Caledonia, MN

Position Title: Coordinating Wildlife Biologist

Organization: Pheasants & Quail Forever

Location: Caledonia, MN

Organization Overview: In partnership with the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), this Coordinating Wildlife Biologist (CWB) will coordinate and implement wildlife habitat-related conservation programs and provide technical assistance within a multi-county area. The position will be headquartered in the USDA Service Center in Caledonia, MN, and provide service to multiple counties. The individual will work in 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 Grasslands and Savannas Framework. Conservation delivery may also involve other relevant Farm Bill programs such as the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), general EQIP, ACEP WRE, 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, practice certification, program promotion/outreach, landowner technical assistance, reporting and species/vegetation sampling. 

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, and Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever.
• Coordinate the implementation and application of wildlife habitat programs within the focal regions 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
• Participate in outcomes assessments consisting of vegetation surveys and Fall/ Spring bird counts.
• Work with local PF and QF chapters to assist with habitat program education and outreach and provide technical assistance for habitat projects.
• Conduct monitoring and species/vegetation surveys within focal areas.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with landowners and partner agencies.
• Ability to work independently and with diverse clientele. Must be a motivated self-starter with strong interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of, and/or practical experience with prescribed fire.
• 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; 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 applicant to possess the required knowledge, skills and abilities. A Bachelor of Science Degree in Wildlife Management, Forestry, or closely related natural resources field is required. The ideal candidate will exhibit a balance of technical knowledge and interpersonal skills required to implement voluntary conservation programs on private lands. A successful applicant must enjoy working with private landowners to achieve their objectives.

Anticipated Start Date: November/December 

Application Deadline: November 16

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