RCPP Coordinating Wildlife Biologist

Location: USDA-NRCS office in Bossier City, Louisiana. Anticipated start date: as soon as possible.

About the role

As an employee of Quail Forever, in partnership with the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Lower Mississippi Valley Joint Venture (LMVJV), the Coordinating Wildlife Biologist (CWB) will coordinate and implement habitat-related conservation programs and provide technical assistance in designated USDA Service Centers. The role involves working jointly with partnering non-government organizations (NGOs) and federal and state agencies to promote, coordinate, and implement conservation provisions of the U.S. Federal Farm Bill on private lands. Programs include the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP), Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), as well as state and local habitat initiatives. Training will be provided by Quail Forever, NRCS, LMVJV, and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF).

Responsibilities

• Accelerate enrollment in USDA Farm Bill conservation programs by coordinating workshops, field days, demonstrations, habitat tours, and other outreach events.
• Serve as a wildlife technical advisor in designated USDA Service Centers and assist NRCS, LDWF, Farm Service Agency (FSA), and other conservation partners with delivering conservation programs to landowners.
• Coordinate the implementation and application of wildlife habitat programs within Focal Areas in cooperation with partner agencies.
• Complete conservation plans, Implementation Requirements (IRs), Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Guides (WHEGs), and other required documentation for conservation programs requiring wildlife biologist expertise.
• Communicate program requirements, complete site visits to determine eligibility, and develop contract documents for applicants and participants of USDA Farm Bill and other local and state conservation programs.
• Assist the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) in wildlife monitoring, surveys, mark and recapture, and plant inventories on occasion.
• Provide on-site landowner technical assistance for conservation practice planning and implementation under Farm Bill and non-program wildlife habitat projects.
• Serve as a wildlife technical advisor for local Quail Forever chapters, assisting with habitat education, outreach, and development of habitat projects.
• Accurately report delivery activities on a regular basis.
• Some overnight travel is required.

Requirements

• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with landowners, agency partners, and teammates.
• Ability to work independently with diverse clientele; must be a motivated self-starter with strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work outside in uncomfortable temperatures while exposed to insects.
• Knowledge of and/or practical experience with silviculture and prescribed fire as it relates to timber management and production in the Southeastern U.S.
• 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 conservation and wildlife programs provided by federal (e.g., Farm Bill, US Fish and Wildlife Service), state, and local entities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills, with demonstrated ability to manage demanding workloads and meet deadlines.
• 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.

Qualifications

A Bachelor of Science Degree in Wildlife Management, Forestry, Grazing, or a closely related natural resources field is required. Preferred qualifications include 2-3 years of professional experience working with USDA Farm Bill programs and experience with prescribed fire. The ideal candidate will exhibit a balance of technical knowledge and interpersonal skills required to implement voluntary conservation programs on private lands, with demonstrated interest, training, and experience in both forestry and wildlife.

Pay

$47,000 base salary (commensurate with experience) with annual performance-based raises.

Benefits

• Health, vision, dental, and pet insurance coverage plans available.
• 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 (increasing after 3 years).
• Bereavement/Family/Sick Leave of 6 days (48 hours) per year.
• 13 paid holidays.