ID State Private Lands Manager

ID State Private Lands Manager

Location: USDA-NRCS office preferably in Pocatello, ID; however the office location is negotiable depending on office space availability

Application Deadline: October 3rd, 2025

 Anticipated Start Date:  ASAP

Overview: Work in a joint capacity with Pheasants Forever, Inc., Idaho Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), Idaho Department of Fish and Game, and other partners to increase wildlife habitat within the sagebrush steppe of Idaho through partnerships and Farm Bill coordination. The position will provide capacity to assist state-wide leadership with natural resources conservation program delivery, improve the conservation of natural resources and economic performance of working ag lands, and expand outreach to promote conservation opportunities to new customers through federal, state, and local programs.  Activities will include providing guidance and leadership to existing PF partner positions regarding grassland, wetland, and sagebrush steppe habitat management, conservation planning, contract coordination, conservation plan modification, site assessment, and reporting. Provide onboarding, training, and supervision for PF partner position staff. Conduct and coordinate training sessions that include workshops and tours for landowners and resource professionals. Provide guidance and promote the implementation of conservation programs to improve habitat quality on private lands and public lands when appropriate. The candidate will serve on interdisciplinary conservation teams with NRCS, and other partners as a regular position duty, including state technical committee meetings, wildlife subcommittee meetings, and other related activities.  This is a full-time supervisory position working directly with PF partner position staff, state and federal agencies, PF chapters, and other in-state conservation partners to coordinate the delivery of conservation programs on private lands. The position is an employee of and supervised by Pheasants Forever, Inc and Quail Forever.

Job Duties:

• Provide direct oversight, leadership, and guidance to the PF team of partner biologists in Idaho, ensuring effective conservation delivery and coordination within their areas of responsibility.
• Work with NRCS state offices and area-level agency staff regularly to accomplish partnership goals.
• Coordinate and host state-wide annual training efforts for PF partner biologist staff and partners, including EQIP, CSP, RCPP, CRP, and other wildlife-friendly programs.
• Assist the West Region Director in identifying partnership opportunities to expand the priority objectives of the Idaho State Plan.
• Engage with conservation partners in Idaho to form strong relationships and ensure communication and coordination occurs. The partners include, but are not limited to, Idaho Fish and Game Department, USFWS, Idaho Office of Species Conservation, BLM, USFS, TNC, MDF, RMEF, etc.
• Hold annual meetings to develop annual work plans, set goals, and conduct performance reviews.
• Monitor the progress of the PF partner biologist team in the delivery of strategic conservation initiatives, keeping partners aware of timelines and milestones, prepare quarterly written progress reports and a full year summary report to share with partners.
• Work closely with partner staff to provide insight and input related to program standards and specifications specifically focused on wildlife conservation, assisting with the development and review/update of wildlife related program standards and specifications and enhancements.
• Work with the PF partner biologist team to process reporting data, compile reports on grants progress, and assist with telling our story on various Idaho media platforms.
• Develop and/or strengthen relationships with partners in Idaho that promote wildlife conservation, including working with PF chapters and regional representatives and maintain lines of communication on wildlife conservation opportunities.
• Seek and administer grant opportunities that compliment Farm Bill Conservation Programs in Idaho.

Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent oral and written communication skills with strong organizational skills.
• Excellent leadership capabilities with supervision experience preferred.
• Must be comfortable with public speaking and have excellent people skills.
• Proven ability to provide exceptional customer service.
• Must be able to work effectively with governmental agency staff and conservation organization representatives.
• Extensive knowledge of habitat management, grassland management, precision agriculture, grassland restoration, and wildlife habitat management techniques, principles, goals, and objectives.
• Extensive knowledge of state and federal conservation programs, including USDA (CRP, CCRP, EQIP, ACEP, CSP, etc.), as well as state (MT FWP), and local (PF) programs.
• Sound working knowledge of wildlife ecology and habitat management, including the ability to use various habitat management tools, such as prescribed fire and grazing, in developing and implementing a management plan.
• Private Land experience is required.
• Proficient computer skills, including CRM and Microsoft programs.
• Valid Driver’s license required with an acceptable driving record and history.
• Ability to effectively work out of a home office.
• Assist staff in planning state meetings, habitat workshops, and other meetings of importance to chapters and resource professionals.
• Managing all aspects of CRM for the PF Farm Bill Biologist team in Idaho.

Education and Experience Preferred:  The qualification guidelines for this position are a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology, Wildlife Management, or a closely related field and a current position level of an FBB III or Senior FBB with a minimum of one year in said role. Strong leadership skills are required.

Salary Range: $59,966 – $73,958 (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.