Farm Bill Wildlife Biologist II – Alabama

Application Deadline: July 18, 2024

Start Date:  August 2024       

Overview: In partnership with the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), the Farm Bill Wildlife Biologist will coordinate and implement wildlife habitat-related conservation programs and provide technical assistance to private landowners within the Working Lands for Wildlife (WLFW) Northern Bobwhite, Grasslands and Savannas Framework. The position will be headquartered in the USDA Service Center in Luverne, Alabama, and provide service to 14 surrounding counties. The incumbent 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) WLFW. Conservation delivery may also involve other relevant Farm Bill programs such as the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), general EQIP, ACEP, WRE, 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, landowner technical assistance,  contract coordination, conservation plan writing, site assessment/eligibility determination, practice certification, program promotion/outreach, and reporting.  

Specific Duties:

• Provide wildlife management guidance and technical assistance to private landowners.
• Assist private landowners, government agencies, non-government organizations and other groups with the application of wildlife focused USDA NRCS Conservation Programs. Training provided jointly by NRCS and QF.
• Coordinate the implementation and application of wildlife habitat programs within the focal regions in cooperation with partner agencies.
• Complete conservation plans, job sheets, Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Guides (WHEG) and other required documentation for 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 surveys as part of the WLFW Outcomes Assessment Project including spring breeding bird surveys, vegetation surveys, and fall covey counts. Deploy automated recording units (ARU) on private lands and manage collected audio files.
• 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, 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.
• Ability to learn and identify bird calls.
• 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; 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. 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 both forestry and wildlife is also ideal.

Salary and Benefits:

• Starting salary of $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%.
• Technology Stipend and Vehicle Stipend provided.
• 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.