Bobwhite​/Grassland Bird Outcomes Assessment Techs

Full job description PHEASANTS FOREVER & QUAIL FOREVER The Habitat Organization JOB VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

In partnership with the USDA – Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the University of Georgia, the Quail Forever Working Lands for Wildlife (WLFW) technicians conduct in‑field monitoring and evaluation on WLFW EQIP, CSP and related USDA wildlife programs. Their work documents the effectiveness of USDA conservation practices on pollinators, quail, grassland songbirds, and native grassland plant communities during the spring, summer, and fall.

Positions focus primarily on in‑field data collection, data entry, and the preparation of written reports.

Supervised by a Monitoring Coordinator, technicians collaborate with local USDA service centers in multiple states to assess and communicate recovery goals for grassland, savanna, and open woodland habitats in order to reverse declines in wildlife populations.

Technicians are employees of Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever and work alongside Quail Forever Farm Bill Biologists, UGA staff, and partner agencies to collect data. They also perform general duties of project site monitoring, farm bill program evaluation, outreach, and report writing.

Multiple destinations: 2KS, 2MO, 2GA, SC, AL, TX. Extensive travel within each state is required.

Open until filled;

Start date:

May 2024.

• Work on USDA‑funded wildlife habitat projects, including Spring Bird Surveys, Fall Quail Covey Counts, Vegetation and Pollinator Monitoring.
• Promote and implement WLFW outcomes assessments using a region‑wide WLFW monitoring protocol, Autonomous Recording Units, and gridded vegetation monitoring.
• Travel extensively throughout the state to complete monitoring assignments.
• Collaborate on written reports and presentations based on collected data, emphasizing USDA program and practice outcomes.
• Work closely with Quail Forever and UGA staff to streamline monitoring efforts on private lands and communicate directly with landowners regarding the intent and importance of monitoring.
• Operate remotely from a home office when not in the field.

• Ability to build trust and communicate clearly with farmers, ranchers, agricultural partners, and other agencies.
• Ability to conduct preliminary research, data entry, and report writing based on established monitoring protocols.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a motivated, self‑starter mindset.
• Proficient identification of songbirds and plant species—native and non‑native grasses, sedges, rushes, forbs, shrubs, and trees.
• Comfort navigating off‑trail locations for point counts, including pre‑dawn darkness.
• Knowledge of agricultural operations such as forestry, pasture, row crop, etc.
• Understanding of wildlife ecology and grassland, savanna, and open woodland habitat management, with ability to use habitat management tools for ecosystem restoration.
• Knowledge of USDA Farm Bill conservation and wildlife habitat programs and their implementation in agricultural landscapes.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and proven ability to manage demanding workloads.
• Proficiency with ArcGIS, Arc Pro, Survey 123, GPS, and Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Valid driver’s license required; personal vehicle use required (mileage reimbursement and monthly vehicle stipend provided).

Minimum requirement:
Bachelor of Science in Range Management, Agriculture, Forestry, Wildlife Management, or a closely related natural resources field, plus at least two years of related experience. Preference will be given to candidates with a Master’s Degree in the same fields, proven data collection, analysis, and report writing experience. Experience with USDA Farm Bill programs (EQIP, CSP, RCPP, ACEP, CRP) is preferred.

$45,000 plus health benefits, 401(k) match (5%), vehicle stipend, and up to $200 monthly student loan assistance.

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.