Farm Bill Wildlife Biologist II - Wetland Specialist

Pheasants Forever•Warrensburg, MO

About The Position

Pheasants Forever Inc. and Quail Forever (PFQF) is seeking an experienced biologist to help deliver conservation programs and projects in Missouri. The position serves on the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Wetland Emphasis Team and Farm Bill Biologist Team, providing wetland restoration assistance across 20 or more counties. The biologist will support all aspects of wetland-related Farm Bill programs, including enrollment and acquisition, design, protection, enhancement, management, and restoration of wetlands and associated upland habitats important to migrating waterfowl, upland wildlife, and other species. Based in the Warrensburg NRCS field office, the position provides conservation technical assistance and program delivery to private landowners throughout southwest Missouri. Working jointly with NRCS, the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), and other partners, the biologist promotes and facilitates enrollment in and implementation of the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) and other wildlife-related conservation programs. The work includes application and contract coordination, conservation planning, compatible-use agreements, easement monitoring, site assessment, and reporting. The biologist provides technical biological assistance to private landowners and public organizations on wildlife habitat enhancement. The position also works with local PFQF chapters and other partners to increase habitat management efforts, participates in regional and statewide habitat meetings, and assists or coordinates activities with PFQF, MDC, and NRCS staff. The employee is hired and supervised by Pheasants Forever, Inc. and Quail Forever, with day-to-day instruction and leadership provided by PFQF, NRCS, and MDC.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science degree in Wildlife Management or a closely related natural resources field.
At least three years of relevant experience.
Knowledge of wildlife ecology, prescribed fire, and grassland, wetland, and early succession habitat management.
Experience with wetland management and restoration techniques.
Working knowledge of wetland systems, including identification of wetland-associated flora and fauna.
Knowledge of writing and delivering wetland habitat management conservation plans.
Knowledge of Microsoft Office and ArcGIS software.
Knowledge of the USDA Wetland Reserve Easement and other conservation assistance programs.
Ability to explain the use of management tools in developing habitat management plans.
Knowledge of federal, state, and local conservation and wildlife habitat programs and how they are implemented in agricultural landscapes.
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with landowners, partner agencies, and colleagues.
Ability to work independently with little supervision and with diverse clientele.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Strong organizational skills.
Demonstrated leadership ability and a high degree of self-motivation.
Proficiency with ArcPro and/or other spatial mapping programs.
Ability to resolve difficult situations.
Valid driver's license; some use of a personal vehicle may be required.
Ability to obtain USDA Federal Security Clearance.

Nice To Haves

Experience with wetland restoration design.
Knowledge of or practical experience with agricultural systems, farming, and ranching.
Wildlife Society Certification or graduate work.
At least three years of experience managing wetland systems.
Proven experience working with USDA Farm Bill programs such as EQIP, CSP, ACEP, and CRP.

Responsibilities

Deliver wetland-related Farm Bill conservation programs and projects, including enrollment and acquisition, design, protection, enhancement, management, and restoration of wetlands and associated upland habitats.
Provide conservation technical assistance and program delivery to private landowners throughout southwest Missouri.
Promote and facilitate enrollment in and implementation of ACEP and other wildlife-related conservation programs with NRCS, MDC, and other partners.
Assist with program applications, program and contract coordination, conservation planning, compatible-use agreements, easement monitoring, site assessment, and reporting.
Provide technical biological assistance to private landowners and public organizations on wildlife habitat enhancement techniques.
Work with local PFQF chapters and other partners to increase habitat management efforts.
Participate in regional and statewide habitat meetings.
Assist or coordinate activities and projects with PFQF, MDC, and NRCS staff.