Overview & Job Duties:

Work in a joint capacity with Pheasants Forever, Inc. (PF) and USDA Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS) staff within South Dakota to aid in the delivery and education of pollinator focused conservation programs and methods that can be applied both in agricultural and urban settings to positively impact our declining populations of monarch butterflies and other pollinating insects. Provide technical assistance for wildlife habitat enhancement techniques to private landowners and public organizations. Meet with local chapters of Pheasants Forever and other local partners to influence habitat management efforts and participate in statewide habitat meetings. Attend appropriate USDA and Pheasants Forever training and assist in coordinating technical assistance efforts throughout South Dakota.

This announcement is for one position in South Dakota with the location TBD. Work will be conducted throughout the state of South Dakota dependent on meetings, research, and program activity. The incumbent is an employee of Pheasants Forever, Inc. and will receive primary supervision from Pheasants Forever with daily instruction provided by the local USDA-NRCS staff. The incumbent will serve as a go to resource and become the leading voice for monarch and other native pollinators and the habitat that they need to flourish. The incumbent will work closely with USDA NRCS, South Dakota GFP, and other agency and NGO staff to coordinate workshops/tours and other outreach related to pollinator habitat and best management practices for both agricultural and urban settings.

Duties:

• Provide technical assistance (biology focus) and guidance to private landowners, government agencies, non-government organizations and other groups as to current pollinator practices and principles. The position will also receive training on other USDA NRCS Conservation Programs, Pheasants Forever, SDGFP and other local and state programs that relate to pollinator issues and habitat.
• Manage the implementation of the “Restoring Working Lands and Public Lands for Monarch Butterflies and Dakota Skipper” NFWF Grant through.
• Coordinate the implementation of the South Dakota Monarch Management Plan.
• Coordinate the implementation and application of biological sciences within current and future USDA programs in cooperation with the NRCS staff, PF Biologists, SDGFP private lands biologists, and any other applicable conservation agencies and organizations in SD.
• Plan and coordinate workshops and tours to producers and resource professionals on the latest and most up to date pollinator practices and their wildlife and producer benefits. 
• Communicates program requirements as related to pollinator practices, 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.
• Coordinate with other groups active in this arena and provide leadership to work in a unified voice.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

 Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

• 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 including the ability to utilize various habitat management tools in the development of management plans.
• 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.

Experience Guideline: A Bachelor of Science Degree in Wildlife Management, Range Science, Agricultural Science or closely related natural resources field is required.  Demonstrated experience with USDA farm bill programs is preferred and an understanding of local agricultural practices is very beneficial.