Farm Bill Biologist II – North Carolina

Application Deadline: July 24th, 2024

Start Date: September 2024                

Overview: In partnership with the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), The Nature Conservancy (TNC), the Sandhills Prescribed Burn Association, and the United States Forest Service (USFS), the Farm Bill Wildlife Biologist will coordinate and implement wildlife habitat-related conservation programs and provide technical assistance within the North Carolinas Joint Chiefs (JC) focal regions and NRCS Working Lands for Wildlife counties. These counties include Moore, Richmond, Montgomery, Lee, Harnett, Cumberland, Hoke, Scotland, Anson, and Stanly counties. The positions will be based in the Carthage NRCS field office. Travel is expected to local USDA service centers in coverage area. The individual will work in joint capacity with partner agencies to promote, coordinate, and implement conservation provisions of the Federal Farm Bill on private lands, with primary focus on the Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) Working Lands for Wildlife (WLFW) Bobwhite Quail Pine Savanna Framework. Conservation delivery will involve relevant Farm Bill programs such as the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), general EQIP, and the Conservation Stewardship Program (CStP), as well as state and local habitat programs and initiatives.  General duties will include all aspects of wildlife habitat planning, contract coordination, conservation plan writing, site assessment/eligibility determination, program promotion/outreach, landowner technical assistance, and reporting. This is a 3-year position with the possibility of renewal.  

Specific Duties:

• Provide technical assistance (wildlife habitat focus) and guidance to private landowners, government agencies, non-government organizations and other groups for USDA NRCS conservation programs. Training provided jointly by NRCS, TNC, Sandhills PBA, USFS, and QF.
• Coordinate the implementation and application of wildlife habitat programs within North Carolinas Joint Chiefs focal regions in cooperation with partner agencies.
• Complete conservation plans, management recommendations, job sheets, wildlife habitat evaluation guides (WHEG) and other required documentation for the conservation programs requiring biological expertise in cooperation with the listed partners.
• Communicate program requirements, complete site visits to determine eligibility, and develop contract documents for applicants and participants of USDA-NRCS conservation programs and other local and state programs.
• Review plans and specifications for feasibility for implementation under Farm Bill program contract rules, etc.
• Lead Northern bobwhite and habitat vegetation monitoring efforts for area.
• Accelerate conservation program enrollment by conducting outreach such as workshops, field days, demonstration events, and habitat tours.
• Provide on-site landowner technical assistance for conservation practice implementation.
• Work with local QF chapters to assist with habitat program education and outreach and provide technical assistance for habitat projects.

Desired Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with landowners and partner agencies.
• Ability to work independently and with diverse clientele. Must be a motivated self-starter with strong interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of, and/or practical experience with silviculture and prescribed fire as it relates to timber management and production in the Southeastern US.
• Knowledge of wildlife ecology and forest 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.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills, with demonstrated ability to manage demanding workloads.
• Proficiency with ArcPro, GPS, Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.)
• Valid driver’s license required; some use of personal vehicle required (mileage reimbursement provided).
• Must be able to obtain USDA Federal Security Clearance.
• Work related overnight travel can range from 4-8 nights/year.  

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 Bachelors Degree in Wildlife Management, Forestry, or closely related natural resources field is required. Proven experience working with USDA Farm Bill programs is preferred. The ideal candidate will exhibit a balance of technical knowledge and interpersonal skills required to implement voluntary conservation programs on private lands. A successful applicant must enjoy working with private landowners to achieve their objectives. Demonstrated interest, training, and experience in forestry, wildlife, and agriculture is also ideal.

Salary and Benefits:

• Starting salary of ~$43,000 (commensurate with qualifications).  
• Health, vision, dental and more insurance coverage plans available.
• 401(k) Retirement plan with an employer match of up to 5%.
• Student Loan Assistance program of up to $200/month for eligible employees.
• Paid Time Off accrued at 15 days (120 hours) per year for new employees (increasing after 3 years).
• Bereavement/Family/Sick Leave of 6 days (48 hours) per year.  
• 13 paid holidays.