Farm Bill Wildlife Biologist I, II, or III
About The Position
Hiring for one Farm Bill Biologist I, II or III to provide wildlife conservation services primarily in Daniels, Sheridan, and Roosevelt counties. The position will be based out of the Scobey NRCS Field Office, located in Scobey, Montana. The incumbent will serve as a Farm Bill Biologist providing ecological and wildlife technical conservation services in northeast Montana. This position will work in joint capacity with Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), and other local conservation partners and entities such as Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks. The successful applicant will promote, implement, deliver, and assist landowners with enrollment into conservation programs including Farm Bill programs (CRP, CSP, EQIP, RCPP), as well as partner programs. This position will work directly with farmers, ranchers, and other landowners in developing conservation plans that benefit both wildlife habitat and agricultural operations. The position will also be responsible for promoting Pheasants Forever’s Montana Grassland Initiative (MGI) to enhance wildlife habitat in grassland and shrub-steppe landscapes. The position will be an employee of and supervised by Pheasants Forever, with daily instruction and leadership provided by NRCS District Conservationists and Supervisory District Conservationist.
Requirements
- Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with landowners and partner agencies.
- Ability to work independently with little supervision and with a diverse clientele.
- Knowledge of wildlife ecology, grassland and rangeland management techniques. Preference given to knowledge of working landscapes of eastern Montana.
- Ability to apply and use GIS tools (i.e. GPS, ArcPRO, etc.).
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong organizational and time management skills.
- The ability to balance office work with field assessments as needed.
- Valid driver’s license required: work vehicle provided; some use of personal vehicle may be required (mileage reimbursement provided).
- Knowledge of conservation and wildlife programs provided through USDA Conservation Programs, Montana state agencies, PF, and other conservation partners strongly preferred. In addition, knowledge of how these programs are implemented in agricultural and range landscapes is desired.
- Previous experience living and working in remote, rural communities is beneficial but not required.
- Able to obtain USDA Federal Security Clearance.
- Any combination of training and/or experience that will enable the applicant to possess the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
- Experience working with private landowners and conservation planning is highly desirable.
Nice To Haves
- Previous, documented experience (2+ years) delivering Farm Bill programs or similar habitat conservation programs.
- Certified Conservation Planner, or similar certification, strongly desired.
Responsibilities
- Provide technical assistance (wildlife habitat focused) and guidance to landowners, government agencies, non-government organizations and others (training provided).
- Develop conservation plans, complete job sheets, wildlife habitat evaluation guides, environmental evaluations, complete contracts and applications, and other required documentation offered through NRCS programs and other conservation programs (training provided).
- Coordinate the implementation and application of wildlife habitat within conservation programs in cooperation with local NRCS District Conservationists and others.
- Communicate program requirements, complete site visits to determine eligibility, and develop plans and contracts for applicants enrolling in NRCS Conservation programs or other state and local conservation programs.
- Develop a working knowledge of the various conservation partners and entities in eastern Montana to leverage multiple programs that benefit both wildlife and working landscapes.
- Develop and maintain strong working relationships with various conservation partners, local PF Chapters, and landowners alike.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
- Independently conduct natural resource inventories and wildlife assessments to develop conservation plans and project proposals.
- Seek funding opportunities from partner organizations to leverage NRCS financial assistance programs.
Benefits
- Health, vision, dental and more insurance coverage plans are available.
- 401(k) Retirement plan with an employer match of up to 5%.
- Student Loan Assistance program of up to $200/month for eligible employees.
- Vehicle stipend of up to $300/month for eligible employees.
- Paid Time Off accrued at 15 days (120 hours) per year for new employees.
- Bereavement/Family/Sick Leave of 6 days (48 hours) per year.
- 13 paid holidays.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
