Range and Wildlife Biologist I or II

Gooding or Shoshone, Idaho

Location: USDA-NRCS office in Gooding, ID or Shoshone, ID (Preference to Shoshone)

Application Deadline: Open Continuous until Filled

 Anticipated Start Date:  August 2025

Overview: This position is part of a collaborative effort among the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG), US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), Idaho Office of Species Conservation (OSC) and Pheasants Forever to further the delivery of NRCS Working Lands for Wildlife (WLFW) Efforts such as the Sage Grouse Initiative. This position provides rangeland and wildlife technical assistance for the Sage Grouse Initiative, Working Lands For Wildlife, 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 ID-NRCS Range Management Specialist and Conservation Team Lead.

Job Duties:

• Provide technical assistance (wildlife habitat focus) and guidance to private landowners, government agencies, non-government organizations and other groups primarily through federal Farm Bill programs. Training provided jointly by NRCS, PF & QF, and other organizations.
• Coordinate the implementation and application of wildlife habitat within conservation programs in cooperation with NRCS Conservation Team Lead, and others.
• Develop conservation plans, complete job sheets, wildlife habitat evaluation guides, environmental evaluations, complete contracts, applications, and other required documentation for conservation programs offered through the NRCS Conservation Programs, and other conservation programs.
• Communicate program requirements, complete site visits to determine eligibility, and develop plans and contracts for applicants enrolling in NRCS Conservation Programs or other state and local conservation programs.
• Seek funding opportunities from new partners to leverage NRCS financial assistance programs.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with landowners and partner agency staff.
• Ability to work independently with little supervision and with diverse clientele.
• Knowledge of wildlife ecology, grassland, wetland and early succession habitat establishment and management, including the ability to utilize various habitat management tools in the development of management plans.
• Specific knowledge of grassland/farmland associated wildlife species’ habitat requirements is desirable along with plant identification of native, non-native, and invasive grasses, forbs, trees, and shrubs.
• Knowledge of conservation and wildlife programs provided through USDA Conservation Programs, Idaho state agencies, and other conservation partners.  In addition, knowledge of how these programs are implemented in an agricultural and range landscape is desired.
• Knowledge of agricultural landscapes, common ranching, farming and associated land use practices, and basic agricultural economics is desirable.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills, time management, and attention to detail.
• Proficiency with ArcPro is highly desired.
• Valid driver’s license required; a work vehicle is provided; some use of a personal vehicle required with a mileage reimbursement. Current rate is $.67 per mile with periodic adjustments relative to the IRS rate.
• Must be able to obtain USDA Federal Security Clearance.

Education and Experience Preferred:  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 or closely related natural resources field is required. Experience working with private land habitat planning is highly desirable.  Proven experience working with USDA Farm Bill programs is preferred. The ideal candidate will exhibit a balance of technical knowledge and interpersonal skills required to implement voluntary conservation programs on private lands. Practical and/or professional experience in farming, ranching, and other agricultural disciplines is highly beneficial. The successful applicant must enjoy working with private landowners and producers to achieve their conservation objectives.

Salary Range: $40,000 to $45,000 (commensurate with experience) with annual performance-based raises, plus benefits include:

• Health, vision, dental and more insurance coverage plans available.
• 401(k) Retirement plan with an employer match of up to 5%.
• Student Loan Assistance program of up to $200/month for eligible employees.
• Paid Time Off accrued at 15 days (120 hours) per year for new employees (increasing after 3 years).
• Bereavement/Family/Sick Leave of 6 days (48 hours) per year.
• 13 Paid holidays.

Contact:  Jacob Northuis, Partner Biologist Manager-Idaho jnorthuis@pheasantsforever.org or (616) 635-1834

Pheasants Forever, Inc and Quail Forever is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, status as a qualified individual with disability, or any other category that may be protected by law.