Farm Bill Biologist

Farm Bill Biologist

Job Vacancy Announcement

The Lenawee Conservation District is accepting applications for a Farm Bill Biologist position to provide technical assistance to agriculture producers and landowners in Lenawee, Monroe and Hillsdale Counties.

The Farm Bill Biologist position will provide program outreach, technical assistance and landowner recruitment for a wide variety of USDA Farm Bill programs with emphasis on the Michigan Pheasant Restoration Initiative. This position will be an employee of, and supervised by, the Lenawee Conservation District with instruction and leadership provided by Michigan DNR Wildlife Division (MDNR) and USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Funding provided by MDNR and NRCS.

Duties:

• Provide technical assistance (wildlife biology focus) and guidance to private landowners, government agencies, non-government organizations, and others (training will be provided by the USDA, Michigan DNR Wildlife Division, and other local and partner agencies).
• Coordinate the implementation and application of biological sciences within the conservation programs in cooperation with NRCS District Conservationist, MDNR, and other partners.
• Complete contracts, applications, and other required documents for USDA conservation programs (i.e. Conservation Reserve Program, Wetland Reserve Easements, Environmental Quality Incentives Program, etc.).
• Communicate program requirements, complete site visits to determine eligibility, and develop plans and contracts for applicants enrolling in USDA conservation programs or other state and local conservation programs.
• Develop various promotional materials and host public meetings to promote wildlife conservation, landowner enrollment in conservation programs, and the Michigan Pheasant Restoration Initiative.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with landowners and partner agencies.
• Ability to work independently with diverse clientele.
• Knowledge of wildlife ecology, grassland and wetland 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 agencies (USDA, US Fish and Wildlife Service), MDNR and non-government organizations (Pheasants Forever). Knowledge of how these programs are implemented in an agricultural landscape is desired.
• Valid driver’s license required; work vehicle could be available, some use of personal vehicle required (mileage reimbursement provided).
• Able to obtain USDA Federal clearance

Training and Experience Guideline:

Bachelor’s degree; natural resource management, fisheries and wildlife, biology, or related field is preferred. A combination of education, training and experience that enable the applicant to possess the required knowledge, skills and abilities will be considered.

Compensation:

• Starting wage for this position is $23 – $25/hour commensurate with education and experience
• Potential for increase annually, dependent upon grant renewal, grant level, and work performance
• Mileage for personal vehicle use is reimbursed at the federal mileage rate
• The District matches retirement contributions at the 3% level
• Worker’s Compensation and Unemployment Insurance coverage
• NRCS holiday schedule (paid)
• Paid vacation/sick leave

To Apply

Apply via email to [email protected] with resume, cover letter, and 3 references saved in a single PDF document titled “Farm Bill Biologist Position Application {Name/Date}” Applications due by: 7/22/24