Conservation Biologist

4 weeks ago

Stockton, Kansas, United States Pheasants Forever Full time
Job Overview

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Conservation Biologist to join our team as a Wildlife Habitat Specialist. This is an exciting opportunity to work with private landowners, farmers, and ranchers to implement effective conservation practices and promote sustainable land management.

Key Responsibilities
  • Develop and implement comprehensive monitoring and evaluation protocols to assess the effectiveness of conservation practices on pollinators, quail, grassland songbirds, and native grassland plant communities.
  • Conduct in-field data collection, including vegetation and pollinator monitoring, spring bird surveys, and fall quail covey counts.
  • Promote and implement Working Lands for Wildlife outcomes assessments using autonomous recording units and gridded vegetation monitoring.
  • Participate in trapping operations to fit quail with radio telemetry devices and monitor their location, survival, and reproduction.
  • Collaborate with Quail Forever and University of Georgia staff to streamline monitoring efforts on USDA-funded projects on private lands and communicate directly with private landowners on the intent, importance, and overall objectives of effectiveness monitoring.
Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree in Range Management, Agriculture, Forestry, Wildlife Management, or a closely related natural resources field.
  • Minimum two years of experience in wildlife conservation, habitat management, or a related field.
  • Strong knowledge of agricultural operations, forestry, pasture, row crop management, and ecosystem restoration techniques.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to build trust and communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
  • Proficiency in ArcGIS, ArcPro, Survey 123, GPS, and Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook).
Preferred Qualifications
  • Master's degree in a relevant field.
  • Experience working with USDA Farm Bill programs, including EQIP, CSP, RCPP, ACEP, and CRP.
  • Strong identification skills for songbirds and plants, including native and non-native grasses, sedges, rushes, forbs, shrubs, and trees.
Benefits
  • A competitive salary range of $45,000 - $60,000 per year, based on experience.
  • A vehicle stipend and mileage reimbursement.
  • The opportunity to work remotely from home offices when not in the field.
  • A monthly student loan assistance program.