Farm Bill Wildlife Biologist I or II

Pheasants Forever • Montgomery City, MO

7d

About The Position

Pheasants Forever, Inc. and Quail Forever (PFQF), in partnership with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), and other partners, are hiring two Farm Bill Wildlife Biologists to coordinate and implement wildlife habitat conservation programs and provide technical assistance in assigned Missouri counties. One position will be headquartered at the Montgomery City USDA Service Center and serve Montgomery, Pike, and Lincoln Counties. The other will be headquartered at the Mexico USDA Service Center and serve Audrain, Boone, and Callaway Counties. The biologists will be PFQF employees, supervised by PFQF, and work jointly with partner agencies to promote and implement conservation provisions of the Federal Farm Bill on private lands. Primary program focus areas include the Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP), Working Lands for Wildlife (WLFW), and Outcomes Assessments. Work may also involve the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), and state and local habitat programs and initiatives.

The role includes wildlife habitat planning, conservation plan writing, site assessments and eligibility determinations, contract coordination, program promotion and outreach, one-on-one landowner technical assistance, reporting, and assistance with habitat and population monitoring. Training will be provided jointly by NRCS, MDC, and Quail Forever. The anticipated start date is January 11, 2027, and the starting salary is $47,000 plus benefits.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree at a minimum in Wildlife Management, Forestry, Grazing, or a closely related natural resources field.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with landowners and partner agencies.
• Ability to work independently and with diverse clientele; motivated self-starter with strong interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of wildlife ecology and forest and grassland management, including the ability to use habitat management tools when developing management plans, particularly prescribed fire.
• Technical and practical knowledge of natural community management in grassland and woodland systems.
• Knowledge of conservation and wildlife programs offered by federal, state, and local entities.
• Knowledge of or practical experience with agricultural systems and farming.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and demonstrated ability to manage demanding workloads.
• Proficiency with ArcGIS or ArcPro, GPS, and Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Valid driver’s license; some use of a personal vehicle may be required.
• Ability to obtain USDA Federal Security Clearance.

Nice To Haves

• Proven experience working with USDA Farm Bill programs.
• A balance of technical knowledge and interpersonal skills for implementing voluntary conservation programs on private lands.
• Enjoyment of working with private landowners to achieve their objectives.
• Demonstrated interest, training, and experience in forestry, grazing, and wildlife.

Responsibilities

• Provide wildlife habitat-focused technical assistance and guidance to private landowners, government agencies, nonprofits, and other groups regarding USDA NRCS conservation programs.
• Coordinate implementation and applications for wildlife habitat programs in priority geographies with partner agencies.
• Prepare conservation plans, job sheets, Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Guides (WHEG), and other required program documentation in cooperation with partners.
• Communicate program requirements, conduct site visits to determine eligibility, and develop contract documents for applicants and participants in USDA NRCS and other local and state programs.
• Review plans and specifications for feasibility under Farm Bill program contract rules.
• Assist with population monitoring and plant inventories.
• Promote conservation program enrollment through workshops, field days, demonstration events, and habitat tours.
• Provide on-site technical assistance to landowners implementing conservation practices.
• Work with local Quail Forever chapters on habitat program education, outreach, and technical assistance for habitat projects.
• Coordinate wildlife habitat conservation program delivery and provide reporting and monitoring support.

Benefits

• Benefits are offered; details are available in the company benefits summary.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level