Overview:

This is a full-time position working in partnership with USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Pheasants Forever (PF) to further delivery of NRCS conservation easement programs in Oregon. The positions will provide technical assistance to NRCS for implementing the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program-Wetland Reserve Easement (ACEP-WRE) and other wildlife habitat conservation efforts. The primary objective will be providing administrative support and wildlife and ecological input to the Basin Easement Specialists to aid in the restoration and maintenance of local conservation easements. This position will be supervised by Pheasants Forever with daily guidance will be provided by the local NRCS Basin Easement Specialist.  Duties will include a mix of field inventories and computer work. Partial telework is available.

Duties:

Assist NRCS Basin Easement Specialists with easement administration and management including but not limited to:

• Assist with annual monitoring of conservation easements including review of aerial photography, assessment of hydrology and vegetative cover, verification of legal ownership and completion of annual monitoring worksheet
• Conduct onsite inspections and provide photo documentation to support certification of implemented practices
• Conduct photo-point monitoring
• Complete GPS inventory of infrastructure (e.g., boundary markers, water control structures, culverts, fences, hunting blinds)
• Create maps in Conservation Desktop (CD) and ArcGIS Pro. Input customer data into CD. 
• Aid in the development of conservation plans, Wetland Restoration Plan of Operations (WRPO) and Compatible Use Authorizations (CUA), including supporting documentation such as practice specifications, maps, and National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) documentation
• Develop project summaries, fact sheets for landowners, annual practice reminder letters, and other relevant reports
• Meet with landowners, contractors, and/or agency partners to provide technical assistance in the planning, design, and implementation of conservation practices
• Perform other related duties as assigned, including USDA program education and outreach activities.

Working Conditions:

• This position requires the ability to walk on uneven and steep terrain for long periods of time, in all kinds of weather throughout the year.
• This position may also require the use of an All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV), the operation of 4WD vehicles and may require towing trailers in rough terrain.
• This position requires extensive use of GPS units, cameras, tablets and computers and associated applications in an office setting as well as in field setting.
• Interactions with the public, local residents, and other partners is frequent and requires a well-developed sense of diplomacy.

Qualifications:

Minimum qualifications are a Bachelor’s Degree and preferably of Science (B.S.) degree in conservation, biology, agriculture, or closely related field with three years of work experience in your field.

Expected Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to communicate effectively with private landowners, government agency personnel and conservation partner organizations.
• Ability to work independently and as a collaborative team member.
• Ability to work cooperatively with diverse clientele.
• Ability to obtain USDA Security Clearance and a federal eAuthentication account to securely access USDA business tools and client files.
• Excellent verbal/written communication and organizational skills.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Knowledge of wetland and upland wildlife habitat management, and awareness of conservation planning, ecological restoration, and invasive plant species management.
• Computer skills are required, and applicant should be familiar with Microsoft Word and Excel. GIS skills are a plus.
• Ability to use NRCS Conservation Desktop, GIS applications, and GPS systems would be beneficial. Training will be provided by NRCS.
• Physical ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time over rough terrain; lift and move material weighing up to 50 pounds; work in all types of weather conditions.