Overview: In partnership with the Oklahoma USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS); coordinate and implement wildlife-related conservation programs and provide technical assistance. Work in joint capacity with QF, NRCS, and the Farm Service Agency (FSA) to promote, coordinate and implement conservation provisions of the Federal Farm Bill and other related wildlife and range conservation programs. The programs of interest are promoting and implementing EQIP, CRP, and other state and federal conservation programs. Duties will include range and wildlife habitat planning, contract coordination, writing burn plans, site assessment and reporting.  Provide technical assistance for wildlife habitat enhancement techniques to private landowners and public organizations.  Meet with local chapters of Quail Forever to help coordinate and guide habitat management efforts and participate in county and statewide habitat meetings.  Meet regularly with partnership staff to coordinate technical assistance efforts.  Implement specific conservation programs to improve wildlife habitat.

Duties:

• Provide conservation technical assistance (grazing/wildlife/prescribed fire focus) and guidance to private landowners, government agencies, non-government organizations and other groups for USDA NRCS Conservation Programs.  The position will receive on the job training on USDA NRCS Conservation Programs, Quail Forever, and other local and state programs.
• Develop grazing, wildlife, and prescribed fire related conservation plans.
• Coordinate the implementation and application of wildlife habitat conservation within the conservation programs in cooperation with the local NRCS, local county Conservation Districts, QF Biologists, and other state and federal conservation partners.
• Complete contracts, applications and other required documentation for the conservation programs requiring biological expertise in cooperation with the NRCS, Conservation Districts, and other conservation partners and programs.
• Communicates program requirements, completes site visits to determine eligibility, and develops contracts/plans for applicants/participants for the USDA, NRCS Conservation Programs and other local and state programs.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to working independently, as a self-starter
• This is a heavy livestock production region, so applicants need the ability to communicate clearly and effectively at a high level with landowners and partner agencies, farmers, ranchers, and other producers.
• Ability to work independently with little supervision and with diverse clientele.
• Knowledge of wildlife ecology and land management including range management, prescribed fire, wetland, and including the ability to utilize various habitat management tools in the development of management plans.
• Knowledge of assessing, planning, writing, and implementing prescribed burns.
• Knowledge of conservation and wildlife programs provided by federal (i.e. Farm Bill, US Fish and Wildlife Service), state, & local entities.  In addition, knowledge of how these programs are implemented in an agricultural landscape is desired.
• Excellent verbal and written communication.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Valid driver’s license required; some use of personal vehicle required (mileage reimbursement provided).
• Able to obtain USDA Federal Security Clearance.

Training and Experience Guideline: Any combination of training and/or experience that will enable the applicant to possess the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.  A Bachelor of Science Degree in Range Management and/or Wildlife Management or closely related natural resources or agricultural field is required.