Stephen F. Austin State University

Overview: In partnership with the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources this Farm Bill Wildlife Biologist will coordinate and implement wildlife habitat-related conservation programs and provide technical assistance within multi-county areas of Southeastern SC (Allendale, Hampton, Bamburg, Colleton, Jasper, Beaufort, Dorchester, and Charleston). This position will be headquartered in USDA Service Centers and work collaboratively with the local USDA-NRCS staff in each of the listed counties. This 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 Incentives program (EQIP), Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), and the Working Lands for Wildlife (WLFW) Bobwhite Program. Conservation delivery may also involve other relevant Farm Bill programs 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, practice certification, 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 the focal regions in cooperation with partner agencies.
• 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, and habitat tours.
• Provide on-site landowner technical assistance for conservation practice implementation.
• Review/certify federal cost-share practices for compliance.
• Assist landowners with prescribed burns.
• Complete conservation plans as they relate to NRCS cost share programs, specifically CRP and EQIP.
• Work with local QF chapters to assist with habitat program education and outreach and provide technical assistance for habitat projects.

Requirements*

Desired Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with landowners and partner agency staff.
• Ability to work independently and with diverse clientele. Must be a motivated self-starter with strong interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of, and/or practical experience with agriculture as it relates to timber management and production in the Southeastern US.
• Knowledge of northern bobwhite and other related species ecology.
• Knowledge of grassland, rangeland, forest, and early succession habitat management including the ability to utilize various habitat management tools in the development of management plans.
• Knowledge of agricultural landscapes, common farming and land use practices in South Carolina, and basic agricultural economics is desirable.
• 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; use of personal vehicle required (mileage reimbursement provided).
• Must be able to obtain USDA Federal Security Clearance.

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 Bachelor of Science Degree in Wildlife Management, Forestry, or closely related natural resources field is required. Proven experience working with USDA Farm Bill programs is preferred. At least 2 years of professional experience are preferred for a Farm Bill Biologist II. The ideal candidate will exhibit a balance of technical knowledge and interpersonal skills required to implement voluntary conservation programs on private lands. A successful applicant must enjoy working with private landowners to achieve their objectives. Demonstrated interest, training, and experience in both forestry and wildlife is also ideal.

Starting Salary Range: $42,000 - $44,000 (Commensurate with Experience and Qualifications) + Benefits including 401k match (5%), Student Loan Assistance option of up to $200/month for eligible employees, 13 paid holidays, PTO accrual of 15 days in first year for FT employees, and more.