Tucson, AZ

Position Title: Coordinating Wildlife Biologist I or II

Organization: Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever

Location: Tucson, AZ

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.

In 2005, in response to continued declines in quail populations and suitable quail habitat, Pheasants Forever formed a quail division, Quail Forever.

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

Position Overview: 

Duties:

• Plans, organizes, monitors, and implements activities and projects that improve habitat or secure recreational access for hunters (and other recreationists) in association with AZGFD’s statewide Landowner Relations and Habitat Enhancement Program (LRHEP) and coordinating with the Phoenix Headquarters and Tucson Regional Office of AZGFD.
• Write and administer grants including any required performance reporting and budget tracking.
• Identify landscape level habitat restoration projects that benefit Arizona quail species and all wildlife, and work to coordinate with land management agency and landowner partners to plan and implement large scale habitat restoration projects.
• Works with landowners, farmers, ranchers, land management agencies, and non-profit organizations to foster strong relationships, and incorporate wildlife concerns into the planning and implementation of land management activities.
• Works collaboratively with local NRCS field offices to provide wildlife expertise for staff and landowners working with NRCS.
• Negotiates projects and agreements with landowners/lessees to enhance and conserve sensitive wildlife habitat and special status species on lands they manage.
• Works closely with landowners and land management agencies to resolve issues, concerns and problems with wildlife habitat or recreational access.
• Executes and implements all types of agreements with landowners and land management agencies associated with the Department’s LRHEP.
• Serve as a point of contact for the region on all landscape level restoration projects and is the staff liaison to the Habitat Partnership Committees in the region.
• In addition, works closely with NRCS staff and landowners to promote Farm Bill programs..
• Provides staff support in ensuring required documentation for project compliance (NEPA, ESA, etc).
• Conducts wildlife and wildlife habitat surveys of public and private lands to determine opportunities for wildlife habitat improvements or mitigating recreational access issues.
• Uses technical equipment such as GPS, computers, etc.
• Presents programs to landowners, technical meetings, and public information opportunities.
• Assist with hunter recruitment/retention events as necessary
• Assists the Arizona State Coordinator with quarterly and annual performance reports for the partnership with AZGFD
• Assist the Arizona State Coordinator with Arizona QF staff meetings, recommend trainings for staff, and provide guidance and mentoring for new staff in Arizona.
• Performs other duties and responsibilities as needed.

Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in a wildlife science or closely related field from an accredited college or university, and two years of professional experience in wildlife research or wildlife management. A graduate degree in a wildlife science or a closely related field may substitute for one year of the required experience. The ideal candidate is a highly motivated, self-starter who has substantial knowledge of Arizona wildlife species, their habitat requirements, common habitat restoration techniques, and have the ability to effectively coordinate, cooperate, and communicate with landowners, lessees,  and agencies as an implementer of  conservation and habitat enhancement projects to improve wildlife habitat and wildlife populations. Knowledge of computer programs such as Word, Outlook, Excel, G Suite is required and experience with GIS software (ARCGIS) is desirable.

Start/End Dates: August

Salary: Up to $55,000 depending on experience and benefits. Raises will be considered annually as deemed appropriate.

Application Deadline: Open until filled

How to Apply: Please combine your cover letter, resume and 3 references into a single Microsoft Word document or PDF file before uploading to the “Resume” area of your application on the recruitment website. Your cover letter should outline your experience and interest in this position. If you have questions, contact Scott Poppenberger, Southwest State Coordinator, spoppenberger@pheasantsforever.org or 928-308-2042.