Range & Wildlife Conservationist, Pheasants Forever; Belle Fourche, SD

Application Deadline: Sept. 16

Overview: This position is part of a collaborative effort among the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS),
Intermountain West Joint Venture (IWJV), South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks, and Pheasants Forever to further the delivery of the
NRCS Sage-Grouse Initiative (SGI). This position provides range /wildlife technical assistance for the Sage-Grouse Initiative and
associated Farm Bill conservation programs to agriculture producers and landowners. This position will be an employee of Pheasants
Forever Inc. with daily instruction and leadership provided by the NRCS District Conservationist.
Duties:
 Provide technical assistance (wildlife biology and range conservation focus) and guidance to landowners, government
agencies, non-government organizations and others. Training will be provided by NRCS, IWJV, Pheasants Forever and other
local and state agencies.
 Coordinate integration and application of biological sciences within the conservation programs in cooperation with the local
NRCS District Conservationist and others and consistent with the Field Office Technical Guide.
 Complete conservation plans and maps, contracts, applications and other required documentation for Farm Bill conservation
programs (i.e., EQIP, WHIP, FRPP, GRP, CRP and WRP) requiring biological and rangeland science expertise in
cooperation with the partners.
 Communicate program requirements, complete site visits to determine eligibility, and develop contracts/plans for applicants
enrolling in USDA conservation programs or other state and local conservation programs for the protection, restoration and
enhancement of sage-grouse habitat.
 Coordinate and participate in field work activities for sage-grouse habitat project implementation and work with agricultural
producers.
 Perform other related duties as assigned. Including marketing and public outreach regarding SGI.
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 range science and wildlife ecology including the ability to develop prescribed grazing plans that include
wildlife habitat management objectives.
 Able to obtain USDA Security Clearance and NRCS Conservation Planning certification.
 Excellent verbal/written communication and organizational skills.
 Valid driver’s license.
 A general qualification guideline for this position is a Bachelor of Science Degree in Rangeland Science or Wildlife
Biology/Management from an accredited university with an emphasis on developing prescribed grazing systems and course
work and/or experience on integrating wildlife management principles into the management systems.
 Knowledge of computer skills is required and applicant should be familiar with Word and Excel.
 Ability to use ArcMap and Toolkit would be beneficial.
 Physical ability to: stand and walk for extended periods of time over rough terrain; lift and move material weighing up to 50
pounds; work in all types of weather conditions.
Training and Experience Guideline: Any combination of training and/or experience that will enable the applicant to possess the
required knowledge, skills and abilities. A general qualification guideline for this position is a Bachelor of Science Degree in Wildlife
Management or closely related natural resources field and/or related field experience.
Salary: $29,000 – $32,500 + Health Benefits and Retirement Package
To Apply: Visit our Recruitment website at: https://home.eease.adp.com/recruit/?id=837571
ONLY ONLINE APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED. Please include your cover letter, resume and three references as one
Word document or PDF file on the Recruitment website.
Pheasants Forever is an equal opportunity employer