Farm Bill Biologist I or II

Pheasants Forever•Plymouth, IN

2d•$40,332 - $46,000•Onsite

About The Position

This position will be an employee of and supervised by Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever (PF & QF), with daily instruction, quality assurance, training, and workload prioritization provided by USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), and the PF & QF Senior Farm Bill Biologist. This vacancy will be located within Northwest Indiana with a duty station in Plymouth. Occasional service outside the primary work area may be required to address annual workload variance and assist teammates and partners. Each biologist will work in a joint capacity with USDA-NRCS and other partners to promote, coordinate and accelerate enrollment in, and implement the conservation provisions of the Federal Farm Bill and other related conservation programs with an emphasis on soil, water, and wildlife resources in agricultural landscapes. Primary workload will focus on the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), including the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) and State Acres for Wildlife Enhancement (SAFE), plus other relevant Farm Bill programs such as Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) and Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP).

Requirements

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 establishment and management, including the ability to utilize various habitat management tools in the development of management plans.
Knowledge of conservation and wildlife programs provided through the Farm Bill, as well as other federal, state, & local entities.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Strong organizational skills, time management, and attention to detail.
Valid driver’s license required; use of personal vehicle required with a mileage reimbursement and vehicle stipend provided.
Must be able to obtain USDA Federal Security Clearance.

Nice To Haves

Specific knowledge of grassland/farmland associated wildlife species’ habitat requirements is desirable along with plant identification of native, non-native, and invasive grasses, forbs, trees, and shrubs.
Knowledge of agricultural landscapes, common farming and land use practices, and basic agricultural economics is desirable.
Prescribed fire training is preferred.
Proficiency with ArcPro is highly desired.
Proven experience working with USDA Farm Bill programs is preferred.
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.

Responsibilities

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.
Prepare conservation plans, conservation plan modifications, job sheets/implementation requirements, prescribed burn plans, status reviews, wildlife habitat evaluation guides (WHEG), activity reports, contract documents, and other relevant work products and documents requiring biological expertise.
Communicate technical and program requirements and conduct contract coordination, site assessments, eligibility determinations, and training sessions for landowners and resource professionals.
Accelerate conservation program enrollment and public awareness by conducting outreach such as workshops, field days, demonstration events, and habitat tours.
Meet with local PF & QF chapters and other local partners to coordinate and support habitat management efforts and participate in local and statewide habitat meetings and trainings.
Meet regularly with PF & QF, NRCS and DFW staff to coordinate technical assistance efforts and for resource training.
Promote and implement specific conservation programs to improve wildlife habitat and public access.