IL Farm Bill Wildlife Biologist - Edwardsville

Pheasants Forever is hiring a Farm Bill Wildlife Biologist in Edwardsville, IL, to provide technical assistance and support for wildlife conservation programs. The role involves working with NRCS and local partners to promote Farm Bill provisions, conducting site visits, developing contracts, and providing training. A Bachelor's degree in Wildlife Management or a related field is required, along with proficiency in Microsoft Office and ArcGIS.
About the position

Pheasants Forever & Quail Forever is seeking a dedicated Farm Bill Wildlife Biologist to join our team in Edwardsville, IL. This position will be supervised by Pheasants Forever, Inc. and Quail Forever, with daily instruction and quality assurance provided by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the PF Senior Farm Bill Biologist. The successful candidate will be stationed within USDA Service Centers and will provide essential conservation technical assistance and program support within their assigned districts. The role may require occasional service to counties outside the primary work area to address annual workload variances and assist teammates and partners. The Farm Bill Wildlife Biologist will work collaboratively with NRCS, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), and other partners to promote and implement the conservation provisions of the Federal Farm Bill and related wildlife conservation programs. This includes engaging with local chapters of Pheasants Forever and other partners to influence habitat management efforts and participating in statewide habitat meetings. The biologist will be responsible for providing technical assistance focused on wildlife habitat to private landowners, government agencies, and non-government organizations primarily through federal Farm Bill programs. Key responsibilities include communicating program requirements, conducting site visits to determine eligibility, and developing contract documents for applicants and participants of Farm Bill conservation programs. The biologist will also review plans and specifications for feasibility under Farm Bill program contract rules, conduct evaluations and conservation planning for new and re-enrolled contracts, and provide on-site technical assistance for conservation practice implementation. Additionally, the role involves coordinating and conducting training sessions, workshops, and tours for landowners and resource professionals, as well as assisting local PF/QF chapters with habitat program education and outreach.

Responsibilities
• Provide technical assistance and guidance to private landowners, government agencies, and non-government organizations primarily through federal Farm Bill programs.
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• Communicate program requirements and complete site visits to determine eligibility for conservation programs.
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• Develop contract documents for applicants and participants of Farm Bill conservation programs.
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• Review plans and specifications for feasibility under Farm Bill program contract rules.
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• Conduct evaluations and conservation planning for new and re-enrolled contracts, including mid-contract management and maintenance evaluations.
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• Provide on-site landowner technical assistance for conservation practice implementation.
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• Coordinate and conduct training sessions, workshops, and tours for landowners and resource professionals.
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• Work with local PF/QF chapters to assist with habitat program education and outreach.

Requirements
• Bachelor of Science Degree in Wildlife Management or closely related natural resources field is required.
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• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and ArcGIS is required.
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• Valid driver's license required; use of personal vehicle required with mileage reimbursement provided.
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• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with landowners and partner agency staff.
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• Ability to work independently with little supervision and with diverse clientele.
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• Knowledge of wildlife ecology, grassland, wetland, and early succession habitat management.
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• Strong background in prescribed fire, both implementation and education.
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• Knowledge of conservation and wildlife programs provided by federal Farm Bill (WRP, CRP, SAFE, EQIP, CSP, etc.).
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• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
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• Strong organizational skills, time management, and attention to detail.

Nice-to-haves
• Proven experience working with USDA Farm Bill programs is preferred.
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• Practical and/or professional experience in farming and agricultural disciplines is highly beneficial.

Benefits
• Mileage reimbursement
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• Health insurance
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• Paid holidays
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• Professional development opportunities