PHEASANTS FOREVER AND QUAIL FOREVER

                                                                                                                                         The Habitat Organization

JOB VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

Range and Wildlife Conservationist

Application Deadline: November 18th

                                                                                                                              Location: Pinedale or Rock Springs, WY

Anticipated Start Date: November-December 2024

Overview:  This position is part of a collaborative effort among the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) 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 Pinedale or Rock Springs, 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, 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.
• 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 the applicant should be familiar with Word and Excel.
• Ability to use ArcMap and Toolk