Wildlife Habitat Biologist

Position Overview: We are hiring a Wildlife Habitat Biologist (biologist) to deliver habitat conservation projects on private lands in the grasslands of southeastern Montana. This position is a partnership between the US Department of Agriculture - Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Montana, Fish, Wildlife and Parks (MTFWP) and Bird Conservancy of the Rockies. The biologist will help agricultural producers improve wildlife habitat and achieve their management objectives by developing comprehensive conservation plans, coordinate implementation (e.g. infrastructure for water and fence improvements and working with landowners on prescribed grazing plans, invasive species management, etc.). This position will be based in an USDA- NRCS field office (with work out of up to 2-3 local NRCS offices in the area) and will require travel throughout the region using a provided vehicle.

The biologist will work with federal, state, and local natural resource professionals, and will use voluntary, incentive-based funding opportunities (e.g. Farm Bill) to implement conservation and collaborate with a variety of awesome partners in the area. This position will have the opportunity to work in a unique landscape with some of the most pristine and intact grassland ecosystems in North America.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide technical and programmatic support to enhance, restore or improve management of wildlife habitat on privately-owned lands in partnership with the USDA NRCS and their clients (landowners) by leveraging USDA Farm Bill Conservation Programs and relevant partner funding mechanisms.

• Develop and sustain cooperative working relationships with landowners, conservation groups, MT Fish, Wildlife and Parks, Northern Great Plains Joint Venture, and other resource professionals (e.g., World Wildlife Fund, Pheasants Forever, etc.).

• Deliver formal trainings and products (e.g., workshops) to landowners and other stakeholders for the purposes of enhancing, restoring, or improving management of wildlife habitat.

• Develop technical proficiency in the principles and practice of wildlife habitat enhancement, restoration, or improved management within agricultural systems on privately-owned land.

Other Duties:

• Collaborate across BCR programmatic teams

• Develop technical proficiency in conservation planning and agency business tools

• Assist partner agencies and other collaborators in conducting biological assessments

• Other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills and Experience required (unless otherwise noted):

• Bachelor’s degree with at least 1-2 years’ experience, or advanced degree in a conservation related field (e.g. wildlife ecology, human dimensions of natural resources, rangeland ecology, etc.) OR four years of equivalent professional experience including use of computers and programs (Microsoft Office)

• Ability and desire to work in rural communities with diverse people including state, federal, and non-governmental resource professionals, agricultural producers and other community members.

• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills

• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively (use active listening to build trust and establish rapport) with a variety of landowners and partners

• Knowledge of eastern Montana (or Northern Great Plains) flora and fauna in grasslands (preferred)

• Working knowledge or general understanding of Farm Bill Conservation Programs (preferred)

• Motivated self-starter who is comfortable working independently under remote supervision and highly organized with the ability to manage multiple deadlines

• Practical understanding of habitat restoration, ecology, and land management

• Proficient in Microsoft Office; experience with GIS software is desirable

Physical Demands / Work Environment:

• Able work in a standard office setting, with considerable sitting, standing, and viewing of computer

• Mid-level stress

• Requires reaching continually throughout the workday (mouse, keyboard, telephone).

• May include lifting up to thirty (30) pounds of project gear on a frequent basis. Proper lifting techniques required

• Able to stand, walk and hike for extended periods of time outside in all weather conditions

• Able to work independently in remote locations where hazardous wildlife and conditions may occur

• Ability to troubleshoot when working solo (flat tires, cattle gates, etc.)

• Requires valid state driver’s license and ability to travel throughout the landscape on a regular basis, often to remote locations in inclement weather or adverse conditions

Material and Equipment Directly Used:

• Various habitat restoration and enhancement materials (e.g., stock tank ladders, fence markers)

• Standard office equipment (e.g. laptop, printers); PC with MS Office software applications

• Navigate to field sites and record data using GPS, smartphones, tablets, or other technology

• Operate federal vehicles, including cars, trucks, All Terrain Vehicles or Utility Task Vehicles