Range & Wildlife Biologist I, II, or III

Overview: Pheasants Forever is outreaching to hire two (2) positions, one located in Elko, NV and one in Winnemucca, NV. These positions have been established through a partnership between Pheasants Forever and the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS)- Nevada and are located in a USDA field office where they provide conservation services for wildlife conservation in surrounding counties. Depending upon experience, skills, and abilities the incumbent may be selected for Range and Wildlife Biologist I, II, or III. The incumbent will provide conservation planning assistance for USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). The successful applicant will help deliver Farm Bill programs to farmers, ranchers, and other landowners providing recommendations that benefit agriculture operations and wildlife conservation. The position will be an employee of and be supervised by Pheasants Forever, Inc. with daily instruction and leadership provided by an NRCS District Conservationist.

Range & Wildlife Biologist I/II Duties:

• Assist in the collection and analysis of resource data and information needed to develop conservation plans.

• Maintains accurate records and documents accomplishments according to national, state, and field office policy.

• Utilizes IT systems as needed for recording and documenting planning and installation of conservation plans and practices, reporting progress, recording time and managing e-mails.

• Promotes and implements specific conservation programs to improve wildlife habitat and advance PF/QF mission and strategic priorities.

• Provide technical assistance and guidance to landowners, communicate program requirements, complete site visits to determine eligibility, and develop plans and contracts for applicants enrolling in NRCS Conservation Programs.

• Develop conservation plans, complete job sheets, wildlife habitat evaluation guides, environmental evaluations, complete contracts, applications, and other required documentation for conservation programs offered by NRCS.

• Coordinate the implementation and application of wildlife habitat within conservation programs in cooperation with NRCS District Conservationist, and others.

• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Range and Wildlife Biologist III Duties:

• All duties of Range and Wildlife Bio II.

• Independently conduct natural resource inventories and develop components of conservation plans.

• Seek funding opportunities from new partners to leverage NRCS financial assistance programs.

• Assists with content-based outreach creation to increase story telling about conservation in Nevada.

• Coordinates with NRCS staff and other state/federal agencies or conservation groups on the development and organization of habitat tours, demonstration area tours, landowner workshops.

Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with landowners and partner agencies.

• Ability to work independently with little supervision and with diverse clientele.

• Knowledge of wildlife ecology and range ecology, specifically in the Great Basin.

• Knowledge of conservation and wildlife programs provided through USDA Conservation Programs, Nevada state agencies, and other conservation partners. In addition, knowledge of how these programs are implemented in an agricultural and range landscape is desired.

• Knowledge of conservation and wildlife programs provided by Federal (i.e. Farm Bill, US Fish and Wildlife Service), State agencies and PF. In addition, knowledge of how these programs are implemented in an agricultural landscape is desired.

• Ability to apply and use GIS tools (i.e. GPS, ARC Map, etc.).

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and strong organizational skills.

• Valid driver’s license required; work vehicle provided; some use of personal vehicle may be required (mileage reimbursement provided).

• Able to obtain USDA Federal Security Clearance and Conservation Planner certification.

Training and Experience Guideline: Any combination of training and/or experience that will enable the applicant to possess the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. A general qualification guideline for this position is a Bachelor of Science Degree in Wildlife Management, Range Management, Environmental Science or closely related natural resources field and/or related field experience. Experience working with private land habitat planning is highly desirable. Experience to be eligible for a Range and Wildlife Bio III usually consists of listed required skills, abilities, and general qualifications as well as two years of experience as a Range and Wildlife Bio/Farm Bill Bio II.