Farm Bill Wildlife Biologist I or II (RCPP)

Pheasants Forever•Camden, AR

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

In partnership with American Bird Conservancy, Lower Mississippi Valley Joint Venture, and the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS); RCPP FBBs serve to coordinate and implement the Open Pine RCPP and other wildlife-related conservation programs and provide technical assistance within their assigned counties. Some assistance outside of assigned counties may be requested. This position is a full-time permanent employee of Pheasants Forever and Quail forever and will be located within Focal Landscapes in South West Arkansas and will provide service across multiple counties. Staff will work in joint capacity with AGFC, NRCS, and the Farm Service Agency (FSA) to promote, coordinate and implement conservation provisions of the Federal Farm Bill (Open Pine RCPP, EQIP, EQIP-WLFW, CSP, CRP) and other related wildlife conservation programs as well as assist in delivery of state level habitat programs and initiatives. General Duties will include wildlife habitat planning, contract coordination, writing plans, site assessment and reporting, and conducting outreach. Biologists will provide technical assistance for wildlife habitat enhancement techniques to private landowners and public organizations. Meet with local chapters of Quail Forever to help coordinate habitat management efforts and participate in county and statewide habitat meetings. Meet regularly with AGFC, QF, USDA, and LMVJV staff to coordinate technical assistance efforts.

Requirements

Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with landowners and partner agencies.
Ability to work independently with little supervision and with diverse clientele.
Knowledge of wildlife ecology, forest and grassland management including the ability to utilize various habitat management tools in the development of management plans.
Experience or knowledge of working lands practices Arkansas agriculture (Commercial Forestry, Row-Crop, Livestock), and how to implement conservation practices economically into those operations.
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.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge and/or experience in the field with NRCS programs is desired.

Responsibilities

Coordinate the implementation and application of the South Arkansas Open Pine RCPP in partnership with American Bird Conservancy, USDA-NRCS, and AGFC.
Coordinate monitoring efforts on Open Pine RCPP and other cost-share projects, to include Autonomous Recording Units, Spring Breeding Bird Surveys, Fall Covey Count Surveys, habitat and vegetation assessments, and associated job sheets, data sheets, and map creation.
Provide technical assistance (biology focus) and guidance to private landowners, government agencies, non-government organizations, and other groups for USDA NRCS Conservation Programs. The positions will receive training on the USDA NRCS Conservation Programs, Quail Forever, and other local and state programs, including USDA planning, mapping, and project assessment systems.
Coordinates the implementation and application of wildlife programs within the Focal Landscapes in cooperation with the local NRCS, LMVJV Delivery Coordinator, QF Biologists, and other state partners as appropriate.
Completes 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.