Farm Bill Wildlife Biologist – Pennsylvania (2 Positions)

Application Deadline: Open Until Filled

 Anticipated Start Date:  January 2024 (negotiable) 

Overview: These positions will be employees of, and supervised by Pheasants Forever, Inc. (PF), with daily instruction, quality assurance, and workload prioritization provided by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). The primary work area for the Wellsboro/Coudersport position will include Tioga and Potter counties, with the primary duty station located in either the Wellsboro or Coudersport USDA Service Centers.  The primary work area for the Sunbury position will include Northumberland, Columbia, and Montour counties, with the primary duty station located in the Sunbury, PA, USDA Service Center.  Occasional service to counties outside the primary work areas may be required to address annual workload variance and assist teammates and partners. The biologists will work in joint capacity with NRCS, Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC), and other partners to promote, accelerate enrollment in, coordinate and implement the conservation provisions of the Federal Farm Bill and other related wildlife conservation programs. Primary workload will focus on the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP), Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP), Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), and Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP).

*Note: The position may be filled at a I or II step level, depending on applicant qualifications and experience.

Job Duties:

• Provide technical assistance (wildlife habitat focus) and guidance to private landowners, government agencies, non-government organizations and other groups primarily through federal Farm Bill programs. Training provided jointly by NRCS, PGC, and PF.
• 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 Farm Bill conservation programs and other local and state programs.
• Review plans and specifications for feasibility for implementation under Farm Bill program contract rules, etc.
• Specific activities for CREP will include new enrollment, re-enrollment, mid-contract management, maintenance, and status reviews.
• 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 PF/QF chapters to assist with habitat program education and outreach and provide technical assistance for habitat projects.

Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with landowners and partner agency staff.
• Ability to work independently with little supervision and with diverse clientele.
• Knowledge of wildlife ecology, grassland, wetland and early succession habitat management including the ability to utilize various habitat management tools in the development of management plans. Specific knowledge of grassland/farmland associated wildlife species’ habitat requirements is desirable.
• Knowledge of conservation and wildlife programs provided through the Farm Bill, as well as other federal, state, & local entities.
• Knowledge of agricultural landscapes, common farming and land use practices, and basic agricultural economics is desirable.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills, time management, and attention to detail.
• Proficiency with ArcGIS and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.) required.
• Valid driver’s license required.  Daily use of personal vehicle is required with a mileage reimbursement provided (Current rate is $0.6550/mile). Work related travel can range from 6,000-10,000 miles/year.
• Work related overnight travel can range from 4-10 nights/year.
• Must be able to obtain USDA Federal Security Clearance.

Education and Experience Preferred:  Any combination of training and/or experience that will enable the applicant to possess the required knowledge, skills and abilities will be considered. A Bachelor of Science Degree in Wildlife Management 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. Practical and/or professional experience in farming and agricultural disciplines is highly beneficial. The successful applicant must enjoy working with private landowners and producers to achieve their conservation objectives.

Salary and Benefits: 

• Starting salary from $40,000 to $45,000 (commensurate with experience and qualifications)
• Affordable health, vision, dental and more insurance 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