Farm Bill Wildlife Biologist I/II- Louisiana

Application Deadline: May 24, 2024

Start Date: July 1, 2024                        

Overview: As an employee of Quail Forever, in partnership with the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) with funding through NRCS Working Lands For Wildlife (WLFW), the Farm Bill Wildlife Biologist (FBB) will coordinate and implement wildlife habitat-related conservation programs and provide technical assistance in designated USDA Service Centers. The assigned location for this position may be either the Oak Grove, Lake Providence, or Tallulah USDA Service Centers, serving the Louisiana Parishes of West Carroll, East Carroll, and Madison. This individual will work in joint capacity with partnering non-government organizations (NGO’s) and federal and state agencies to promote, coordinate and implement conservation provisions of the U.S. Federal Farm Bill on private lands, with primary focus on the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) and Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP). Conservation delivery may also involve other relevant Farm Bill programs such as the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP), 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. Training will be provided by NRCS, QF, and Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF). Field vehicles will be provided by NRCS after necessary trainings are completed. 

Specific Duties: 

• Accelerate enrollment in U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Bill conservation programs by coordinating workshops, field days, demonstrations, habitat tours, and other outreach events and activities.
• Serve as a wildlife technical advisor in designated USDA Service Centers and assist NRCS, LDWF, Farm Service Agency (FSA), and other conservation partners with delivering conservation programs to landowners.
• Coordinate the implementation and application of wildlife habitat programs within Focal Areas in cooperation with partner agencies.
• Complete conservation plans, Implementation Requirements (IR’s), Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Guides (WHEG’s) and other required documentation for conservation programs requiring wildlife biologist 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 Farm Bill and other local and state conservation programs.
• Assist Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LWDF) in wildlife monitoring, surveys, mark and recapture, and plant inventories.
• Provide on-site landowner technical assistance for conservation practice planning and implementation under Farm Bill program and non-program wildlife habitat and natural resource conservation projects.
• Serve as a wildlife technical advisor for local QF chapters, assisting with habitat education, outreach, and development of habitat projects.

Desired Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with landowners, agency partners, and teammates.
• Ability to work independently and with diverse clientele. Must be a motivated self-starter with strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work outside in uncomfortable temperatures while exposed to insects.
• 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, forest and grassland 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 and meet deadlines.
• Proficiency with ArcGIS, GPS, Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.) is required.
• 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, Grazing or closely related natural resources field is required. Proven experience working with USDA Farm Bill programs is preferred. At least 2 years of professional experience are preferred for a Farm Bill Biologist II. The ideal candidate will exhibit a balance of technical knowledge and interpersonal skills required to implement voluntary conservation programs on private lands. The successful applicant must effectively work with private landowners to achieve the client objectives. Demonstrated interest, training, and experience in both forestry and wildlife is ideal.

Starting Salary: ($38,000 – $49,000) + health, vision, and dental benefits, 401K Option, 48 hours annual sick leave, and 120 hours accrued PTO first year of employment. Student loan assistance opportunities are available.