Current jobs related to Wildlife Conservation Biologist - Oak Harbor, Ohio - Pheasants Forever

Job Title: Farm Bill Biologist

Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Farm Bill Biologist to join our team. As a key member of our Conservation Operations Delivery Team, you will work closely with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Ohio Division of Wildlife (ODOW) to promote and accelerate enrollment in conservation programs.

Job Summary:

The Farm Bill Biologist will provide technical assistance and guidance to private landowners, government agencies, and non-government organizations on wildlife habitat conservation and management. You will work in the field to conduct on-site visits, provide habitat restoration and management recommendations, and evaluate conservation practice installation and establishment.

Responsibilities:

• Provide technical assistance and guidance to private landowners, government agencies, and non-government organizations on wildlife habitat conservation and management.
• Conduct on-site visits to provide habitat restoration and management recommendations, determine conservation program and/or practice eligibility and feasibility, evaluate conservation practice installation and establishment, and more.
• Assist partner agencies with the implementation of Farm Bill Conservation Programs, such as CRP, EQIP, and WRE, and other relevant wildlife conservation programs.
• Establish and maintain trusted working relationships with landowners, government agencies, non-government organizations, and others.
• Promote conservation programs and/or practices by conducting outreach such as workshops, field days, demonstration events, and habitat tours.
• Promote and accelerate enrollment in programs that allow public access to private land for wildlife-dependent recreation.
• Work with local PF & QF chapters to assist with wildlife education and outreach and provide technical assistance for habitat projects.

Requirements:

• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate clearly and effectively with diverse landowners and partner agency staff.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and/or remote supervision.
• Knowledge of wildlife ecology, including grassland/farmland associated wildlife species' habitat requirements.
• Knowledge of conservation practices applicable to wildlife conservation on agricultural land.
• Knowledge of conservation and wildlife habitat programs provided by federal, state, and local entities.
• Knowledge of plant species common to Ohio's grasslands and agricultural lands and ability to identify them.
• Effective planning and organizational skills with ability to manage demanding workloads.
• Proficiency with ArcGIS and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.) required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Proven understanding and experience working with Farm Bill Conservation Programs such as CRP, EQIP, WRE, etc.
• Proven understanding of agricultural landscapes, common farming and land use practices, and basic agricultural economics.
• Demonstrated experience working with private landowners.
• Practical understanding of habitat restoration, ecology, and land management.

Education and/or Experience:

• Degree in wildlife management, natural resource management, biological sciences, or related field of study appropriate to the position; OR any combination of education, training, and/or experience that demonstrates that the applicant possesses the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to do the job and is comparable to that normally acquired through successful completion of a 4-year degree program in an appropriate field of study.
• Related continuing education, training, licenses, and certifications may also be considered in the evaluation process for all job levels.

Confidentiality Requirements:

This position requires the individual to have access to confidential records and information. To successfully perform this position, confidentiality of the information with which the individual has contact must be maintained.

Physical Demands:

• Ability to work in an office setting, including sitting at a desk and viewing a computer screen for extended periods of time.
• Ability to stand, walk, and hike outside for extended periods of time across uneven terrain in varying weather conditions.

Work Environment:

• Work from a federal, state, or other partner agency provided office space.
• Work related overnight travel for conferences, trainings, staff meetings, and other events can range from 5-15 nights/year.

Equipment and Tools Used:

• Standard office equipment (laptop, monitor, keyboard, mouse, etc.)
• Mobile/cell phone to be used for business purposes such as communication and navigation.
• Vehicle to be used for business purposes while travelling to temporary work places such as other assigned offices and/or field sites, with a mileage reimbursement provided at the current IRS rate.

Salary and Benefits:

• Starting salary of $40,000 to $54,000 (Commensurate with qualifications).
• Health, vision, dental and more insurance coverage plans 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.
• Vehicle Stipend of up to $300/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.

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