Habitat Specialist I

Location: Winnemucca, NV

Application Deadline: September 14th, 2025

 Anticipated Start Date:  October 2025

Overview: This position will be an employee of and supervised by Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever (PF & QF), with daily instruction, quality assurance, training, and workload prioritization provided by USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). This vacancy is located in Winnemucca, NV with work located throughout Humboldt and Lander counties. The position is responsible for gathering basic conservation planning inventory, data and surveys to assist an NRCS Field Office with development and implementation of conservation plans for Farm Bill programs and delivering the PF & QF mission.

Job Duties:

• Provide technical assistance and guidance to private landowners, government agencies, non-government organizations and other groups primarily through federal Farm Bill programs.
• Assists in the collection and analysis of resource data and information needed to develop Resource Management plans.
• Follows up on active conservation contracts and other conservation plans as requested. Schedule technical assistance needed to implement planned practice installation.
• Responsible for the technical assistance needed to apply conservation practices in the assigned field office within the resource area as directed by the NRCS District Conservationist or lead planner. This includes survey, design, layout, and construction checks.
• Maintains accurate records and documents accomplishments according to national, state, and field office policy.
• Utilizes IT systems as needed for recording and documenting planning and installation of conservation plans and practices, reporting progress, recording time and managing e-mails.
• Promote and implement specific conservation programs to improve wildlife habitat and public access.
• Accelerate conservation program enrollment and public awareness by conducting outreach such as workshops, field days, demonstration events, and habitat tours with NRCS and PF/QF.

Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with landowners, partners, and agency staff.
• Ability to work independently with little supervision and with diverse clientele.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills, time management, and attention to detail.
• Valid driver’s license required
• Must be able to obtain USDA Federal Security Clearance.

Desirable Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of wildlife and rangeland ecology.
• 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 the Farm Bill, as well as other federal, state, & local entities.
• Knowledge of agricultural landscapes, common farming and land use practices, and basic agricultural economics.

Preferred Education and Experience:  Any combination of training and/or experience that will enable the applicant to perform the duties of the job. Some educational background in Wildlife Management, Range Management, Agriculture or closely related natural resources field is desirable. Practical and/or professional experience in farming and agricultural disciplines is highly beneficial. The successful applicant must enjoy working with private landowners and producers to achieve their conservation objectives.

Salary Range: $35,000 to $39,000 (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 and Bereavement/Family/Sick Leave

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.