Coordinating Wildlife Biologist

Pheasants Forever•Woodward, OK

2d•Onsite

About The Position

In partnership with the Oklahoma USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), this role involves coordinating and implementing wildlife-related conservation programs and providing technical assistance. The position works in collaboration with Quail Forever (QF), NRCS, and the Farm Service Agency (FSA) to promote and implement conservation provisions of the Federal Farm Bill and other related wildlife and range conservation programs. Key programs include EQIP, CRP, and other state and federal conservation initiatives. Responsibilities encompass range and wildlife habitat planning, contract coordination, writing burn plans, site assessment, and reporting. The role also involves providing technical assistance for wildlife habitat enhancement techniques to private landowners and public organizations, meeting with local Quail Forever chapters to guide habitat management, and participating in habitat meetings. Regular coordination with partnership staff is essential for technical assistance efforts and implementing conservation programs to improve wildlife habitat.

Requirements

Ability to work independently, as a self-starter.
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively at a high level with landowners and partner agencies, farmers, ranchers, and other producers.
Ability to work independently with little supervision and with diverse clientele.
Knowledge of wildlife ecology and land management including range management, prescribed fire, wetland, and including the ability to utilize various habitat management tools in the development of management plans.
Knowledge of assessing, planning, writing, and implementing prescribed burns.
Knowledge of conservation and wildlife programs provided by federal (i.e. Farm Bill, US Fish and Wildlife Service), state, & local entities.
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.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of how federal, state, & local conservation and wildlife programs are implemented in an agricultural landscape is desired.

Responsibilities

Provide conservation technical assistance (grazing/wildlife/prescribed fire focus) and guidance to private landowners, government agencies, non-government organizations and other groups for USDA NRCS Conservation Programs.
Develop grazing, wildlife, and prescribed fire related conservation plans.
Coordinate the implementation and application of wildlife habitat conservation within the conservation programs in cooperation with the local NRCS, local county Conservation Districts, QF Biologists, and other state and federal conservation partners.
Complete contracts, applications and other required documentation for the conservation programs requiring biological expertise in cooperation with the NRCS, Conservation Districts, and other conservation partners and programs.
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.