Farm Bill Wildlife Biologist II- Hawkinsville

Application Deadline:  June 19th, 2024

Anticipated Start Date: August 2024           

Overview: In partnership with the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), and Georgia Department of Natural Resources (GADNR) Wildlife Resources Division, the Farm Bill Wildlife Biologists will coordinate and implement wildlife habitat-related conservation programs and provide technical assistance within the Georgia Bobwhite Quail Initiative’s (BQI) focal regions of Georgia.  This position will be headquartered in the USDA Service Center in Hawkinsville, Georgia. 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 Project. 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, reporting, and assisting with habitat and population monitoring.  The position will be an employee of Quail Forever and be supervised by the Quail Forever Georgia State Coordinator with instruction and leadership provided by NRCS District Conservationist and GADNR State Quail Coordinator. 

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, GADNR, and QF.
• Coordinate the implementation and application of wildlife habitat programs within Georgia’s Bobwhite Quail Initiative focal regions in cooperation with partner agencies.
• 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.
• 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-NRCS conservation programs and other local and state programs.
• Accelerate conservation program enrollment by conducting outreach such as workshops, field days, demonstration events, habitat tours and social media.
• 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 longleaf pine habitat management including restoration methods and management of longleaf pine ecosystem endemic species.
• 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; vehicles will be provided by NRCS after necessary trainings are completed. 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. Proven experience working with USDA Farm Bill programs is preferred.  At least 2 years of natural resources related professional experience are 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 $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. 

Pheasants Forever & Quail Forever are an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, status as a qualified individual with disability, or any other category that may be protected by law.