Range and Wildlife Conservationist II- Vernal

Range and Wildlife Conservationist

Application Deadline: June 5th, 2024

Location: Vernal, Utah

Anticipated Start Date: July 2024

Overview:  This position is part of a collaborative effort among the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, US Fish and Wildlife Service, and Pheasants Forever to further the delivery of the NRCS Working Lands for Wildlife Program and assist with Farm Bill Program implementation that benefit wildlife and wildlife habitats. This position provides range /wildlife technical assistance for NRCS and associated Farm Bill conservation programs to agriculture producers and landowners.  This position also works with all the partners to build relationships with natural resource agencies and leverage funding sources through partners, such as the Utah Watershed Restoration Inititive that support and compliment Farm Bill conservation programs and the Working Lands for Wildlife Program especially the Sage Grouse Initiative.  This position will be an employee of Pheasants Forever Inc. with daily instruction and leadership provided by the NRCS District Conservationist.

Duties: 

• Provide technical assistance (wildlife biology and range conservation focus) and guidance to landowners, government agencies, non-government organizations (NGO’s) and others. Training will be provided by NRCS, IWJV, Pheasants Forever and other local and state agencies.
• Coordinate integration and application of biological sciences within the conservation programs in cooperation with the local NRCS District Conservationist and others and consistent with the Field Office Technical Guide.
• Complete conservation plans and maps, contracts, applications and other required documentation for Farm Bill conservation programs (i.e. EQIP, ACEP, CRP and WRP) requiring biological and rangeland science expertise in cooperation with the partners.
• Communicate program requirements, complete site visits to determine eligibility, and develop contracts/plans for applicants enrolling in USDA conservation programs or other state and local conservation programs for the protection, restoration and enhancement of sage grouse habitat.
• Coordinate and participate in field work activities for sage grouse habitat project implementation and work with agricultural producers.
• Conduct regular coordination meetings with UDWR at least monthly to share wildlife conservation priorities, discuss and solicit project ideas, and strengthen organizational relationship with NRCS, UDWR, and PF.
• Seek opportunities to use conservation program funding from partner organizations, such as the Utah Watershed Restoration Initiative to supplement or support USDA programs.
• Conduct outreach to landowners related to the Sage Grouse Initiative and other wildlife conservation programs available to landowners for improving habitat on their farms and ranches
• Build relationships and ensure communication occurs with agency and non-profit organization partners to deliver and enhance conservation programs that mutually benefit landowner operations and wildlife habitats.
• Perform other related duties as assigned; including marketing and public outreach regarding Working Lands for Wildlife.

Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with landowners and partner agencies.
• Ability to work independently with little supervision and with diverse clientele.
• Knowledge of range science and wildlife ecology including the ability to develop prescribed grazing plans that include wildlife habitat management objectives.
• Able to obtain USDA Security Clearance and NRCS Conservation Planning certification.
• Excellent verbal/written communication and organizational skills.
• Valid driver’s license.
• A general qualification guideline for this position is a Bachelor of Science Degree in Rangeland Science or Wildlife Biology/Management from an accredited university with an emphasis on developing prescribed grazing systems and course work and/or experience on integrating wildlife management principles into the management systems.
• Knowledge of computer skills is required and applicant should be familiar with Word and Excel.
• Ability to use ArcMap and Toolkit would be beneficial.
• Physical ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time over rough terrain; lift and move material weighing up to 50 pounds; work in all types of weather conditions.

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 general qualification guideline for this position is a Bachelor of Science Degree in Wildlife Management or closely related natural resources field and/or related field experience.

Salary: $42,000 + benefits including 401k match (5%), Student Loan Assistance program up to $200/month for eligible employees, PTO accrual of 15 days (120 hours) in first year for FT employees (increasing after 3 years), 13 paid holidays, and more.

Pheasants Forever, Inc and Quail Forever is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, status as a qualified individual with disability, or any other category that may be protected by law.