Overview & Job Duties:

Pheasants Forever, Inc. (PF) is seeking two biologists to assist with delivery of the USDA Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP)/Wetland Reserve Easements (WRE) provisions of the Federal Farm Bill in Wisconsin. The selected candidates will join the current PF Farm Bill Biologist team and will work across multiple counties (occasional work outside primary counties may be required). This will include programmatic administration and biological/technical wetland assistance related to the restoration of wetlands and associated upland habitats important to migrating waterfowl, upland wildlife, and other associated species.

These positions will work as a partner with USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Wisconsin Department of Natural resources (WDNR), and PF. They will be located within an NRCS office (remote work possible) and will provide conservation technical assistance and program delivery to private landowners throughout their work area. Activities will include program application assistance, program coordination, contract coordination, conservation planning, developing compatible use agreements, easement monitoring, site assessment and reporting.

The positions will also work with PF chapters and other local partners to increase habitat management efforts and participate in regional and statewide habitat meetings. These positions will be employees of, and supervised by PF, with training, daily instruction, and leadership provided by PF’s Wetland Easement Team Specialist and the NRCS’s Wetland Easement Team.   

Duties:

• Provides technical assistance and guidance to private landowners that are interested in voluntarily improving their land through ACEP/WRE programs.
• Communicates program requirements, completes site visits to determine eligibility, gathers applications and other required program documentation, and develops wetland restoration plans (in cooperation with partners and NRCS staff) for applicants to the ACEP/WRE program.
• Recommends wetland enhancement actions and completes Compatible Use Agreements and/or Long-Term Agreements for current ACEP/WRE participants.
• Conducts monitoring and status reviews in person as well as remotely.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Required Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with landowners with a focus on understanding their goals and objectives for their property
• Ability to work independently with little supervision and with diverse clientele
• Strong commitment to quality customer service with landowners and partners
• Excellent verbal and written communication
• Strong organizational skills
• Conflict resolution skills
• Occasional overnight travel required
• Valid driver’s license required; some use of personal vehicle required (mileage reimbursement provided)
• Able to obtain USDA Federal Security Clearance

Desired Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Experience with wetland habitat management and restoration techniques
• Working knowledge of wetland systems, including identification of wetland associated plants
• Knowledge of wildlife ecology, prescribed fire, and upland habitat management techniques
• Knowledge of the ACEP/WRE and other Farm Bill conservation programs
• Ability to convey the use of various habitat management tools in the development of management plans
• Knowledge of conservation and wildlife habitat programs provided by other Federal, state, and local entities.
• Knowledge of or practical experience with agricultural systems, farming and ranching

Education and Experience Preferred: A minimum qualification for this position is: A) Bachelor of Science Degree in Wildlife Management or closely related natural resources field or B) Related practical field experience. The position will receive training on the USDA Conservation Programs, Pheasants Forever, WDNR and other local and state programs.