Private Lands Conservationist II – Easement Specialist

WA Private Lands Conservationist II

Easement Specialist

Location: Onsite in Waterville, WA.

Application Deadline: Open until filled (first review July 17, 2026)

Anticipated Start Date: August 2026 

Overview:

Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever are seeking a Private Lands Conservationist II-Easement Specialist in Waterville, Washington, to support the organization’s mission of enhancing wildlife habitat through conservation. This position will work in joint capacity with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and other partners to develop and implement wildlife habitat projects on private land.

Responsibilities:

Assist WA NRCS Easement Specialists with easement administration and management including but not limited to:

• Assist with annual monitoring of conservation easements including review of aerial photography, assessment of hydrology and vegetative cover, verification of legal ownership and completion of annual monitoring worksheet
• Conduct onsite inspections and provide photo documentation to support certification of implemented practices
• Conduct photo-point monitoring
• Complete GPS inventory of infrastructure (e.g., boundary markers, water control structures, culverts, fences, hunting blinds)
• Create maps in Conservation Desktop (CD) and ArcGIS Pro. Input customer data into CD.
• Aid in the development of conservation plans, Wetland Restoration Plan of Operations (WRPO) and Compatible Use Authorizations (CUA), including supporting documentation such as practice specifications, maps, and National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) documentation
• Develop project summaries, fact sheets for landowners, annual practice reminder letters, and other relevant reports
• Meet with landowners, contractors, and/or agency partners to provide technical assistance in the planning, design, and implementation of conservation practices
• Perform other related duties as assigned, including USDA program education and outreach activities.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Wildlife Management or closely related natural resources field and/or related field experience.
• Valid driver’s license required; work vehicle provided; some use of personal vehicle required (mileage reimbursement provided).
• Able to obtain USDA Federal Security Clearance.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with landowners and partner agencies.
• Ability to work independently with little supervision and with diverse clientele.
• Knowledge of wildlife ecology, wetland and grassland management including the ability to utilize various habitat management tools and techniques in the development of management plans.
• Knowledge of conservation and wildlife programs provided by Federal (i.e. Farm Bill, US Fish and Wildlife Service), USDA Conservation programs state agencies, and Pheasants Forever. Knowledge of how these programs are implemented in an agricultural landscape is desired.
• Ability to apply and use GIS tools and other technologies.
• Strong organizational skills.

Salary Range: $50,000 with annual performance-based raises and the following benefits:

• Health, vision, dental and more insurance coverage plans are 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.
• Paid Time Off accrued at 15 days (120 hours) per year for new employees.
• Bereavement/Family/Sick Leave of 6 days (48 hours) per year.
• 13 paid holidays.

Contact: If you have further questions about Pheasants Forever, the application process, or this position, please contact Erik Lewis, HR Manager, via email at mailto:elewis@pheasantsforever.org.

About Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever:

Pheasants Forever, Inc is a non-profit organization dedicated to wildlife habitat conservation. We are a team, working to ensure that we build an environment that has a long-lasting positive impact on pheasants, quails, and other wildlife.

Pheasants Forever is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), national origin or ancestry, age, disability status, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. This policy governs all aspects of employment, including but not limited to selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination, and access to benefits and training.