Mississippi/Alabama State Coordinator

Location: negotiable within Mississippi or Alabama

Anticipated start date: ASAP

Overview: Pheasants Forever Inc. and Quail Forever (PF & QF) seeks a State Coordinator to work collaboratively with partner agencies (USDA-Farm Service Agency / Natural Resources Conservation Service) and conservation partners to deliver strategic conservation objectives and lead the Mississippi and Alabama Conservation Delivery teams.  The overarching objective of the position is to provide state-level leadership and coordination of current and future partnership efforts, conservation program delivery, and project management. Increased coordination and management provided by this newly created position will improve support and oversight of staff, promote more effective communication and collaboration with partners, and accelerate effective mission delivery within MS/AL.

Qualifications

Minimum qualifications are a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in conservation, biology, agriculture or closely related field with three to five years of work experience in your field.

Expected experience and skills include:

• Supervisory or leadership experience
• Grant writing and management and/or general fund raising
• Project or habitat plan coordination and execution
• Strong coordination, facilitation, team building, and a collaborative approach
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Strong background in wildlife management, forestry, and ecology
• Substantial computer and technology-based understanding
• Planning, budget management, program evaluation, and report writing
• A strong understanding of Farm Bill Programs (WLFW, EQIP, CSP, ACEP, CRP) specifically as it relates to program implementation, standards and specifications and practice designs.
• A body of work with federal, state, NGO and private industry partners

Salary – Commensurate with Experience + benefits including 401k match and student loan assistance option.

Duties and Expectations       

The State Coordinator will:

• Provide direct oversight, leadership and guidance to a State-wide Quail Forever Team, ensuring effective conservation delivery and coordination within their counties of responsibility.
• Work closely with NRCS State Officeand Area Staff to provide insight and input related to programs standards and specifications specifically focused on wildlife conservation, assisting with the development and review/update of wildlife related program standards and specifications and enhancements.
• Collaborate with partners serving as the principal liaison between QF and the Natural Resources Conservation Service, and other governmental/resource agencies for the implementation and acceleration of existing programs including the Working Lands for Wildlife Bobwhite Quail Framework, EQIP, CSP, AWEP, CRP, and others.
• Work with PF/QF Regional Director, Regional Manager, and Pheasants Forever Inc. & Quail Forever Marketing Team to provide information focused on promoting in-state strategic conservation efforts (Working Lands for Wildlife, Bobwhite Quail Initiative) to media sources in MS/AL.
• Coordinate statewide habitat initiatives and partnerships that advance our mission with our partners in Mississippi and Alabama.
• Coordinate with WLFW Program Manager to lead WLFW outcomes assessments in MS/AL. Assist the state agencies with state monitoring efforts as appropriate.
• Monitor the progress of the MS/AL-Quail Forever Teams in the delivery of strategic conservation initiatives, keeping partners aware of timelines and milestones, and prepare monthly written progress reports.
• Work closely with field practitioners and partner staff to educate them on the proper implementation and utilization of wildlife conservation programs and practices.
• Assist with all hiring, onboarding, and training of new MS/AL team members and staff.
• Provide cost-share program, habitat restoration and management training to conservation planners on wildlife habitat.
• Identify opportunities (grants or groups) that will enhance strategic plan achievement. Pursue granting opportunities as they become available.