Thief River Falls, MN

Position Title: Farm Bill Wildlife Biologist 

Organization: Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever

Location: Thief River Falls, MN

Organization Overview: Work in a joint capacity with Pheasants Forever, Inc. (PF), USDA Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS), Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCD’s), the Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to promote, accelerate enrollment, coordinate, and implement the voluntary conservation provisions of the Federal Farm Bill and related state, local and other voluntary conservation programs. Activities will include program promotion, contract coordination, conservation planning, conservation plan modification, site assessment and reporting. Provide technical assistance to farmers/landowners on conservation planning, habitat planning and other wildlife related practices. Meet with local chapters of Pheasants Forever and other local partners to influence habitat management efforts and participate in statewide meetings. Attend Farm Bill Biologist training and assist in coordinating technical assistance efforts.

The incumbent will work from the Pennington County Service Center in Thief River Falls, MN while covering additional Counties in the area. The incumbent is an employee of Pheasants Forever, Inc. and receive supervision from Pheasants Forever with daily instruction provided by the local USDA-NRCS and SWCD staff. The incumbent will serve as a USDA NRCS Conservation Programs Biologist providing biological/wildlife aspects of all USDA NRCS Conservation Programs, BWSR, SWCD and PF voluntary programs to private landowners and participants. 

Duties:

• Provide outreach and technical assistance (wildlife biology focus) and guidance to private landowners, government agencies, non-government organizations and other groups for USDA NRCS voluntary conservation programs. The positions will receive training on USDA NRCS Conservation Programs, PF, BWSR, and other local and state programs.
• Coordinate the implementation and application of biological sciences within the conservation programs in cooperation with local NRCS District Conservationists, PF Biologists, and others.
• Complete contracts, applications and other required documentation for the conservation programs requiring biological expertise in cooperation with the listed partners and NRCS District Conservationist.
• Communicates program requirements, completes site visits to determine eligibility, and develops contracts/plans for applicants/participants for the USDA NRCS Conservation Programs and other local and state programs.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with farmers, 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 in the development of management plans. Background in agriculture is a plus.
• Knowledge of conservation and wildlife programs provided by federal (i.e. Farm Bill, US Fish and Wildlife Service), state, & local entities. In addition, knowledge of how these programs are implemented in an agricultural landscape is desired.
• Excellent verbal and written communication.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Valid driver’s license required; some use of personal vehicle required (mileage reimbursement provided).
• Able to obtain USDA Federal Security Clearance.

A Bachelor of Science Degree in Wildlife Management or closely related natural resources field is required.

Salary/Pay: Commensurate with experience + benefits

Anticipated Start Date: November 7

Application Deadline: Open Until Filled

How to Apply: Please use the online application to view the full job description as well as how to apply.