Farm Bill Wildlife Biologist I-II – Arkansas

Pocahontas – Arkansas

(Randolph, Sharp, and Fulton Counties)

Application Deadline: March 10th, 2024

Anticipated Start Date: Early April 2024                    

Overview: In partnership with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS); FBB will serve to coordinate and implement wildlife-related conservation programs and provide technical assistance within their assigned districts.  This position is a full-time permanent employee of Pheasants Forever and Quail forever and will be located within assigned Focal Landscapes throughout the State of Arkansas and will provide service across multiple counties.  Staff will work in joint capacity with AGFC, NRCS, and the Farm Service Agency (FSA) to promote, coordinate and implement conservation provisions of the Federal Farm Bill (EQIP, WLFW, RCPP, CRP, CCRP, & CSP). This position will also assist in promoting and implementing AGFC’s state cost-share programs as well as other relevant federal, state, or local funding programs or initiatives. General Duties will include wildlife habitat planning, contract coordination, writing plans, site assessment and reporting.  Biologists will provide technical assistance for wildlife habitat enhancement techniques to private landowners and public organizations.  Meet with local chapters of Quail Forever to help coordinate habitat management efforts and participate in county and statewide habitat meetings.  Meet regularly with AGFC, QF and USDA staff to coordinate technical assistance efforts.

Specific Duties:

• Provide technical assistance (biology focus) and guidance to private landowners, government agencies, non-government organizations, and other groups for USDA NRCS Conservation Programs.  The positions will receive training on the USDA NRCS Conservation Programs, Quail Forever, AGFC, and other local and state programs.
• Coordinates the implementation and application of wildlife programs within the Focal Landscapes in cooperation with the local NRCS, AGFC private lands biologists, QF Biologists, and other state partners as appropriate.
• Completes contracts, applications, and other required documentation for the Federal and State conservation programs requiring biological expertise in cooperation with the listed partners.
• Communicates program requirements, completes site visits to determine eligibility, and develops contracts/plans for applicants/participants for the USDA-NRCS Conservation Programs and other local and state programs.
• Coordinate the implementation and application of the North Arkansas Quail RCPP in partnership with AGFC and USDA-NRCS.
• Conduct wildlife and vegetation monitoring protocols on cost-share funded projects to track quail, songbirds, and pollinator habitat improvements.
• Performs 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, forestry, wetland, and grassland management including the ability to utilize various habitat management tools in the development of management plans.
• Experience or knowledge of working lands practices for forestry, grazing, and row-crop agriculture, and how to implement conservation practices economically into those operations.
• Knowledge of conservation and wildlife programs provided by federal (i.e. Farm Bill, US Fish and Wildlife Service), state, & local entities.  In addition, knowledge of how these programs are implemented in an agricultural landscape is desired.
• Excellent verbal and written communication.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Valid driver’s license required; some use of personal vehicle required (mileage reimbursement provided).
• Able to obtain USDA Federal Security Clearance.

Training and Experience Guideline: A Bachelor of Science Degree in Wildlife Management or closely related natural resources field is required, preferably with one year of experience in the field and with NRCS programs to qualify for FBBII level.  Any combination of training and/or experience that will enable the applicant to possess the required knowledge, skills and abilities. 

Starting Salary: $42,000 to $45,000 depending on qualifications and experience + benefits (see our benefits summary at www.pheasantsforever.org/jobs).