AL Farm Bill Wildlife Biologist II at Pheasants Forever Mobile, AL

AL Farm Bill Wildlife Biologist II job at Pheasants Forever. Mobile, AL.

Alabama

Locations: USDA-NRCS offices in Mobile, AL and Luverne, AL

Final date to receive applications:
Open Until Filled

In partnership with the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), the two Farm Bill Wildlife Biologists will coordinate and implement wildlife habitat‑related conservation programs and provide technical assistance to private landowners within the Working Lands for Wildlife (WLFW) Northern Bobwhite, Grasslands and Savannas Framework. The positions will be headquartered in the USDA Service Centers in Mobile and Luverne, Alabama, and provide service to their surrounding counties.

The incumbents will work in joint capacity with partner agencies to promote, coordinate, and implement conservation provisions of the Federal Farm Bill on private lands, with a primary focus on the Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) WLFW. Conservation delivery may also involve other relevant Farm Bill programs such as the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), general EQIP, ACEP, WRE, and the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), as well as state and local habitat programs and initiatives.

General duties will include all aspects of wildlife habitat planning, landowner technical assistance, contract coordination, conservation plan writing, site assessment/eligibility determination, practice certification, program promotion/outreach, and reporting.

• Provide wildlife management guidance and technical assistance to private landowners.
• Assist private landowners, government agencies, non‑government organizations and other groups with the application of wildlife focused USDA NRCS Conservation Programs. Training provided jointly by NRCS and QF.
• Complete conservation plans, job sheets, Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Guides (WHEG) and other required documentation for conservation programs requiring biological expertise.
• Communicate program requirements, complete site visits to determine eligibility, and develop contract documents for applicants and participants of USDA‑NRCS conservation programs and other local and state programs.
• Review plans and specifications for feasibility for implementation under Farm Bill program contract rules, etc.
• Lead surveys as part of the WLFW Outcomes Assessment Project including spring breeding bird surveys, vegetation surveys, and fall covey counts. Deploy automated recording units (ARU) on private lands and manage collected audio files.
• Accelerate conservation program enrollment by conducting outreach such as workshops, field days, demonstration events, and habitat tours.
• Provide on‑site landowner technical assistance for conservation practice implementation.
• Work with local QF chapters to assist with habitat program education and outreach and provide technical assistance for habitat projects.

• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with landowners and partner agency staff.
• Ability to work independently and with diverse clientele. Must be a motivated self‑starter with strong interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of, and/or practical experience with silviculture and prescribed fire as it relates to timber management and production in the southeastern US.
• Possess knowledge of wildlife habitat requirements and the various land management tools used in the development/maintenance of those habitats.
• 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.
• Ability to learn and identify bird calls.
• Ability to identify native shrubs, forbs, and grasses and invasive plant species.
• Strong organizational skills, time management, and attention to detail.
• Proficiency with Arc Pro is highly desired.
• Proficiency with ArcGIS, GPS, Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.)
• Valid driver’s license required; use of personal vehicle required with a mileage reimbursement and vehicle stipend provided.
• Must be able to obtain USDA…