IL Farm Bill Wildlife Biologist I or II - Rockford

Pheasants Forever is hiring a Farm Bill Wildlife Biologist I or II in Rockford, IL. The role involves providing technical assistance for conservation programs, conducting site visits, developing contract documents, and coordinating training sessions. The biologist will collaborate with NRCS and local partners to promote wildlife conservation efforts. 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 and Quail Forever (PFQF) is seeking a Farm Bill Wildlife Biologist (I or II) to be based in Rockford, IL. This position will be supervised by Pheasants Forever, Inc. and will receive daily instruction, quality assurance, training, and workload prioritization from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the PF Senior Farm Bill Biologist. The biologist 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 primary responsibility of the biologist will be to work collaboratively with NRCS, IDNR, and other partners to promote and implement the conservation provisions of the Federal Farm Bill and related wildlife conservation programs. This includes meeting with local chapters of Pheasants Forever and other local partners to influence habitat management efforts and participate in statewide habitat meetings. The biologist will provide technical assistance focused on wildlife habitat to private landowners, government agencies, and non-government organizations, primarily through federal Farm Bill programs. Training will be jointly provided by NRCS and PFQF. Key duties 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 biologist will coordinate and conduct training sessions, including workshops and tours for landowners and resource professionals, and assist 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 technical assistance for conservation practice implementation.
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• Coordinate and conduct training sessions, including workshops and tours for landowners and resource professionals.
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• Assist local PF/QF chapters 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