Range and Wildlife Conservationist
PHEASANTS FOREVER AND QUAIL FOREVER
The Habitat Organization
JOB VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
Sage Grouse Initiative
Range and Wildlife Conservationist
Application Deadline: June 27, 2023
Location: Lander, WY
Anticipated Start Date: 7/15/2023
Overview: This position is part of a collaborative effort among the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), US Fish and Wildlife Service, The Nature Conservancy, Popo Agie Conservation District, and Pheasants Forever to further the delivery of the NRCS Sage Grouse Initiative and Big Game Conservation Partnership. This position provides range /wildlife technical assistance for the Sage Grouse Initiative, the Wyoming Big Game Conservation Partnership and associated Farm Bill conservation programs to agriculture producers and landowners. This position will be an employee of Pheasants Forever Inc. with daily instruction and leadership provided by the NRCS District Conservationist.
This position is located in Lander, WY and will require travel throughout SW Wyoming. The incumbent is expected to work closely with NRCS, USFWS, BLM, FS, TNC, and WGFD personnel in the region.
Duties:
- Provide technical assistance (wildlife biology and range conservation focus) and guidance to landowners, government agencies, non-government organizations (NGO’s) and others. Training will be provided by NRCS, USFWS, IWJV, Pheasants Forever and other local and state agencies.
- Coordinate integration and application of biological sciences within the conservation programs in cooperation with the local NRCS District Conservationist and others and consistent with the Field Office Technical Guide.
- Participate in, and often lead the local “Team Approach” to identifying habitat improvement potentials with project funding partners. This includes WGFD, USFWS-PFW, NRCS, PF, TNC and others.
- Complete conservation plans and maps, contracts, applications and other required documentation for Farm Bill conservation programs (i.e. EQIP, ACEP, CRP and WRP) requiring biological and rangeland science expertise in cooperation with the partners.
- Communicate program requirements, complete site visits to determine eligibility, and develop contracts/plans for applicants enrolling in USDA conservation programs or other state and local conservation programs for the protection, restoration and enhancement of sage grouse habitat.
- Coordinate and participate in field work activities for sage grouse habitat project implementation and work with agricultural producers.
- Utilize available partnerships and funds from USFWS, WGFD, and others, on all projects, as allowed by individual landowners.
- Perform other related duties as assigned; including marketing and public outreach regarding SGI and periodic reporting to funding partners.
Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities:
- Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with landowners and partner agencies.
- Ability to work independently with little supervision and with diverse clientele.
- Knowledge of range science and wildlife ecology including the ability to develop prescribed grazing plans that include wildlife habitat management objectives.
- Able to obtain USDA Security Clearance and NRCS Conservation Planning certification.
- Excellent verbal/written communication and organizational skills.
- Valid driver’s license and skillset to drive at high elevation, and often remote locations, on a regular basis and occasionally during inclement weather.
- A general qualification guideline for this position is a Bachelor of Science Degree in Rangeland Science or Wildlife Biology/Management from an accredited university with an emphasis on developing prescribed grazing systems and course work and/or experience on integrating wildlife management principles into the management systems.
- Knowledge of computer skills is required and applicant should be familiar with Word and Excel.
- Ability to use ArcMap and Toolkit would be beneficial.
- Physical ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time over rough terrain; lift and move material weighing up to 50 pounds; work in all types of weather conditions.
- Strong range background along with a wildlife management degree is preferred
Training and Experience Guideline: Any combination of training and/or experience that will enable the applicant to possess the required knowledge, skills and abilities. A general qualification guideline for this position is a Bachelor of Science Degree in Wildlife Management or closely related natural resources field and/or related field experience.
Salary: $42,000 + benefits
To Apply: Please combine your cover letter, resume and 3 references into 1 Word document or PDF file before uploading to the “Resume” area of your application on the Recruitment website at www.pheasantsforever.org/jobs .
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.