NE Conservation Delivery Specialist

Description:
The employee will work in joint capacity with Pheasants Forever, Inc. (PF) and the Nebraska Game & Parks Commission (NGPC) to provide technical assistance to private landowners and deliver conservation programs for rangeland management.  The primary focus of the position is eastern red cedar removal, prescribed fire, and grazing management practices in the Loess Canyons. The biologist will work closely with a wide range of resource professionals and agencies to meet wildlife conservation objectives aligning with the Great Plains Grassland Initiative by providing technical assistance to private landowners through conservation program contract development, writing prescribed fire plans, implementing fire strategies, monitoring the benefits of these practices and providing outreach to the general public. This position will require the person to be a self-starter with excellent communication skills and a strong work ethic.

Primary responsibilities of this position includes having a full understanding of grassland management practices, conservation program opportunities such as the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), and other state and local programs specific to eastern red cedar control. The position will also be responsible to conduct various wildlife surveys, prescribed fire planning and implementation, and outreach. The biologist will collaborate with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) along with other Pheasants Forever employees and chapter volunteers.   

Essential Job Duties:

• Work closely with PF, NGPC, and NRCS field offices.
• Provide technical assistance to private landowners with the guidance of existing Pheasants Forever and Nebraska Game and Parks Commission biologists.
• Promote EQIP, Pathway For Wildlife, and other programs as a conservation tool to deliver high quality grassland management through federal, state, and local resources.
• Work with an existing network of resource professionals to promote and deliver the Great Plains Grassland Initiative throughout the Loess Canyons.
• Communicate land stewardship concepts, wildlife habitat management objectives, brush management and prescribed fire techniques and program results effectively with governmental agencies, non-governmental organizations and individuals.
• Coordinate and conduct education and outreach activities with various public audiences.
• Write prescribed fire burn plans, program contracts, and wildlife management plans on projects in the Loess Canyons.
• Coordinate and conduct project monitoring and wildlife surveys.
• 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, rangeland management, wildlife habitat management techniques, and prescribed fire.
• Knowledge of conservation program offerings, including USDA Conservation Programs (CRP, CCRP, EQIP, CStP, 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 brush management, prescribed grazing, and prescribed fire to meet wildlife and rangeland 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 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 agriculture-related background and a minimum of 3 years of field related experience including rangeland management is preferred.