MO Farm Bill Wildlife Biologist – Three Positions/Locations

Overview: In partnership with the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), Quail Forever (QF), and other partners, the Farm Bill Wildlife Biologists will coordinate and implement wildlife habitat-related conservation programs and provide technical assistance within the NRCS Northern Bobwhite, Grasslands, and Savannas Framework. The positions will be headquartered in the Benton, Kahoka and Ste. Genevieve USDA Service Centers. Positions will be employees of and supervised by Pheasants Forever, Inc and Quail Forever (PFQF) and will work in joint capacity with partner agencies to promote, coordinate and implement conservation provisions of the Federal Farm Bill on private lands, with primary focus on the Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP). Conservation delivery may also involve other relevant Farm Bill programs such as the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), and the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), as well as state and local habitat programs and initiatives.  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, reporting, and assisting with habitat and population monitoring. 

Specific Duties:

• Provide technical assistance (wildlife habitat focus) and guidance to private landowners, government agencies, non-government organizations and other groups for USDA NRCS conservation programs. Training provided jointly by NRCS, MDC, and QF.
• Coordinate the implementation and application of wildlife habitat programs within Focal Areas in cooperation with partner agencies.
• 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 USDA-NRCS conservation programs and other local and state programs.
• Review plans and specifications for feasibility for implementation under Farm Bill program contract rules, etc.
• Assist in population monitoring and plant inventories.
• 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 QF chapters to assist with habitat program education and outreach and provide technical assistance for habitat projects.

Desired Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with landowners and partner agencies.
• Ability to work independently and with diverse clientele. Must be a motivated self-starter with strong interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of wildlife ecology, forest and grassland management including the ability to utilize various habitat management tools in the development of management plans, particularly prescribed fire.
• Technical and practical knowledge of natural community management in grassland and woodland systems.
• Knowledge of conservation and wildlife programs provided by federal (i.e., Farm Bill, US Fish and Wildlife Service), state, & local entities.
• Knowledge of or practical experience with agricultural systems and farming.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills, with demonstrated ability to manage demanding workloads.
• Proficiency with ArcGIS or ArcPro, GPS, Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.) is required.
• Valid driver’s license required; some use of personal vehicle required (mileage reimbursement provided).
• Must be able to obtain USDA Federal Security Clearance.

Training and Experience Guideline: Any combination of training and/or experience that will enable the applicant to possess the required knowledge, skills and abilities. A Bachelor of Science Degree in Wildlife Management, Forestry, Grazing or closely related natural resources field is required at a minimum. Proven experience working with USDA Farm Bill programs is also 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. Demonstrated interest, training, and experience in forestry, grazing, and wildlife is also ideal.