Area Wildlife Biologist

This unclassified, full-time position is located in the Wildlife Division in the Emporia NRCS Office. This position is directly supervised by Jon Beckmann, Wildlife Regional Supervisor.  The incumbent will spend 60% of their time working with private landowners in a three county district. The remaining 40% of the incumbent’s time will be spent working with the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) to implement wildlife programs at the NRCS Area level. 

The incumbent will be based in Emporia, Kansas and has district responsibilities in Lyon and Coffey Counties and supervises a Wildlife Biologist I that covers Woodson, Wilson and Montgomery County. Work involves organizing, coordinating and directing wildlife programs and projects; planning and implementing wildlife habitat projects through the Habitat First program on private land; administering walk-in hunting access program (WIHA) in assigned district, which includes property review, landowner contacts, contract negotiations, and posting of signs; assisting Public Lands Section with wildlife management programs; coordinating with local, state and federal agriculture and natural resource agencies and constituency groups; responding to animal damage complaints; coordinating and participating in public information and education efforts with other divisions and local media; conducting environmental assessments; providing technical services to private landowners and local governing units; preparing documents, reports, and wildlife management plans; conducting wildlife surveys; assisting other divisions and various state and federal agencies with environmental issues; completing various administrative duties necessary to support the district wildlife management program; and special projects as assigned. The incumbent also supervises a KDWP Habitat Specialist that works on habitat conservation and management in the John Redmond Watershed and coordinates this position with partners such as the Kansas Alliance for Wetland and Streams (KAWS) and the US Fish and Wildlife Service.

NRCS Area Responsibilities: The incumbent is responsible for both internal program delivery and providing wildlife management coordination to NRCS Area 3 staff.  Specifically, these duties include wetlands determinations, wetlands mitigations, wetland creation, enhancement and restoration.  The incumbent also serves as the easement liaison for WRP, GRP, ACEP-ALE and ACEP-WRE assisting with monitoring and compatible use authorizations.  The incumbent also provides wildlife technical assistance associated with Farm Bill programs such as CRP, RCPP, and EQIP programs. Specific job assignments and supervision will be provided by the NRCS Area Conservationist.  A general outline of duties includes: providing coordination between KDWP and NRCS; implementing wildlife management provisions into USDA’s farm bill programs at the NRCS area/county level; and provide technical advice to NRCS staff to develop USDA statewide programs and policies.

BENEFITS: Beginning hourly wage, $30.44/hour; immediate group health and life insurance coverage; retirement; optional deferred compensation, dental and vision options; holidays; and sick, vacation, and parental  leave.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: Bachelor’s Degree in fisheries science/management or wildlife science/management AND two years of related work experience. Other degrees relating to this field may be considered. Education may be substituted by the agency. The successful candidate must pass a background check and possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS/ABILITIES:  The successful applicant must have a mix of expertise in ecology, agricultural or related fields. The applicant must have good communication skills and be able to work in an interdisciplinary agency environment and with landowners.  Computer skills are highly desirable.