Range & Wildlife Biologist II​/III

Overview

This position is part of a collaborative effort among the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG), US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), and Pheasants Forever to further the delivery of NRCS Working Lands for Wildlife (WLFW) efforts such as the Sage Grouse Initiative Migration Corridors Initiative, and other Farm Bill conservation programs. This position provides range/wildlife technical assistance for associated Farm Bill conservation programs to agriculture producers and landowners.

This position will be an employee of Pheasants Forever Inc. with daily instruction and leadership provided by the
-NRCS Range Management Specialist and District Conservationist.

The incumbent will serve as a Range and Wildlife Biologist providing biological/wildlife technical assistance for NRCS, PF/QF, and other local partners. The successful applicant will deliver conservation programs like EQIP, CRP, 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 Conservation Team Lead.

• 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 Conservation Team Lead, 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.

• All duties of a Range and Wildlife Bio II
• Independently conduct natural resource surveys
• Independently develop components of conservation plans
• Assist with content-based outreach creation and delivery on social media, websites, blogs, magazines, and other avenues to increase storytelling about the Montana Upland Experience.
• Coordinate the development and organization of habitat tours, demonstration area tours, landowner workshops.

• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with landowners and partner agency staff.
• Ability to work independently with little supervision and with diverse clientele.
• Knowledge of wildlife ecology, grassland, wetland and early succession habitat establishment and management, including the ability to utilize various habitat management tools in the development of management plans.
• Specific knowledge of grassland/farmland associated wildlife species’ habitat requirements is desirable along with plant identification of native, non-native, and invasive grasses, forbs, trees, and shrubs.
• Knowledge of conservation and wildlife programs provided through the Farm Bill, as well as other federal, state, and local entities.
• Knowledge of agricultural landscapes, common farming and land use practices, and basic agricultural economics is desirable.
• Prescribed fire training is preferred.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills, time management, and attention to detail.
• Proficiency with Arc Pro is highly desired.
• Valid driver’s license required; work vehicle provided; some use of personal vehicle required (mileage reimbursement provided).
• Must be able to obtain USDA Federal Security Clearance.

Any combination of training and/or experience that will enable the…