Sunbury, PA

Position Title: Farm Bill Wildlife Biologist

Organization: Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever

Location: Sunbury, PA

Organization Overview: In 1982, a group of pheasant hunters saw the connection between upland habitat loss and declining pheasant populations. An organization dedicated to wildlife habitat conservation was needed, and Pheasants Forever was formed. Pheasants Forever’s mission work quickly garnered it a reputation as “The Habitat Organization,” a tagline the nonprofit conservation group uses proudly to this day.

Pheasants Forever’s mission is to conserve pheasants, quail, and other wildlife through habitat improvements, public access, education, and conservation advocacy.

Position Overview:  For over 11 years, Pheasants Forever has partnered with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the PA Game Commission to employ a team of Farm Bill Wildlife Biologists in Pennsylvania. Currently, 1 vacancy exists on this 9-person team of private lands technical assistance professionals. The Farm Bill Biologists are Pheasants Forever, Inc. (PF) employees with daily instruction, quality assurance, and workload prioritization provided by NRCS. The primary work area of the Sunbury position includes Columbia, Montour, and Northumberland Counties. Primary duty station/office space is in the Northumberland County USDA service center, specifically within the NRCS office. Occasional service to counties outside the primary work areas may be required to address annual workload variance and assist teammates and partners. The Farm Bill Biologists work in joint capacity with NRCS, Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC), and other partners to promote, accelerate enrollment in, coordinate and implement the conservation provisions of the Federal Farm Bill and other related wildlife conservation programs. Primary workload focuses on the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP), Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP), Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), and Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP).

*Note: The position may be filled at a I or II step level, depending on applicant qualifications and experience.

Duties: 

• Provide technical assistance (wildlife habitat focus) and guidance to private landowners, government agencies, non-government organizations and other groups primarily through federal Farm Bill programs. Training provided jointly by NRCS, PGC, and PF.
• 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 Farm Bill conservation programs and other local and state programs.
• Review plans and specifications for feasibility for implementation under Farm Bill program contract rules, etc.
• Specific activities for CREP will include new enrollment, re-enrollment, mid-contract management, maintenance, and status reviews.
• 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.

Qualifications:

• 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 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.
• Knowledge of conservation and wildlife programs provided through the Farm Bill, as well as other federal, state, & local entities.
• Knowledge of agricultural landscapes, common farming and land use practices, and basic agricultural economics is desirable.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills, time management, and attention to detail.
• Proficiency with ArcGIS is required.
• Valid driver’s license required; use of personal vehicle required with a mileage reimbursement provided.
• Must be able to obtain USDA Federal Security Clearance.

Education and Experience Preferred:  Any combination of training and/or experience that will enable the applicant to possess the required knowledge, skills and abilities will be considered. A Bachelor of Science Degree in Wildlife Management or closely related natural resources field is required. Proven experience working with USDA Farm Bill programs is preferred. 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. Work experience on a farm or in an agriculture related field is an asset.

Start Date: March

Salary/Pay: $36,500 to $42,000 commensurate with experience and qualifications + Benefits

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.