Farm Bill Wildlife Biologist – Florida

Anticipated Start Date: April – May 2024             

Overview: In partnership with the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) the Farm Bill Wildlife Biologists will coordinate and implement wildlife habitat-related conservation programs and provide technical assistance within the NRCS and FWC Quail and Gopher Tortoise Initiative Focal Areas. The position will be headquartered in the Quincy USDA Service Center and provide assistance to partners and private landowners within 9 adjacent counties. This 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 Project. Conservation delivery may also involve other relevant Farm Bill programs such as the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), general EQIP, and the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), 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, reporting, and assisting with habitat and population monitoring. 

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, FWC, and QF.
• Lead surveys as part of the WLFW Outcomes Assessment: grassland bird surveys, including northern bobwhite quail, and habitat vegetation survey efforts for assigned area, including spring breeding bird surveys, fall covey counts, vegetation surveys, and management of automated recording units (ARU) on private and conservation lands. 
• Coordinate the implementation and application of wildlife habitat programs within Focal Areas in cooperation with partner agencies.
• Complete conservation plans, 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.
• 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 wildlife ecology, forest and grassland management including the ability to utilize various habitat management tools in the development of management plans.
• 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 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 ArcGIS, 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.

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 Bachelor of Science Degree in Wildlife Management, Forestry, or closely related natural resources field is required. A Master’s Degree is preferred. 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 $42,000 to $45,000 (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.
• An Employee Benefit Summary can be found on our Careers page.