Job Description

RCPP Coordinating Wildlife Biologist
Louisiana
Location: USDA-NRCS office in Natchitoches, Colfax, or Alexandria, Louisiana

Application Deadline: Open until Filled

Anticipated Start Date As soon as possible

As an employee of Quail Forever, in partnership with the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Lower Mississippi Valley Joint Venture (LMVJV), the Coordinating Wildlife Biologist (CWB) will coordinate and implement habitat-related conservation programs and provide technical assistance in designated USDA Service Centers. These individuals will work in joint capacity with partnering non-government organizations (NGO’s) and federal and state agencies to promote, coordinate and implement conservation provisions of the U.S. Federal Farm Bill on private lands including but not limited to the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP), Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), as well as state and local habitat programs and initiatives. General duties will include all aspects of wildlife habitat planning, contract coordination, conservation plan writing, site assessment/eligibility determination, program promotion/outreach, landowner technical assistance, reporting, and assisting with habitat and population monitoring. Training will be provided by QF, NRCS, LMVJV, and Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF).

Job Duties

Accelerate enrollment in U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Bill conservation programs by coordinating workshops, field days, demonstrations, habitat tours, and other outreach events and activities.
Serve as a wildlife technical advisor in designated USDA Service Centers and assist NRCS, LDWF, Farm Service Agency (FSA), and other conservation partners with delivering conservation programs to landowners.
Coordinate the implementation and application of wildlife habitat programs within Focal Areas in cooperation with partner agencies.
Complete conservation plans, Implementation Requirements (IR’s), Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Guides (WHEG’s) and other required documentation for conservation programs requiring wildlife biologist 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 USDA Farm Bill and other local and state conservation programs.
Assist Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LWDF) in wildlife monitoring, surveys, mark and recapture, and plant inventories on occasion.
Provide on-site landowner technical assistance for conservation practice planning and implementation under Farm Bill program and non-program wildlife habitat and natural resource conservation projects.
Serve as a wildlife technical advisor for local QF chapters, assisting with habitat education, outreach, and development of habitat projects.
Accurately report delivery activities on a regular basis.
Some overnight travel is required.

Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities

Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with landowners, agency partners, and teammates.
Ability to work independently with diverse clientele. Must be a motivated self-starter with strong interpersonal skills.
Ability to work outside in uncomfortable temperatures while exposed to insects.
Knowledge of and/or practical experience with silviculture and prescribed fire as it relates to timber management and production in the Southeastern US.
Knowledge of wildlife ecology, forest and grassland management including the ability to utilize various habitat management tools in the development of management plans.
Knowledge of conservation and wildlife programs provided by federal (i.e., Farm Bill, US Fish and Wildlife Service), state, & local entities.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Strong organizational skills, with demonstrated ability to manage demanding workloads and meet deadlines.
Proficiency with ArcGIS, GPS, Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.) is required.
Valid driver’s license required; some use of personal vehicle required (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. A Bachelor of Science Degree in Wildlife Management, Forestry, Grazing or closely related natural resources field is required. 2-3 years professional experience working with USDA Farm Bill programs. Experience with prescribed fire. The ideal candidate will exhibit a balance of technical knowledge and interpersonal skills required to implement voluntary conservation programs on private lands. Demonstrated interest, training, and experience in both forestry and wildlife is also ideal.

Salary Range $47,000 base salary (commensurate with experience) with annual performance-based raises, plus benefits including:

Health, vision, dental, pet, and more insurance coverage plans are available.
401(k) Retirement plan with an employer match of up to 5%.
Student Loan Assistance program of up to $200/month for eligible employees.
Paid Time Off accrued at 15 days (120 hours) per year for new employees (increasing after 3 years).
Bereavement/Family/Sick Leave of 6 days (48 hours) per year.
13 Paid holidays.

To Apply PLEASE COMBINE your cover letter, resume, and 3 references into a SINGLE PDF file on the Recruitment website. www.quailforever.org/jobs

Contact If you have further questions about Quail Forever in Louisiana, the application process, or this position, please contact Louisiana State Coordinator Jackson Martini via email at jmartini@quailforever.org

Pheasants Forever, Inc and Quail Forever 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.

About Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever

Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever make up the nation's largest nonprofit organization dedicated to upland habitat conservation. This community of more than 500,000 members, supporters and partners is dedicated to the protection of our uplands through habitat improvement, public access, education and advocacy. A network of 754 local chapters spread across North America determine how 100 percent of their locally raised funds are spent — the only national conservation organization that operates through this grassroots structure. Since its creation in 1982, “The Habitat Organization” has dedicated more than $1 billion to 580,000 habitat projects benefiting 28.8 million acres.

At the heart of Pheasants Forever is the unique grassroots system of fundraising and project development that allows members to see the direct result of their contributions. Pheasants Forever and its quail division, Quail Forever, empower county and local chapters with the responsibility to determine how 100 percent of their locally raised conservation funds will be spent - the only national conservation organization that operates through this truly grassroots structure. As a result, chapter volunteers are able to see the fruits of their efforts locally, while belonging to a larger national organization with a voice on federal and state conservation policy.

Industry

Consulting & Advisory

Company Size

201-500 employees

Headquarters

St. Paul, MN

Year Founded

1982

Website

pheasantsforever.org

Social Media