Farm Bill Wildlife Biologist II

The Farm Bill Wildlife Biologist II position at Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever is based in Hawkinsville, GA. The role involves coordinating wildlife habitat conservation programs, particularly for the Bobwhite Quail initiatives. Responsibilities include providing technical assistance, conducting surveys, developing conservation plans, and engaging with stakeholders. The biologist will collaborate with various agencies to enhance conservation efforts on private lands, requiring strong wildlife management knowledge.
About the position

The Farm Bill Wildlife Biologist II position at Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever is a permanent role based in Hawkinsville, Georgia. This position is primarily responsible for coordinating and implementing wildlife habitat conservation programs, specifically focusing on the Working Lands for Wildlife (WLFW) Bobwhite Quail Pine Savanna Project and the Georgia Bobwhite Quail Initiative (BQI). The biologist will work closely with key partners, including the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (GADNR) Wildlife Resources Division, to promote and implement conservation provisions of the Federal Farm Bill on private lands, with a particular emphasis on the Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP). The successful candidate will be headquartered in the USDA Service Center in Hawkinsville and will collaborate with partner agencies to provide technical assistance to private landowners, government agencies, and non-government organizations. This role involves conducting population and habitat surveys, managing automated recording units (ARU), and coordinating the implementation of wildlife habitat programs within Georgia's BQI focal regions. The biologist will also be responsible for completing conservation plans, communicating program requirements, and developing contract documents for applicants of USDA-NRCS conservation programs. Outreach efforts, including workshops and habitat tours, will be essential to accelerate conservation program enrollment. The position requires a strong understanding of wildlife management principles, particularly in pine-dominated ecosystems, and the ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders. The biologist will provide on-site technical assistance for habitat management implementation and work with local Quail Forever chapters to enhance habitat program education and outreach.

Responsibilities
• Provide technical assistance (wildlife habitat focus) and guidance to private landowners, government agencies, non-government organizations and other groups for USDA NRCS conservation programs.
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• Conduct population and habitat surveys including spring breeding bird surveys, fall covey counts, vegetation surveys, and management of automated recording units (ARU) on private and conservation lands.
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• Coordinate the implementation and application of wildlife habitat programs within Georgia's Bobwhite Quail Initiative focal regions in cooperation with partner agencies.
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• Complete conservation plans, Implementation Requirements (IR's), Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Guides (WHEG's) and other required documentation for conservation programs requiring wildlife biologist expertise in cooperation with the listed partners.
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• 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.
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• Accelerate conservation program enrollment by conducting outreach such as workshops, field days, learn n' burns, demonstration events, habitat tours and social media.
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• Provide on-site landowner technical assistance for conservation habitat management implementation.
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• Work with local QF chapters to assist with habitat program education and outreach and provide technical assistance for habitat projects.

Requirements
• A Bachelor's Degree in Wildlife Management, Natural Resource Management, Forestry, or related degree from an accredited university with an emphasis on forest ecosystem management and course work and/or experience on integrating wildlife management principles into pine dominated ecosystems.
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• Knowledge of Southeast wildlife ecology, forest and grassland management including the methods of habitat management in the development of management plans.
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• Knowledge of biology and habitat requirements for bobwhite quail, whitetail deer, turkey and other wildlife species.
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• Knowledge of conservation and wildlife programs provided by federal (i.e., Farm Bill, US Fish and Wildlife Service), state, & local entities.
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• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with landowners and partner agencies.
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• Ability to work independently and with diverse clientele. Must be a motivated self-starter with strong interpersonal skills.
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• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
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• Strong organizational skills, with demonstrated ability to manage demanding workloads.
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• Proficiency with ArcGIS, GPS, Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.).
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• Able to obtain USDA Security Clearance and NRCS Conservation Planning certification.
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• Valid driver's license required.

Nice-to-haves
• M.S. in Wildlife, Forestry or related field, or equivalent experience.
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• Proven experience working with USDA Farm Bill programs.
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• At least 2 years of natural resources related professional experience.
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• The ideal candidate will exhibit a balance of technical knowledge and interpersonal skills required to implement voluntary conservation programs on private lands.

Benefits
• Starting salary of $45,000 (Commensurate with qualifications and experience)
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• Health, vision, dental and more insurance coverage plans available.
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• 401(k) Retirement plan with an employer match of up to 5%.
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• Technology Stipend and Vehicle Stipend provided.
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• Student Loan Assistance program of up to $200/month for eligible employees.
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• Paid Time Off accrued at 15 days (120 hours) per year for new employees (increasing after 3 years).
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• Bereavement/Family/Sick Leave of 6 days (48 hours) per year.
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• 13 Paid holidays.