IA Farm Bill Wildlife Biologist I or II
Farm Bill Wildlife Biologist I or II
Iowa
Application Deadline: August 31, 2022
Anticipated Start Date: September 2022
Overview:
Work in a joint capacity with Pheasants Forever, Inc. (PF), USDA Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS), the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) , the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), the Loess Hills Alliance (LHA), local Soil and Water Conservation Districts, local Pheasants Forever chapters, and other partners to promote, accelerate enrollment, plan, coordinate and implement the conservation provisions of the Federal Farm Bill and other related state, local and non-profit wildlife conservation programs. Conservation planning and implementation support to farmers and landowners with an emphasis on soil, water and wildlife resources in agricultural landscapes. Meet with local chapters of Pheasants Forever and other local partners to influence habitat management efforts and participate in statewide habitat meetings. Attend Farm Bill Biologist training and assist in coordinating technical assistance efforts.
The incumbent will work from a USDA Service Center office to cover Ida, Sac, Crawford and Carroll counties.
The incumbent is an employee of Pheasants Forever, Inc. and will receive supervision from Pheasants Forever with daily direction provided by the USDA-NRCS Resource Team Leader. The incumbent will serve as a Farm Bill Wildlife Biologist assisting private landowners in the utilization of conservation programs administered by USDA-NRCS, USDA-FSA, IDALS, IDNR, and other agencies.
Duties:
- Receive, maintain, and stay current with USDA technical assistance and programmatic training.
- Make contacts with private landowners through personal contacts, referrals, and informational meetings.
- Interpret soil survey maps, explain proper land use and recommend appropriate conservation measures to landowners in preparing plans.
- Explain Federal, State, and local conservation financial assistance programs to clients.
- Develop long-term conservation plans to improve the natural resources of Iowa, including wildlife habitat and wildlife populations, and address all conservation needs on customer properties. Assist the landowners in the development of conservation plans according to established policies and procedures in accordance with farm management decisions.
- Help clients apply for financial assistance programs and provide service to existing contracts.
- Assist with conservation practice implementation and follow-up to improve water quality, reduce soil erosion, and wildlife habitat.
- Assist NRCS with completing CRP status reviews and provide situation-specific technical assistance.
- Assist landowners/producers referred through PF’s precision conservation initiative.
- Develop CRP burn plans as well as Mid-Contract Management Plans.
- Provide quarterly written reports on activities and accomplishments.
- Assist with public information activities as appropriate, including news article writing, workshops, field days and other activities.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Proven ability to communicate clearly and effectively with landowners and partner agencies.
- Desire to provide high level of customer service to landowners and producers.
- 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.
- A desire to learn and gain a thorough understanding of NRCS/SWCD soil and water conservation programs; agronomic, engineering, hydrologic, biology, and forestry concepts, principles and practices, and/or program requirements and procedures
- Knowledge of common herbaceous plants to Iowa and ability to identify them.
- Knowledge of agricultural landscapes, common farming and land use practices, and basic agricultural economics is desirable.
- Experience with Conservation Desktop and/or ArcGIS is desirable.
- Excellent verbal and written communication.
- Strong organizational skills and an ability to work well within a dynamic team.
- Valid driver’s license required; some use of personal vehicle required (mileage reimbursement provided).
- Able to obtain USDA Federal Security Clearance.
Experience Guideline: A Bachelor of Science Degree in Wildlife Management or closely related natural resources field is required.
Starting Salary: $35,000 to $40,000 (commensurate with experience and qualifications), plus Benefits and 401K match (5%)
Application Requirements: Combine your cover letter, resume, and 3 references into 1 file (Word document or PDF) before uploading it to the “Resume” area of your application on our recruitment website at www.pheasantsforever.org/jobs.
For More Information: Contact Josh Divan, Iowa State Coordinator, jdivan@pheasantsforever.org
or at (515) 708-2371.
Pheasants Forever, Inc is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, status as a qualified individual with disability, or any other category that may be protected by law.