Private Lands Conservationist II

Pheasants Forever • Clarkston, WA

9d • Onsite

About The Position

Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever are seeking a Private Lands Conservationist II in Clarkston, Washington, to support the organization's mission of enhancing wildlife habitat through conservation. The position works jointly with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and local partners to promote, implement, and coordinate enrollment in Federal Farm Bill conservation provisions and related programs.

The employee will work for and be supervised by Pheasants Forever, Inc., with daily instruction and leadership provided by Pheasants Forever and the local NRCS District Conservationist in the Clarkston USDA Field Office. The role works closely with NRCS and other regional conservation partners to develop projects with private landowners and direct funding from USDA and other partners toward habitat restoration on private lands. It primarily supports wildlife-related conservation contracts and applications in counties served by the Clarkston Field Office, and assists landowners with wildlife and conservation programs.

The incumbent provides biological and wildlife technical assistance to USDA-NRCS, Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever, and other local partners. The successful applicant delivers programs such as CRP, CSP, EQIP, and other Farm Bill conservation programs to farmers, ranchers, and other landowners, with recommendations that benefit wildlife conservation and agricultural operations.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree in Wildlife Management or a closely related natural resources field, and/or related field experience.
• 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, wetland and grassland management, and the use of habitat management tools and techniques to develop management plans.
• Ability to apply and use GIS tools and other technologies, including GPS, ARC Map, and Microsoft Office.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Valid driver's license.
• Ability to obtain USDA Federal Security Clearance.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of conservation and wildlife programs provided through USDA Conservation Programs, Washington state agencies, and other conservation partners, including how the programs are implemented in agricultural and range landscapes.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and Pheasants Forever conservation and wildlife habitat restoration programs, including the Farm Bill and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service programs, and how they are implemented in agricultural landscapes.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical assistance focused on wildlife habitat and guidance to landowners, government agencies, non-government organizations, and others.
• Coordinate wildlife habitat implementation and applications within conservation programs in cooperation with the NRCS District Conservationist and other partners.
• Develop conservation plans; complete job sheets, wildlife habitat evaluation guides, environmental evaluations, contracts, applications, and other required conservation-program documentation.
• Communicate program requirements, conduct site visits to determine eligibility, and develop plans and contracts for applicants enrolling in NRCS, state, and local conservation programs.
• Monitor wildlife habitats, complete status reviews, conduct site visits to assess establishment or stand health, determine management needs, and coordinate activities with landowners and program requirements.
• Seek funding opportunities from other partners to leverage NRCS financial assistance programs.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Health, vision, dental, and other insurance coverage plans are available.
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching up to 5%.
• Student Loan Assistance program of up to $200 per month for eligible employees.
• Paid time off accrued at 15 days (120 hours) per year for new employees.
• Bereavement, family, and sick leave of 6 days (48 hours) per year.
• 13 paid holidays.
• Work vehicle provided; some personal vehicle use may be required, with mileage reimbursement.

What This Job Offers

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