Application Deadline: Open until filled (first review is Oct 28)

Anticipated Start Date: November 2024

Overview: Overview:  This position is part of a collaborative effort among the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Pheasants Forever to further the delivery of the NRCS Farm Bill Programs and assist with the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) and CRP SAFE, Continuous Conservation Reserve Program (CCRP), Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP), and other programs that benefit wildlife. These positions provide wildlife/range technical assistance for the Farm Bill conservation programs to agriculture producers and landowners.  This position will be an employee of, and be supervised by Pheasants Forever, Inc. with daily instruction and leadership provided by Pheasants Forever & NRCS District Conservationist in Waterville, WA.  The incumbent is expected to work closely with NRCS, USFWS, and WDFW personnel in the region to develop projects with private landowners and direct funding through USDA and other partners habitat restoration programs towards wildlife habitat improvement projects on private land.  This position will primarily be focused on wildlife related conservation contracts and applications within on the counties serviced through the Waterville field office and provide assistance to wildlife initiatives such as the CRP-SAFE program and Sage Grouse Initiative program with landowners. 

The incumbent will serve as a Private Lands Conservationist providing biological/wildlife technical assistance for USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever Inc. (PF/QF), and other local partners. The successful applicant will deliver conservation programs like CRP, CSP, EQIP, and other Farm Bill programs to farmers, ranchers and other landowners primarily to provide recommendations that benefit both wildlife conservation and agriculture operations.

Duties:

• 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 District Conservationist, 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 other partners to leverage NRCS financial assistance programs.
• Perform 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 and techniques in the development of management plans.
• Knowledge of conservation and wildlife programs provided through USDA Conservation Programs, Montana state agencies, and other conservation partners. In addition, knowledge of how these programs are implemented in an agricultural and range landscape is desired.
• Knowledge of conservation and wildlife programs provided by Federal (i.e. Farm Bill, US Fish and Wildlife Service), State agencies, and PF. In addition, knowledge of how these programs are implemented in an agricultural landscape is desired.
• Ability to apply and use GIS tools and other technologies (i.e. GPS, ARC Map, Microsoft Office etc.).
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Valid driver’s license required; work vehicle provided; 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 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 working with private land habitat planning is highly desirable.

Salary Range: Up to $50,000 + Health Benefits                                                         

Pheasants Forever & Quail Forever are an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, status as a qualified individual with disability, or any other category that may be protected by law.