Overview:
This opportunity is part of a collaborative effort between the USDA Natural Resources Conserva on Service (NRCS), Intermountain West Joint Venture (IWJV), U.S. Fish and Wildlife (USFWS), and Ducks Unlimited, Inc. (DU) to further conserva on delivery of NRCS Conservation Implementation Strategies (CIS) and other working lands conservation programs in southeast Oregon. The position will provide technical assistance to NRCS for implementing the Working Lands for Waterbirds Habitat Conservation CIS and other wildlife habitat conservation efforts. The primary objective of this position will be marketing and delivering Farm Bill conservation programs to livestock producers, flood irrigators and private landowners to enhance wildlife habitat on working lands. 

Lakeview, Oregon is rural town that serves as the county seat of Lake County. Lake County is comprised of 70% publicly owned land which means outdoor adventures are endless. From high desert lakes, hot springs, to the Warner Mountain range and local ski area there is always an adventure awaiting. Lakeview is located in the high desert but is only 20 minutes away from forested Na onal Forest lands. Nearby reservoir, lakes, and streams provide fishing and boating activities. Quality upland, waterfowl, and big game hunting opportunities abound. Visit the Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge to see pronghorn, sage grouse and bighorn sheep, or hike through the shifting sand dunes in Christmas Valley. Lakeview is a great location if you are looking to settle down and take in some nature.   

Duties:

• Provide technical assistance (conservation planning, livestock and flood irrigation management, wildlife biology, wet meadow management, waterbird habitat management, or other natural resource disciplines) and guidance to landowners, government agencies, non-government organizations and others. Training will be provided by NRCS, IWJV, USFWS, DU and other local and state agencies.  
• Coordinate integration and application of biological sciences and production agriculture within the conservation programs in cooperation with the local NRCS Field Office and consistent with NRCS Field Office Technical Guides.  
• Complete conservation plans and maps, contracts, applica ons and other required documenta on for implementing Farm Bill conserva on programs ((i.e., Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), and Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP)), and the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB) Program. The position requires expertise in biological sciences, surface-irrigated agricultural lands (i.e. flood-irrigated), aquatic invasive species management, invasive plant management and rangeland science in cooperation with private landowners and partners.  
• Communicate program requirements, complete site visits to determine eligibility, and develop contracts/plans for applicants enrolling in USDA conserva on programs or other state and local conserva on programs for the management, restora on, enhancement and protection of flood-irrigated pasture, hay lands, and associated wetlands and riparian areas to mutually benefit livestock forage produc on and wetland-dependent migratory birds.  
• Work with agricultural producers to develop and implement infrastructure repair projects on flood-irrigated pasture and hay lands. Provide information to landowners on emerging working lands conservation easement programs.  
• Perform other related duties as assigned, including promotion, marketing and outreach activites related to USDA, NAWCA and OWEB projects.   

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:  

• Ability to communicate effectively with private landowners, government agency personnel and conservation partner organizations.  
• Ability to work independently with little supervision.  
• Ability to work cooperatively with diverse clientele.  
• Knowledge of ranch management, water resource management and wetland ecology, including the ability to develop and complete flood irrigation infrastructure rehabilitation projects that include wetland wildlife habitat management objectives.  
• Ability 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 an Associate’s Degree, or equivalent, in Natural Resource Planning, Rangeland Science, Wildlife Biology/Management or Agriculture Technology, with an emphasis on developing prescribed grazing systems and course work and/or experience in working lands management systems is desirable. Funding partners may agree to substitute experience in ranching if that experience includes forage production using flood irrigation.    
• Computer skills are required and applicant should be familiar with Microso Word and Excel.  
• Ability to use NRCS Conservation Desktop, GIS applications, and GPS systems would be beneficial.  
• Physical ability to stand and walk for extended periods of me over rough terrain; lift and move material weighing up to 50 pounds; work in all types of weather conditions.

Additional Information:  
The funds for this position are primarily of federal origin, managed through Cooperative Agreements with the hiring entity. Compensation is commensurate with experience. The position is year-round. 

Training and Experience Guideline:  
Any combination of training and/or experience that will enable the applicant to possess the required knowledge, skills and abilities.