Private Lands Conservationist II

Overview

Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever are seeking a Private Lands Conservationist II in Clarkston, Washington, to support the organization's mission of enhancing wildlife habitat through conservation. This position will work in joint capacity with the USDA-Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) and other local partners to promote, implement, and coordinate enrollment in conservation provisions of the Federal Farm Bill and related programs. The incumbent will be an employee of Pheasants Forever, Inc., supervised by Pheasants Forever, with daily instruction and leadership provided by the local NRCS District Conservationist in the Clarkston USDA Field Office.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical assistance (wildlife habitat focus) and guidance to landowners, government agencies, non-government organizations, and others.
• Coordinate the implementation and application of wildlife habitat within conservation programs in cooperation with NRCS District Conservationist and others.
• Develop conservation plans, complete job sheets, wildlife habitat evaluation guides, environmental evaluations, contracts, applications, and other required documentation for conservation programs offered through NRCS and other partners.
• Communicate program requirements, complete site visits to determine eligibility, and develop plans and contracts for applicants enrolling in NRCS Conservation Programs or other state and local conservation programs.
• Monitor wildlife habitats, complete status reviews, conduct site visits to determine establishment or stand health, identify management needs, and coordinate activities with landowners and program requirements.
• Seek funding opportunities from partners to leverage NRCS financial assistance programs.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Wildlife Management or a closely related natural resources field and/or related field experience.
• 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 and techniques in developing management plans.
• Knowledge of conservation and wildlife programs provided through USDA Conservation Programs, Washington state agencies, and other conservation partners, including their implementation in agricultural and range landscapes.
• Ability to apply and use GIS tools and technologies (GPS, ARC Map, Microsoft Office, etc.).
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Valid driver’s license required; work vehicle provided; some use of personal vehicle may be required (mileage reimbursement provided).
• Able to obtain USDA Federal Security Clearance.

Benefits

• Health, vision, dental, and other insurance coverage plans.
• 401(k) Retirement plan with an employer match of up to 5%.
• Student Loan Assistance program of up to $200/month for eligible employees.
• Paid Time Off accrued at 15 days (120 hours) per year for new employees.
• Bereavement/Family/Sick Leave of 6 days (48 hours) per year.
• 13 paid holidays.

Location: Onsite in Clarkston, Washington
Application Deadline: Open until filled (first review October 2, 2026)
Anticipated Start Date: November 2026
Salary Range: $50,000 with annual performance-based raises

About Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever

Pheasants Forever, Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to wildlife habitat conservation. We work as a team to ensure a long-lasting positive impact on pheasants, quails, and other wildlife. Pheasants Forever is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), national origin or ancestry, age, disability status, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

To Apply: Combine your cover letter, resume, and 3 references as a single document and upload your application to www.pheasantsforever.org/about-us/careers. Incomplete applications may not be considered.
Contact: For questions, email Kayley Schlesener, HR Manager, at kschlesener@pheasantsforever.org.