Private Lands Access Biologist (3); Pennsylvania
Application Deadline: Oct 28st, 2011
Locations: Franklin, Schuylkill, Columbia/Northumberland Counties, PA
Anticipated Start Date: December 12th, 2011
Overview: These positions are part of Pheasants Forever (PF) and Quail Forever’s Farm Bill Biologist program which began in 2003 and currently consists of 70 Partnership Biologists in 15 states. These positions provide biological/wildlife technical assistance for USDA – Farm Service Agency and PA Game Commission (PGC) and Pheasants Forever (PF) conservation programs to landowners. Funding for these positions is from the Voluntary Public Access – Habitat Improvement Program (VPA-HIP) that was authorized in the 2008 Farm Bill. These positions will be an employee of, and supervised by Pheasants Forever with daily instruction and leadership provided by PGC.
Duties:
Provide technical assistance (wildlife biology focus) and guidance to landowners, government agencies, non-government organizations (NGO’s) and others. Training will be provided by PGC, PF, and other local, state and federal agencies.
Coordinate the implementation and application of biological sciences within the conservation programs in cooperation with PGC Private Lands staff, USDA Offices, PF staff, and others.
Complete VPA-HIP contracts, applications and other required documentation that opens private land for public hunting.
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.
Coordinate and participate in field work activities for habitat project implementation and work with private landowners to ensure compliance with program goals.
Perform 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, forest management and including the ability to utilize various habitat management tools in the development of habitat management plans.
Knowledge of conservation and wildlife programs provided by Federal (i.e. Farm Bill), State and PF. In addition, knowledge of how these programs are implemented in an agricultural and forested landscape.
Excellent verbal/written communication and organizational skills.
Valid driver’s license and personal vehicle required (mileage reimbursement provided).
Able to obtain USDA Clearance and NRCS Conservation Planning certification
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.
Starting Salary: $29,000 – $33,500+ Health and Retirement Benefits
To Apply: Visit our Recruitment website at: https://home.eease.adp.com/recruit/?id=961581
Please include your cover letter and resume as 1 word document or PDF file on the Recruitment website.
Email: jobs@pheasantsforever.org
Pheasants Forever is a an equal opportunity employer