NE Bobwhite Quail Conservation Coordinator

The employee will work in joint capacity with Pheasants Forever, Inc. (PF), the Nebraska Game & Parks Commission (NGPC) and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) on a multi-state effort to coordinate the delivery of the Conservation Stewardship Program (CStP), Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), and local programs that benefit bobwhite quail. The biologist will work closely with a wide range of resource professionals and agencies to meet wildlife conservation objectives by providing technical assistance to private landowners through conservation program contract development, writing prescribed fire plans, implementing fire strategies, monitoring the benefits of quail specific practices and providing outreach to the general public on quail management strategies. This position will require the person to be a self-starter with excellent communication skills and a strong work ethic. This effort will provide an opportunity to make significant contributions to the conservation of quail, pollinators and other wildlife throughout the state through a multi-state Working Lands For Wildlife effort (WLFW). Initial travel will be expected.

Primary responsibilities of this position includes having a full understanding of CStP enhancements, EQIP practices, and other state and local programs specific to bobwhite quail management. The position will also be responsible to conduct and coordinate monitoring efforts of quail practices and anticipated outcomes, prescribed fire planning and implementation, and outreach.  The Coordinating Wildlife Biologist will provide guidance to, collaborate with, and coordinate NRCS, NGPC, and PF staff efforts to streamline the implementation of CStP enhancements and EQIP conservation for bobwhite quail practices. 

Essential Job Duties:

• Work closely with NRCS, PF, and NGPC state offices and field office staff.
• Provide guidance to field office staff as it relates to delivery of CStP and EQIP bobwhite quail enhancements through private landowner agreements.
• Promote CStP, EQIP, Pathway For Wildlife and other programs as a conservation tool to deliver high quality wildlife/pollinator habitat through federal, state, and local resources.
• Work with an existing network of resource professionals to promote and deliver the Open Fields and Waters Program in Southeast Nebraska.
• Work with NRCS, PF, and NGPC state offices to make recommendations for program enhancement for wildlife habitat delivery.
• Communicate land stewardship concepts, wildlife habitat management objectives specific to quail, prescribed fire techniques and program results effectively with governmental agencies, non-governmental organizations and individuals.
• Coordinate and conduct bobwhite quail education and outreach activities with various public audiences.
• Write prescribed fire burn plans, program contracts, and wildlife management plans on projects benefitting the bobwhite quail in Southeast Nebraska.
• Promote and implement prescribed fire as a management tool and provide onsite counsel to benefit quail and native ecosystems.
• Coordinate and conduct monitoring consistent with WLFW/NABCI protocols
• Communicate and coordinate with similar quail positions within a multi-state, WLFW effort to accomplish quail management objectives and positive outcomes.
• Work with local Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever chapters to help fulfill their habitat and youth mission.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent oral and written communication, coordination and organizational skills.
• Must be comfortable with public speaking and have excellent people skills.
• Ability to work independently with little supervision to accomplish goals.
• Extensive knowledge of agriculture, wildlife habitat management techniques, and prescribed fire.
• Knowledge of conservation program offerings, including USDA Conservation Programs (CRP, CCRP, EQIP, ACEP, CSP, etc.) as well as state (NGPC) and local (PF) programs is beneficial.
• Sound working knowledge of wildlife ecology and agriculture including the ability to use various management tools, such as prescribed fire, edge feathering, shrub thicket management, cover crops and diverse grass and wildlife seedings to meet wildlife and soil health objectives.
• Good computer skills including knowledge of: MS Word, MS Excel and Arc GIS.
• Valid driver’s license required with an acceptable driving record and history.
• Ability to organize, develop, and implement educational and outreach activities, including workshops, seminars, and publications.
• A strong passion for the outdoors, prescribed fire, agriculture, and conservation is required.

Education and Experience Guideline:

Applicants should possess a minimum of a Bachelor of Science Degree in Wildlife Conservation or Natural Resources field. A farming or ag related background and a minimum of 3 years of field related experience including prescribed fire is strongly preferred. 

Special Note:

It is expected that the candidate will enter an informal introductory time period where training will consist of working in close contact with the NRCS Field Offices, PF State, and NGPC State Office personnel. Initial travel will be expected to gain a working knowledge of NRCS, NGPC, and PF conservation strategies across the region.