Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever

Farm Bill Biologist I or II

Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever  •  $40k - $46k/yr  •  Plymouth, IN (Onsite)  •  10 days ago
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Job Description

Farm Bill Wildlife Biologist I or II

Location: USDA-NRCS office in Plymouth, Indiana

Application Deadline: June 21, 2026, or until filled
Anticipated Start Date  August 2026

This position will be employee of and supervised by Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever (PF & QF), with daily instruction, quality assurance, training, and workload prioritization provided by USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), and the PF & QF Senior Farm Bill Biologist. This vacancy will be located within Northwest Indiana with a duty station in Plymouth. Occasional service outside the primary work area may be required to address annual workload variance and assist teammates and partners. Each biologist will work in joint capacity with USDA-NRCS and other partners to promote, coordinate and accelerate enrollment in, and implement the conservation provisions of the Federal Farm Bill and other related conservation programs with an emphasis on soil, water, and wildlife resources in agricultural landscapes. Primary workload will focus on the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), including the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) and State Acres for Wildlife Enhancement (SAFE), plus other relevant Farm Bill programs such as Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) and Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP).

Job Duties
  • Provide technical assistance (wildlife habitat focus) and guidance to private landowners, government agencies, non-government organizations and other groups primarily through federal Farm Bill programs. Training provided jointly by NRCS, DFW, and PF & QF.
  • Prepare conservation plans, conservation plan modifications, job sheets/implementation requirements, prescribed burn plans, status reviews, wildlife habitat evaluation guides (WHEG), activity reports, contract documents, and other relevant work products and documents requiring biological expertise.
  • Communicate technical and program requirements and conduct contract coordination, site assessments, eligibility determinations, and training sessions for landowners and resource professionals. 
  • Accelerate conservation program enrollment and public awareness by conducting outreach such as workshops, field days, demonstration events, and habitat tours.
  • Meet with local PF & QF chapters and other local partners to coordinate and support habitat management efforts and participate in local and statewide habitat meetings and trainings.
  • Meet regularly with PF & QF, NRCS and DFW staff to coordinate technical assistance efforts and for resource training.
  • Promote and implement specific conservation programs to improve wildlife habitat and public access.

Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities
  • Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with landowners and partner agency staff.
  • Ability to work independently with little supervision and with diverse clientele.
  • Knowledge of wildlife ecology, grassland, wetland and early succession habitat establishment and management, including the ability to utilize various habitat management tools in the development of management plans.
  • Specific knowledge of grassland/farmland associated wildlife species’ habitat requirements is desirable along with plant identification of native, non-native, and invasive grasses, forbs, trees, and shrubs.
  • Knowledge of conservation and wildlife programs provided through the Farm Bill, as well as other federal, state, & local entities.
  • Knowledge of agricultural landscapes, common farming and land use practices, and basic agricultural economics is desirable.
  • Prescribed fire training is preferred.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Strong organizational skills, time management, and attention to detail.
  • Proficiency with ArcPro is highly desired.
  • Valid driver’s license required; use of personal vehicle required with a mileage reimbursement and vehicle stipend provided. Current rate is $0.73 per mile with periodic adjustments relative to the IRS rate. Expect to drive 6,000 to 10,000 miles annually.
  • 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 or closely related natural resources field is required. At least 2 years of relevant professional experience are required to qualify for a Farm Bill Biologist II. Proven experience working with USDA Farm Bill programs is preferred. The ideal candidate will exhibit a balance of technical knowledge and interpersonal skills required to implement voluntary conservation programs on private lands. Practical and/or professional experience in farming and agricultural disciplines is highly beneficial. The successful applicant must enjoy working with private landowners and producers to achieve their conservation objectives.

Salary Range $40,332 to $46,000 (commensurate with experience) with annual performance-based raises, plus Health Benefits and Retirement Package

To Apply  Visit our website at: www.pheasantsforever.org/jobs

ONLY ONLINE APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED. Please include your cover letter, resume and 3 references as a single Word document or PDF file on the Recruitment website.
Contact  Alison Menefee, Acting State Coordinator, amenefee@quailforever.org, (979) 479-2741.

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.
Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever

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
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