Habitat Specialist I (Conservation Technician)

Pheasants Forever•Winnemucca, NV

1d•$40,000 - $50,000•Hybrid

About The Position

This position will be an employee of and supervised by Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever (PF & QF), with daily instruction, quality assurance, training, and workload prioritization provided by USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). There are two positions available with primary duty stations in Elko or Winnemucca, Nevada, with occasional service outside the primary work area. The position is responsible for gathering basic conservation planning inventory, data and surveys to assist an NRCS Field Office with development and implementation of conservation plans for Farm Bill programs and delivering the PF & QF mission.

Requirements

Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with landowners, partners, and agency staff.
Ability to work independently with little supervision and with diverse clientele.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Strong organizational skills, time management, and attention to detail.
Valid driver’s license required
Must be able to obtain USDA Federal Security Clearance.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of wildlife and rangeland ecology, specifically in the Great Basin.
Specific knowledge of plant identification of native, non-native, and invasive grasses, forbs, trees, and shrubs, along with grassland/farmland associated wildlife species’ habitat requirements
Knowledge of conservation and wildlife programs provided through the Farm Bill, as well as other federal, state, & local entities.
Knowledge of agricultural landscapes, common farming and land use practices, and basic agricultural economics.
Any combination of training and/or experience that will enable the applicant to perform the duties of the job.
Some educational background in Wildlife Management, Range Management, Agriculture or closely related natural resources field is desirable.
Practical and/or professional experience in farming and agricultural disciplines is highly beneficial.
The successful applicant must enjoy working with private landowners and producers to achieve their conservation objectives.
Applicants with college degrees in Wildlife Management, Range Management, Environmental Science or closely related natural resources fields, may be eligible for other Pheasants Forever positions being offered in the same locations.

Responsibilities

Provides technical assistance needed to apply conservation practices in the assigned field office as directed by the NRCS District Conservationist or lead planner. This includes follow-up on active conservation contracts.
Assists in the collection and analysis of resource data and information needed to develop conservation plans.
Maintains accurate records and documents accomplishments according to national, state, and field office policy.
Utilizes IT systems as needed for recording and documenting planning and installation of conservation plans and practices, reporting progress, recording time and managing e-mails.
Promotes and implements specific conservation programs to improve wildlife habitat and advance PF/QF mission and strategic priorities.
Accelerates conservation program enrollment and public awareness by conducting outreach such as workshops, field days, demonstration events, and habitat tours with NRCS and PF/QF as approved by the NRCS District Conservationist.