Range & Wildlife Biologist II/III – Oregon

Application Deadline: Open Until Filled

Location: Baker City, OR

Anticipated Start Date: April 2024

Overview:   Two new positions have been established through a partnership between Pheasants Forever and the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS)- Oregon. These positions are located in a USDA field office and provide conservation services for wildlife conservation in surrounding counties. Depending upon experience, skills, and abilities the incumbent may be selected for Range and Wildlife Biologist II, Range or Wildlife Biologist III.

The incumbent will serve as a Range and Wildlife Biologist providing biological/wildlife technical assistance for USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever Inc. (PF/QF), and other local partners. The successful applicant will deliver conservation programs like SGI (Sage Grouse Initiative), EQIP, CSP, and other Farm Bill programs to farmers, ranchers, and other landowners primarily to provide recommendations that benefit both wildlife conservation and agriculture operations. The position will be an employee of and be supervised by Pheasants Forever, Inc. with daily instruction and leadership provided by NRCS District Conservationist. 

Range and Wildlife Bio II Duties:

• Provide technical assistance (wildlife habitat focus) and guidance to landowners, government agencies, non-government organizations and others (training will be provided by the NRCS, PF/QF, and other organizations).
• Coordinate the implementation and application of wildlife habitat within conservation programs in cooperation with NRCS District Conservationist, and others.
• Develop conservation plans, complete job sheets, wildlife habitat evaluation guides, environmental evaluations, complete contracts, applications, and other required documentation for conservation programs offered through the NRCS Conservation Programs, and other conservation programs.
• Communicate program requirements, complete site visits to determine eligibility, and develop plans and contracts for applicants enrolling in NRCS Conservation Programs or other state and local conservation programs.
• Seek funding opportunities from new partners to leverage NRCS financial assistance programs.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Range and Wildlife Bio III Duties:

• All duties of a Farm Bill Bio II
• Independently conduct natural resource surveys
• Independently develop components of conservation plans
• Assists with content-based outreach creation and delivery on social media, websites, blogs, magazines, and other avenues to increase story telling about the SGI and other wildlife successes.
• Coordinates the development and organization of habitat tours, demonstration area tours, landowner workshops.

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 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 through USDA Conservation Programs, Oregon state agencies, and other conservation partners. In addition, knowledge of how these programs are implemented in an agricultural and range landscape is desired.
• Knowledge of conservation and wildlife programs provided by Federal (i.e. Farm Bill, US Fish and Wildlife Service), State agencies and PF. In addition, knowledge of how these programs are implemented in an agricultural landscape is desired.
• Ability to apply and use GIS tools (i.e. GPS, ARC Map, etc.).
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Valid driver’s license required; work vehicle provided; some use of personal vehicle required (mileage reimbursement provided).
• 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 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. Experience working with private land habitat planning is highly desirable.

• Experience to be eligible for a Range and Wildlife Bio III usually consists of listed required skills, abilities, and general qualifications as well as two years of experience as a Farm Bill Bio II.

Salary Range: Up to $38,000-$52,000 + Benefits (see benefit summary on our Careers page at www.pheasantsforever.org/jobs ) including Student Loan Assistance option.