APPLICATION DEADLINE: Open Until Filled

ANTICIPATED START DATE: Open Until Filled 

PURPOSE OF POSITION:

The Coordinating Wildlife Biologist positions are primarily field-level positions and a member of the Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever (PF & QF) Conservation Delivery team, also having the opportunity to be involved in PF & QF development and chapter roles in some circumstances. As a Coordinating Wildlife Biologist, the selected applicant will provide biological/wildlife technical assistance for USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), PF & QF, Gulf Coast Joint Venture (GCJV), Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), and/or other local partners to ultimately benefit wildlife conservation and agriculture operations in the area. The selected applicant will have the opportunity to provide technical guidance and learn about a wide variety of topics in this role including soils, range plants, row-crop agriculture, livestock, and wildlife – with a focus on benefitting grassland/upland wildlife and their habitats. This position will be focused on grassland conservation along the Texas mid-coast – helping provide cooperators (farmers, ranchers, hunters, lease holders, etc.…) with technical guidance for their grassland and wildlife conservation goals (esp. as they pertain to upland birds) and technical assistance on applying for programmatic funding opportunities such as Farm Bill programs, Grassland Restoration Incentive Programs and other state and local initiatives. This position will be responsible for being actively engaged in workshops, trainings, field days and other education and outreach events with both landowners and partners, with the expectation that professional relationships will be formed and maintained.

RESPONSIBILITIES:  

Coordinating Wildlife Biologist I:  

• Become familiar with Conservation Programs and partner processes and procedures.
• Become familiar with coverage area including landscape, landowner culture, and partnerships.
• Conduct outreach to landowners on conservation programs with wildlife focus available in assigned counties including public outreach meetings, targeted mailers, newsletter articles, social media content, etc.
• Conduct natural resource surveys.
• Provide technical assistance and guidance (wildlife habitat focus) to landowners, government agencies, non-government organizations and others – training opportunities will be available through the NRCS, PF & QF, and other organizations.
• 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.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Coordinating Wildlife Biologist II:  

• All duties of a Coordinating Wildlife Biologist I
• Coordinate NRCS and other partners with the promotion and implementation of wildlife focused initiatives, targeted implementation for EQIP, wildlife focused RCPP projects, and other state level and partner’s programs (e.g., C-GRIP).
• Coordinate and foster relationships with conservation partners, local landowner coalitions, and local communities.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Coordinating Wildlife Biologist III: 

• All duties of a Coordinating Wildlife Biologist II
• Lead and coordinate natural resource surveys, monitoring projects, process development, etc.
• Coordinate and lead content-based outreach creation and delivery on social media, websites, blogs, magazines, and other avenues to increase story telling.
• Coordinate the development and organization of habitat tours, demonstration area tours, landowner workshops.
• Become a team member mentor with additional leadership duties amongst the statewide team.
  • Represent PF & QF at relevant professional and partnership meetings. 
  • Represent PF & QF on relevant partnership working groups and committees. 
  • Review and compile work product reporting data as required for grant and agreement deliverables/outcomes.   
  • Organize and/or host meetings with primary funding partners to ensure consistent exchange of information and accomplishments.  

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE FOR COORDINATING WILDLIFE BIOLOGIST I, II, III 

• College degree in wildlife biology, natural resources, environmental science, or related field AND
• At least 2-3 years practical experience providing private lands conservation technical assistance, landowner outreach, and/or providing leadership of upland habitat programs AND
• Applied prescribed fire experience is encouraged AND
• A Master of Science Degree, Wildlife Society Certification, or equivalent work experience is a bonus AND 
• USDA Conservation Planner Certifications is a bonus

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with landowners, coworkers, and partner agencies.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and with diverse clientele.
• Knowledge of wildlife ecology, prescribed fire, and grassland, wetland, and early succession habitat management including the ability to utilize various habitat management tools in the development of management plans. Specific knowledge of grassland/farmland associated wildlife species’ habitat requirements is desirable.
• Knowledge of conservation and wildlife programs provided through the Farm Bill, as well as other federal, state, and local entities. In addition, knowledge of how these programs are implemented in an agricultural landscape is desired. 
• Knowledge of common local herbaceous plants and ability to identify them.  
• Knowledge of agricultural landscapes, common farming and land use practices, and basic agricultural economics is desirable.
• Ability to work outdoors in sometimes extreme conditions and landscapes.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Effective planning and organizational skills.
• Proficiency with ArcPro or USDA Conservation Desktop, and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.) required.  
• Demonstrated experience as a leader with strong initiative.
• Conflict resolution skills.
• Valid driver’s license required; some use of personal vehicle may be required (mileage reimbursement provided). 
• Must be able to obtain USDA Federal Security Clearance.
• Work related overnight travel can range from 5-20 nights/year.  
• Passion for Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever’s mission.

CONFIDENTIALITY REQUIREMENTS:   

• This position may require the individual to have access to confidential records and information. To successfully perform this position, confidentiality of the information with which the individual has contact must be maintained.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:  

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Ability to lift and move 50lbs.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:  

• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Work from a partner office with the potential to telework from a home office with supervisor approval.
• Overnight travel for conferences, national team and other staff meetings, and other partner events.  5-20 days of travel annually.