ID Range & Wildlife Biologist II/III- Burley

ID Range and Wildlife Biologist II/III

Location: USDA-NRCS office in Burley, Idaho

Application Deadline: 3 weeks from posting

 Anticipated Start Date:  April 2026

Overview: This positions is part of a collaborative effort among the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Inter Mountain West Joint Venture (IWJV), Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG), US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), Idaho Office of Species Conservation (OSC) and Pheasants Forever to further the delivery of NRCS Working Lands for Wildlife (WLFW) Efforts such as the Sage Grouse Initiative.   This position provides range /wildlife technical assistance for the Sage Grouse Initiative, Working Lands For Wildlife and associated Farm Bill conservation programs to agriculture producers and landowners.  This position will be an employee of Pheasants Forever Inc. with daily instruction and leadership provided by the ID-NRCS Range Management Specialist and District Conservationist.

The incumbent will serve as a Range and Wildlife Biologist providing biological/wildlife technical assistance for USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever Inc. (PF/QF), and other local partners. The successful applicant will deliver conservation programs like EQIP, CRP, CSP, and other Farm Bill programs to farmers, ranchers, and other landowners primarily to provide recommendations that benefit both wildlife conservation and agriculture operations. The position will be an employee of and be supervised by Pheasants Forever, Inc. with daily instruction and leadership provided by NRCS Conservation Team Lead. 

Range and Wildlife Bio Duties:

• Provide technical assistance (wildlife habitat focus) and guidance to landowners, government agencies, non-government organizations and others (training will be provided by the NRCS, PF/QF, and other organizations).
• Coordinate the implementation and application of wildlife habitat within conservation programs in cooperation with NRCS Conservation Team Lead, and others.
• Develop conservation plans, complete job sheets, wildlife habitat evaluation guides, environmental evaluations, complete contracts, applications, and other required documentation for conservation programs offered through the NRCS Conservation Programs, and other conservation programs.
• Communicate program requirements, complete site visits to determine eligibility, and develop plans and contracts for applicants enrolling in NRCS Conservation Programs or other state and local conservation programs.
• Seek funding opportunities from new partners to leverage NRCS financial assistance programs.
• Perform other related duties as assigned

Range and Wildlife Bio III Duties:

• All duties of a Range and Wildlife Bio II
• Independently conduct natural resource surveys
• Independently develop components of conservation plans
• Assists with content-based outreach creation and delivery on social media, websites, blogs, magazines, and other avenues to increase story telling about the Montana Upland Experience.
• Coordinates the development and organization of habitat tours, demonstration area tours, landowner workshops.

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 establishment and 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 along with plant identification of native, non-native, and invasive grasses, forbs, trees, and shrubs.
• 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.
• Prescribed fire training is preferred.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills, time management, and attention to detail.
• Proficiency with ArcPro is highly desired.
• Valid driver’s license required; work vehicle provided; some use of personal vehicle required (mileage reimbursement provided).
• 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.  A general qualification guideline for this position is a Bachelor of Science Degree in Wildlife Management or closely related natural resources field and/or related field experience. Experience working with private land habitat planning is highly desirable.

• Experience to be eligible for a Farm Bill Bio III usually consists of listed required skills, abilities, and general qualifications as well as two years of experience as a Farm Bill Bio II.

Salary Range: up to $55,000 (commensurate with experience) with annual performance-based raises, plus benefits include:

• Health, vision, dental and more insurance coverage 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.
• Vehicle Stipend of up to $300/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.

Pheasants Forever, Inc and Quail Forever is 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.