IA Farm Bill Wildlife Biologist I or II – Three Positions/Locations

Overview:

Through a partnership with Pheasants Forever, Inc. (PF), USDA Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS), the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) , the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), local Soil and Water Conservation Districts, local Pheasants Forever chapters, and other partners, Farm Bill Wildlife Biologists will provide conservation technical assistance to farmers and landowners with an emphasis on soil, water and wildlife resources in agricultural landscapes. 

This position will be an employee of and supervised by Pheasants Forever, Inc and Quail Forever (PF & QF) and will work in joint capacity with partner agencies to promote, accelerate enrollment, plan, coordinate and implement the conservation provisions of the Federal Farm Bill and other related state, local and non-profit wildlife conservation programs. 

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, and project reporting.  Farm Bill Wildlife Biologists will also meet with local chapters of Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever to help coordinate habitat creation and management efforts, participate in statewide habitat meetings, and assist or coordinate other activities and projects as assigned.

The incumbents will work from USDA Service Center offices in the following counties:

Location #1) Red Oak, Iowa -> Mills, Montgomery, Fremont, & Page counties

Location #2) Sibley, Iowa -> Lyon, Osceola, Sioux, & O’Brien counties

Location #3) Ottumwa, Iowa -> Monroe, Wapello, Appanoose, & Davis counties

Duties:

• Provide technical assistance (with a wildlife habitat focus) and guidance to private landowners, government agencies, non-government organizations and other groups for federal, state, and local conservation programs.
• Make contacts with private landowners through personal contacts, referrals, and informational meetings.
• Receive, maintain, and stay current with USDA technical assistance and programmatic training.
• Develop long-term conservation plans to improve the natural resources of Iowa, including wildlife habitat and wildlife populations, and address all conservation needs on customer properties.
• Interpret soil survey maps, explain proper land use and recommend appropriate conservation measures to landowners in preparing plans.
• Help clients apply for financial assistance programs and provide service to existing contracts.
• Assist with status reviews, burn plans, mid-contract management plans, and provide site & situation specific technical assistance.
• Provide quarterly written reports on activities and accomplishments.
• Assist with public information activities as appropriate, including news article writing, workshops, field days and other activities.

Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of wildlife ecology, wetland and grassland management including the ability to utilize various habitat management tools in the development of management plans.
• Proven ability to communicate clearly and effectively with landowners and partner agencies.
• Desire to provide high level of customer service to landowners and producers.
• Ability to work independently with little supervision and with diverse clientele.
• A desire to learn and gain a thorough understanding of all relevant soil and water conservation programs; agronomic, engineering, hydrologic, biology, and forestry concepts, principles and practices, and/or program requirements and procedures.
• Knowledge of common herbaceous plants to Iowa and ability to identify them.
• Knowledge of agricultural landscapes, common farming and land use practices, and basic agricultural economics is desirable.
• Experience with Conservation Desktop and/or ArcGIS is desirable.
• Excellent verbal and written communication.
• Strong organizational skills and an ability to work well within a dynamic team.
• Valid driver’s license required; some use of personal vehicle required (mileage reimbursement provided).
• Able to obtain USDA Federal Security Clearance.

Experience Guideline: 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. A successful applicant must enjoy working with private landowners to achieve their objectives. Work experience on a farm or in an agriculture-related field is an asset.