitoring, follows up with easement holders on requirements and management options, and drafts proposed notices of violation for leadership review and approval. Other duties may be assigned by the State Biologist and State Resource Conservationist.

The work allocation is 40% in-field habitat assessments using Wildlife Habitat Assessment Guides and/or SVAP; 35% training assistance for field-office staff on assessment tools, conservation practice implementation requirements, and practice certification; and 25% other duties, including on-the-job training, PowerPoint presentations, and teleconferences. The position is based in Davis, California, and is budgeted for 16 hours per week. Occasional onsite travel to meet landowners is required, including overnight travel one or two times a month. The enrollee must be able to drive; access to a government-owned vehicle may be provided. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Requirements

• Minimum of 15 years of experience in wetland conservation practices and working with farm landowners, or a BA/BS degree in agriculture, natural resources, or soil conservation.
• Valid state driver's license.
• Professional experience as a Biologist for Wetland Reserve Easements.
• Experience with Windows, MS Word, MS Excel, and MS PowerPoint.
• Minimum age of 55.
• Legally eligible to work in the United States.
• Must be able to drive.

Responsibilities

• Support the State Biologist and State Resource Conservationist on biological components of wetland and waterbird management planning for California Farm Bill easement activities, including WRP, ACEP-WRE, and ACEP-ALE.
• Prepare, review, and submit Compatible Use Authorizations (CUAs) for Farm Bill program easements and route them to appropriate delegated staff for approval.
• Provide technical assistance to customers to ensure easement activities are implemented, maintained, and monitored in accordance with applicable NRCS policies and regulations.
• Conduct ownership reviews and onsite and off-site easement monitoring.
• Follow up with easement holders in the field or office to discuss easement requirements and management options.
• Identify, draft, and propose notices of violation for review and approval by State Office Leadership and signature by the State Conservationist.
• Conduct in-field habitat assessments using Wildlife Habitat Assessment Guides and/or SVAP.
• Assist with training field-office staff on assessment tools, conservation practice implementation requirements, and practice certification.
• Participate in on-the-job training, PowerPoint presentations, and teleconferences.
• Meet landowners onsite as needed and perform overnight travel one or two times a month.

Benefits

• Paid health insurance premium for positions budgeted at 60 or more hours per pay period.
• Accrued vacation and sick leave.
• Paid federal holidays.
• Optional vision and dental insurance for positions budgeted at 35 or more hours per pay period.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Senior