Application Deadline: July 13, 2021 (11:59 Eastern Time)

Anticipated Start Date: August 2021

See full job details and application instructions at https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=e9cf9c51-b70e-4607-b723-b8bf76c3161b&ccId=19000101_000001&jobId=407447&source=CC2&lang=en_US

Overview: 

In partnership with the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), and local Pheasants Forever chapters; This position will coordinate and implement wildlife-related conservation programs and provide technical assistance. Work in joint capacity with PF, NRCS, and the Farm Service Agency (FSA) to promote, coordinate and implement conservation provisions of the Federal Farm Bill and other related wildlife conservation programs. The programs of interest are promoting and implementing CRP, ACEP and other state and federal conservation programs. Duties will include wildlife habitat planning, contract coordination, writing plans, site assessment and reporting.  Provide technical assistance for wildlife habitat enhancement techniques to private landowners and public organizations.  Meet with local chapters of Pheasants Forever to help coordinate and influence habitat management efforts and participate in county and statewide habitat meetings.  Meet regularly with GF&P, PF and USDA staff to coordinate technical assistance efforts.  Implement specific conservation programs to improve wildlife habitat.

Duties:

  • Provide technical assistance (biology focus) and guidance to private landowners, government agencies, non-government organizations and other groups for USDA NRCS Conservation Programs. The positions will receive training on the USDA NRCS Conservation Programs, Pheasants Forever, SDGFP and other local and state programs.
  • Coordinate the implementation and application of biological sciences within the conservation programs in cooperation with the local NRCS, District Conservationist, SDGFP private lands biologist, PF Biologists, and others.
  • Complete contracts, applications and other required documentation for the conservation programs requiring biological expertise in cooperation with the listed partners and NRCS, District Conservationist.
  • Communicates program requirements, completes site visits to determine eligibility, and develops contracts/plans for applicants/participants for the USDA, NRCS Conservation Programs and other local and state programs.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with landowners and partner agencies.
  • Ability to work independently with little supervision and with diverse clientele.
  • Knowledge of wildlife ecology, wetland and grassland management including the ability to utilize various habitat management tools in the development of management plans.
  • Knowledge of conservation and wildlife programs provided by federal (i.e. Farm Bill, US Fish and Wildlife Service), state, & local entities.  In addition, knowledge of how these programs are implemented in an agricultural landscape is desired.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication.
  • Strong organizational skills.
  • Valid driver’s license required; some use of personal vehicle required (mileage reimbursement provided).
  • Able to obtain USDA Federal Security Clearance.

About the Location:

Aberdeen, third largest city in South Dakota (population 27,859) is located in Brown county SD and will be the primary office location for this position which will also cover Marshall county. Aberdeen has both public and parochial school systems, Northern State University, movie theaters, a hockey team, baseball and softball leagues and plentiful shopping opportunities.  Aberdeen also has a very active PF Chapter, and the Aberdeen Pheasant Coalition. Brown and Marshall counties have tremendous hunting opportunities, for pheasants, waterfowl, deer, and some grouse. The area also has great fishing opportunities throughout. Numerous lakes and the James River running the length of Brown County provides great fishing.  Sand Lake National Wildlife Refuge is located in Brown County and public access hunting abounds.  Brown County is number 1 for land enrolled in CREP in SD, Marshall Co. is number 2. The Aberdeen Pheasant Coalition has added over 4000 additional public access acres.

Starting Salary: TBD based on experience + Benefits

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS: Please combine your cover letter, resume and 3 references into a single Microsoft Word document or Adobe Acrobat PDF file before uploading to the “Resume” section of our Recruitment website.

If you have any questions about this position, please contact Matt Morlock, South Dakota State Coordinator for Pheasants Forever, 605-881-8258.

Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever is an EEO Employer/Vet/Disabled