Remote locations: Multiple (2 KS, 2 MO, 2 GA, SC, AL, TX)

Application Deadline: Open Until Filled

Start Date: May 2024

Overview:  In partnership with the USDA - Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), and the University of Georgia, the Quail Forever Working Lands for Wildlife (WLFW) technicians will conduct in field monitoring and evaluation on WLFW EQIP, CSP and related USDA wildlife programs to document the effectiveness of USDA conservation practices on pollinators, quail, grassland songbirds, and native grassland plant communities during the spring, summer, and fall. These positions will be largely focused on in-the-field data collection, data entry, and will assist in generating written reports. A key responsibility of these positions will be to implement a comprehensive monitoring and evaluation protocol to document the success of applicable program work to increase quail and pollinator habitat and populations. Positions will be supervised by a  Monitoring Coordinator that will work with local USDA service centers in multiple states through the WLFW, EQIP, CSP and other USDA conservation programs to assess and communicate working grassland, savanna, and open woodland recovery goals to reverse declines in wildlife populations associated with these habitats. The technicians will be an employee of Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever and will work alongside Quail Forever Farm Bill Biologists, UGA staff, and partner agencies to collect data in the field. With guidance, general duties will include all aspects of project site monitoring for outcomes, farm bill program effectiveness evaluation, program promotion/outreach, and report writing.

Specific Duties:

• Work on USDA-funded wildlife habitat projects, to include Spring Bird Surveys, Fall Quail Covey Counts, Vegetation and Pollinator Monitoring.
• Promote and Implement Working Lands For Wildlife Outcomes Assessments working in conjunction with a region-wide WLFW monitoring protocol using Autonomous Recording Units and gridded vegetation monitoring on WLFW-specific projects.
• Extensive travel throughout the state to complete monitoring assignments.
• Collaborate on written reports and presentations based on data collected from surveys and protocols, with an emphasis on USDA program and practice implementation outcomes.
• Work closely with Quail Forever and UGA staff to streamline monitoring efforts on USDA funded projects on private lands, and communicate directly with private landowners on the intent, importance, and overall objectives of effectiveness monitoring.
• Technicians will work remotely in home offices when not in the field.

  Desired Knowledge. Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to build trust and communicate clearly and effectively with farmers, ranchers, agricultural partners and other agencies is key to making this position successful.
• Ability to conduct preliminary research, data entry, and report writing based on monitoring protocols implemented.
• Ability to work independently with little supervision and with diverse clientele. Must be a motivated self-starter with strong interpersonal skills.
• Strong identification skills for songbirds and plants desired (both native and nonnative grasses, sedges, rushes, forbs, shrubs, and trees).
• Comfort navigating to off-trail locations for point counts, including pre-dawn darkness.
• Knowledge of, and/or practical experience with agricultural operations (forestry, pasture, row crop, etc.)
• Knowledge of wildlife ecology, grassland, savanna, open woodland, and upland habitat management including the ability to utilize various habitat management tools for ecosystem restorations.
• Knowledge of conservation and wildlife habitat programs provided by the USDA Farm Bill. In addition, knowledge of how these programs are implemented in an agricultural landscape is desired.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills, with demonstrated ability to manage demanding workloads.
• Proficiency with ArcGIS, ArcPro, Survey 123, GPS, Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.)
• Valid driver’s license required; use of personal vehicle required (mileage reimbursement provided, monthly vehicle stipend provided).

Education and Experience Preferred: A minimum requirement for this position is a Bachelor of Science Degree in Range Management, Agriculture, Forestry, Wildlife Management or closely related natural resources field with a minimum of two years related experience. Preference will be given to individuals with a Master’s Degree in the same fields listed above who have proven data collection, data analysis, and report writing experience. Experience working with USDA Farm Bill programs (EQIP, CSP, RCPP, ACEP, and CRP) is preferred. The ideal candidate will exhibit a balance of technical knowledge and interpersonal skills required to develop and conduct sampling protocol for field studies on private lands. A successful applicant must enjoy working with private landowners and must enjoy working outdoors across a wide range of climatic conditions.

Starting Salary: $45,000 + Health Benefits and 401k match, vehicle stipend, plus up to $200 monthly student loan assistance available.