Deadline: Sun, 02/04/2024 - 12:00pm Employer: Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever Job Field: Wildlife Job Type: Full Time Location: South Carolina Location Detail: Allendale, SC Chesterfield or Bishopville, SC Abbeville or McCormick, SC Job Description: In partnership with the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), and South Carolina Department of Natural resources (SCDNR), the Farm Bill Wildlife Biologists will coordinate and implement wildlife habitat-related conservation programs and provide technical assistance within the South Carolina Bobwhite Quail Initiative’s (BQI) focal regions. This position will be headquartered in the USDA Service Center in the locations advertised in the job posting, to provide service across to multiple counties in South Carolina. The individual will work in joint capacity with partner agencies to promote, coordinate and implement conservation provisions of the Federal Farm Bill on private lands, with primary focus on the Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) Working Lands for Wildlife (WLFW) Bobwhite Quail Pine Savanna Project. Conservation delivery will involve relevant Farm Bill programs such as the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), general EQIP, and the Conservation Stewardship Program (CStP), as well as state and local habitat programs and initiatives. General duties will include all aspects of wildlife habitat planning, contract coordination, conservation plan writing, site assessment/eligibility determination, program promotion/outreach, landowner technical assistance, and reporting. Specific Duties: ● Provide technical assistance (wildlife habitat focus) and guidance to private landowners, government agencies, non-government organizations and other groups for USDA NRCS conservation programs. Training provided jointly by NRCS, SCDNR, and QF. ● Coordinate the implementation and application of wildlife habitat programs within South Carolina’s Bobwhite Quail Initiative focal regions in cooperation with partner agencies. ● Lead surveys as part of the WLFW Outcomes Assessment: grassland bird surveys, including northern bobwhite quail, and habitat vegetation survey efforts for assigned area, including spring breeding bird surveys, fall covey counts, vegetation surveys, and management of automated recording units (ARU) on private and conservation lands. ● Complete conservation plans, job sheets, wildlife habitat evaluation guides (WHEG) and other required documentation for the conservation programs requiring biological expertise in cooperation with the listed partners. ● Communicate program requirements, complete site visits to determine eligibility, and develop contract documents for applicants and participants of USDA-NRCS conservation programs and other local and state programs. ● Review plans and specifications for feasibility for implementation under Farm Bill program contract rules, etc. ● Accelerate conservation program enrollment by conducting outreach such as workshops, field days, demonstration events, habitat tours and social media. ● Provide on-site landowner technical assistance for conservation practice implementation. ● Work with local QF chapters to assist with habitat program education and outreach and provide technical assistance for habitat projects Qualifications: ● Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with landowners and partner agencies. ● Ability to work independently and with diverse clientele. Must be a motivated self-starter with strong interpersonal skills. ● Knowledge of wildlife ecology, forest and grassland management including the ability to utilize various habitat management tools in the development of management plans. ● Knowledge of, and/or practical experience with silviculture and prescribed fire as it relates to timber management and production in the Southeastern US. ● Knowledge of conservation and wildlife programs provided by federal (i.e., Farm Bill, US Fish and Wildlife Service), state, & local entities. ● Excellent verbal and written communication skills. ● Strong organizational skills, with demonstrated ability to manage demanding workloads. ● Proficiency with ArcGIS, GPS, Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.) ● Valid driver’s license required; some use of personal vehicle required (mileage reimbursement provided). ● Must be able to obtain USDA Federal Security Clearance. Salary: $42,000 (Commensurate with Experience and Qualifications) + benefits including Student Loan Assistance program starting in 2024. How to Apply: Please combine your cover letter, resume, and 3 references into a SINGLE Word document or PDF file before uploading to the "Resume" area of your application on our Recruitment website at www.quailforever.org/jobs . Our benefit summary is also viewable on our website. If you have questions about this position, contact: Jake Comer, Quail Forever Coordinating Wildlife Biologist, at jcomer@quailforever.org
