KS Farm Bill Wildlife Biologist I or II

Pheasants Forever•Mankato, KS

10d•$45,000

About The Position

Positions will be located within the USDA Service Center and will provide conservation technical assistance and conservation program delivery to private landowners within their assigned districts and other priority areas as appropriate (namely Jewell, Mitchell, Cloud, Republic, Washinton, and Marshall counties). The incumbent will work in a joint capacity with USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), and other State and Federal partners to promote, accelerate enrollment, coordinate, and implement the conservation provisions of the Federal Farm Bill and other wildlife related conservation programs. Activities will include program promotion (workshops and one-on-one meetings), contract coordination, writing conservation plans, site assessment, and reporting. Work with local chapters of Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever (PF & QF) and other local partners to increase habitat management efforts and participate in regional and statewide habitat meetings. Assist or coordinate activities and projects with other PF & QF and NRCS staff. This position will be an employee of, and supervised by Pheasants Forever, Inc. & Quail Forever, with daily instruction and leadership provided by NRCS and PF & QF.

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, grassland, wetland, and early succession habitat management including the ability to utilize various habitat management tools in the development of management plans.
Knowledge of conservation and wildlife habitat 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.
Knowledge of or practical experience with agricultural systems and farming.
Excellent verbal and written communication.
Strong organizational skills.
Proficiency with ArcGIS and Conservation Desktop.
Valid driver’s license required with an acceptable driving record and history.
Must be able to obtain USDA Federal Security Clearance.
A minimum requirement for this position is a Bachelor of Science Degree in Wildlife Management or closely related natural resources field.

Nice To Haves

Proven experience working with USDA Farm Bill programs (CRP, CREP, ACEP, EQIP, and CSP) is preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide technical assistance (biology focus) and guidance to private landowners, government agencies, non-government organizations and other groups for USDA NRCS Conservation Programs.
Coordinates the implementation and application of wildlife programs within target landscapes in cooperation with the local NRCS, Conservation District Managers, KDWP Biologists, PF & 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 USDA-NRCS Conservation Programs and other local and state programs.
Performs other related duties as assigned.