Columbus, New Jersey

Job Title: Farm Bill Wildlife Biologist II

Organization: Pheasants Forever & Quail Forever

Type of opportunity: In partnership with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife (NJDFW) this Farm Bill Wildlife Biologist will coordinate and implement wildlife habitat-related conservation programs and provide technical assistance within the Bobwhite Focal Area of southern New Jersey. The position will be headquartered in the Columbus USDA Service Center and provide service to Ocean, Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, Salem, Cumberland, and Atlantic Counties, which make up the Northern Bobwhite Focal Area in New Jersey. This individual will work in a joint capacity with partner agencies to promote, coordinate and implement conservation provisions of the Federal Farm Bill on private lands, with primary focus on the Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) Working Lands for Wildlife (WLFW) Bobwhite Quail Pine Savanna Project. Conservation delivery may also involve other relevant Farm Bill programs such as the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), EQIP, and the Conservation Stewardship Program (CStP), as well as state and local habitat programs and initiatives. General duties will include all aspects of wildlife habitat planning, contract coordination, conservation plan writing, site assessment/eligibility determination, program promotion/outreach, landowner technical assistance, and reporting.

Contact: For additional questions please contact Kent Adams, East Region Director, at kadams@pheasantsforever.org

Duties:

• Provide technical assistance (wildlife habitat focus) and guidance to private landowners, government agencies, non-government organizations and other groups for USDA NRCS conservation programs. Training provided jointly by NRCS, NJDFW, and QF.
• Coordinate the implementation and application of wildlife habitat programs within the WLFW Northern Bobwhite Focal Area in cooperation with partner agencies.
• Complete conservation plans, job sheets, wildlife habitat evaluation guides (WHEG) and other required documentation for the conservation programs requiring biological expertise in cooperation with the listed partners.
• Communicate program requirements, complete site visits to determine eligibility, and develop contract documents for applicants and participants of USDA-NRCS conservation programs and other local and state programs.
• Review plans and specifications for feasibility for implementation under Farm Bill program contract rules, etc.
• Accelerate conservation program enrollment by conducting outreach such as workshops, field days, demonstration events, and habitat tours.
• Provide on-site landowner technical assistance for conservation practice implementation.
• Work with local PF/QF chapters to assist with habitat program education and outreach and provide technical assistance for habitat projects

Desired qualifications:

• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with landowners and partner agencies.
• Ability to work independently and with a diverse clientele. Must be a motivated self-starter with strong interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of, and/or practical experience with silviculture and prescribed fire as it relates to timber management and production in the Southeastern US.
• Knowledge of wildlife ecology, forest and grassland management including the ability to utilize various habitat management tools in the development of management plans.
• Knowledge of conservation and wildlife programs provided by federal (i.e., Farm Bill, US Fish, and Wildlife Service), state, & local entities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills, with demonstrated ability to manage demanding workloads.
• Proficiency with ArcGIS, GPS, Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.)
• Valid driver’s license required; some use of personal vehicle required (mileage reimbursement provided).
• Must be able to obtain USDA Federal Security Clearance.

Start and end dates: April 2019 (Full-time position)

Salary/pay: $38,000 + Health Benefits and Retirement Package

How to apply: ONLY ONLINE APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED. Please combine your cover letter, resume, and 3 references into a single Word document or PDF file on the Recruitment website.

Please visit our website at http://www.quailforever.org/jobs

Application deadline: March 10, 2019