UT Range & Wildlife Biologist II/III

Pheasants Forever • Tremonton, UT

4d • $50,000

About The Position

This position is part of a collaborative effort among the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, US Fish and Wildlife Service, and Pheasants Forever to further the delivery of the NRCS Working Lands for Wildlife Program and assist with Farm Bill Program implementation that benefit wildlife and wildlife habitats. This position provides range /wildlife technical assistance for NRCS and associated Farm Bill conservation programs to agriculture producers and landowners. This position also provides training, guidance, and support to other Pheasants Forever staff located in Utah and provides additional coordination between partners located in Utah. This position also works with all the partners to build relationships with natural resource agencies and leverage funding sources through partners, such as the Utah Watershed Restoration Initiative that support and compliment Farm Bill conservation programs and the Working Lands for Wildlife Program. This position will be an employee of Pheasants Forever Inc. with daily instruction and leadership provided by the NRCS District Conservationist.

Requirements

• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with landowners and partner agency staff.
• Ability to work independently with little supervision and with diverse clientele.
• Knowledge of wildlife ecology, grassland, wetland and early succession habitat establishment and management, including the ability to utilize various habitat management tools in the development of management plans.
• Knowledge of conservation and wildlife programs provided through the Farm Bill, as well as other federal, state, & local entities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills, time management, and attention to detail.
• Valid driver’s license required; work vehicle provided; some use of personal vehicle required (mileage reimbursement provided).
• Must be 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. A general qualification guideline for this position is a Bachelor of Science Degree in Wildlife Management or closely related natural resources field and/or related field experience.
• Experience to be eligible for a Farm Bill Bio III usually consists of listed required skills, abilities, and general qualifications as well as two years of experience as a Farm Bill Bio II.

Nice To Haves

• Specific knowledge of grassland/farmland associated wildlife species’ habitat requirements is desirable along with plant identification of native, non-native, and invasive grasses, forbs, trees, and shrubs.
• Knowledge of agricultural landscapes, common farming and land use practices, and basic agricultural economics is desirable.
• Prescribed fire training is preferred.
• Proficiency with ArcPro is highly desired.
• Experience working with private land habitat planning is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical assistance (wildlife habitat focus) and guidance to landowners, government agencies, non-government organizations and others (training will be provided by the NRCS, PF/QF, and other organizations).
• Coordinate the implementation and application of wildlife habitat within conservation programs in cooperation with NRCS Conservation Team Lead, and others.
• Develop conservation plans, complete job sheets, wildlife habitat evaluation guides, environmental evaluations, complete contracts, applications, and other required documentation for conservation programs offered through the NRCS Conservation Programs, and other conservation programs.
• 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.
• Seek funding opportunities from new partners to leverage NRCS financial assistance programs.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.
• Independently conduct natural resource surveys
• Independently develop components of conservation plans
• Assists with content-based outreach creation and delivery on social media, websites, blogs, magazines, and other avenues to increase story telling about the Montana Upland Experience.
• Coordinates the development and organization of habitat tours, demonstration area tours, landowner workshops.

Benefits

• Health, vision, dental and more insurance coverage plans 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 (increasing after 3 years).
• Bereavement/Family/Sick Leave of 6 days (48 hours) per year.
• 13 Paid holidays.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees