MT Senior Farm Bill Biologist

Pheasants Forever•Bozeman, MT

6d•$55,000 - $60,000•Onsite

About The Position

This position will be located in the USDA-NRCS Bozeman Area Office to provide wildlife conservation services throughout the Bozeman Area, including the support of NRCS Field Offices. The incumbent will serve as an Area Senior Biologist, providing biological and wildlife technical assistance for Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever Inc. (PF/QF), USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), and other local partners. The successful candidate will deliver conservation programs including CRP, CSP, EQIP, RCPP, and other Farm Bill Programs to farmers, ranchers, and landowners to provide recommendations that benefit both wildlife conservation 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. Additionally, the position will provide wildlife expertise, training, and contract review to support conservation planners in implementing conservation programs. The position will be an employee of and supervised by Pheasants Forever. The position will report to the Pheasants Forever Montana Farm Bill Manager, with daily instruction and leadership provided by the NRCS Area Resource Conservationist. Funding for the position is provided by NRCS, Pheasants Forever Chapters, as well as other partners.

Requirements

Documented knowledge of conservation and wildlife programs provided by Federal (i.e. Farm Bill, US Fish and Wildlife Service), State agencies (Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks), and PF, with experience in implementing these programs in an agricultural landscape strongly desired.
Knowledge of wildlife ecology, grassland and shrubland ecology and management, including the ability to utilize various habitat management tools and techniques in the development of management plans.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills to work clearly and effectively with landowners and partner agencies.
Ability to work independently with little supervision and with diverse clientele.
Ability to apply and use GIS tools (GPS, Field maps, ArcPro, etc.).
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Strong organizational skills including the ability to balance different workloads and meeting various deadlines.
Valid driver’s license required: work vehicle provided with some use of personal vehicle required (mileage reimbursement provided).
Able to obtain USDA Federal Security Clearance.

Nice To Haves

Any combination of training and/or experience that will enable the applicant to possess the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
A general qualification guideline for this position is a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Management or closely related natural resources field.
2 years of relevant professional experience is preferred to meet the qualifications expected of a Senior Farm Bill Biologist.
Experience working in private land habitat planning or management is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

Be a lead to the NRCS Bozeman Area in providing technical assistance and guidance, with a wildlife habitat focus, to landowners, government agencies, non-government organizations, and others (training provided by PF, NRCS, and other organizations).
Implement and design common conservation practices related to fish and wildlife resource needs to adequately assist landowners and agricultural producers in applying vegetative or structural conservation practices required in their conservation plans or contracts.
Coordinate the implementation, application, and review of wildlife habitat within conservation programs in cooperation with NRCS, PF, and others.
Coordinate NRCS biological and compliance related activities with other federal, state, and local agencies.
Provide leadership and training related to planning and implementation of Farm Bill programs including CSP, CRP, EQIP, and RCPP.
Provide leadership and training in assessing environmental concerns and the review of environmental considerations.
Communicate program requirements, complete site visits to determine eligibility, and develop plans and contracts for applicants enrolling in NRCS programs or other state and local conservation programs.
Complete job sheets, wildlife habitat evaluation guides, environmental evaluations, and other required documentation to support conservation plans and contracts.
Assist the Montana PF Farm Bill Manager in identifying and promoting projects and conservation efforts that align with the MGI.
Represent Pheasants Forever at habitat-related professional and partnership meetings.
Find creative ways to promote the MGI, including content-based outreach on social media, writing articles, hosting habitat tours, developing landowner workshops, and more.
Seek funding opportunities, develop new partnerships, and seek innovative ways to leverage both PF’s MGI and NRCS financial assistance programs to further wildlife conservation in Montana.
Stay current and disseminate new scientific publications about wildlife research and other scientific findings relevant to the position.
Identify outreach and training opportunities.
Provide leadership to other members of the Montana Pheasants Forever team through active participation in the statewide Leadership Team.
Perform other related duties as assigned.