Coordinating Wildlife Biologist- Habitat Conservation Specialist

Location: 1 position located in Eugene, Oregon.

Application deadline: June 24th, 2025

Anticipated start date: August 4th, 2025

This is a full-time position, part of a collaborative effort between Pheasants Forever, Pacific Birds Habitat Joint Venture, and USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS). The position will provide technical assistance to private landowners and producers for implementing the Farm Bill Programs and other wildlife habitat conservation efforts. The primary focus is to implement conservation efforts in habitats associated with oak, grassland, forest, and others as needed. This position will be supervised by Pheasants Forever with daily guidance provided by the local NRCS District Conservationists. Duties will include a mix of field and computer work. 

This position will be located in Eugene, Oregon, and will be expected to work closely with NRCS, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Pacific Birds Habitat Joint Venture, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Soil and Water Conservation Districts, and collaborative partnerships in the region.   

Duties:

Assist NRCS staff with the following, including but not limited to:

• Provide technical assistance and guidance to private landowners/producers and other groups for federal, state, and local conservation programs.
• Meet with landowners, producers, contractors, and/or agency partners to provide technical assistance in the planning, design, and implementation of conservation practices.
• Assist with NRCS practice specifications, implementation, certifications and provide site specific technical assistance.
• Develop project summaries, fact sheets for landowners, annual practice reminder letters, and other relevant reports.
• Perform other related duties as assigned, including USDA program education and outreach.
• Receive, maintain, and stay current with USDA technical assistance and programmatic training.
• Develop long-term conservation plans to improve wildlife habitat and satisfy federal, state and local government requirements.
• Help clients apply for Farm Bill programs and provide service to existing plans.
• Assist with public information activities as appropriate, including news article writing, workshops, field days and other activities.
• Provide monthly written reports on activities.

Working Conditions:

• This position requires the ability to walk on uneven and steep terrain for long periods of time, in all kinds of weather throughout the year.
• This position may also require the use of an All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV), the operation of 4WD vehicles and may require towing trailers in rough terrain.
• This position requires extensive use of GPS units, cameras, tablets and computers and associated applications in an office setting as well as in field setting.
• Interactions with the public, local residents, and other partners is frequent and requires a well-developed sense of diplomacy.

Qualifications

• Minimum qualifications are a bachelor’s degree and preferably of Science (B.S.) degree in conservation, biology, agriculture, or closely related field with three years of work experience in your field.
• Valid driver’s license

Expected Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with landowners, partner agencies, conservation partner organizations, and the public.
• Ability to work independently and as a collaborative team member.
• Ability to work cooperatively with diverse clientele.
• Knowledge of upland wildlife habitat management, and awareness of conservation planning, ecological restoration, and invasive plant species management.
• Excellent verbal/written communication, coordination, and organizational skills.
• Experience or education in designing presentations and presenting information using various formats such as PowerPoint, posters, kiosks, etc.
• Knowledge of computer skills is required, and applicant should be familiar with ARC GIS, Word and Excel.
• Ability to use NRCS Conservation Desktop, GIS applications, and GPS systems would be beneficial. Training will be provided by NRCS.
• Knowledge of prairie and forest ecosystems.
• Knowledge of agricultural landscapes, common farming and land use practices is desirable.
• Skillset to drive in inclement weather.
• Physical ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time over rough terrain, work in all types of weather conditions.
• Ability to obtain USDA Security Clearance and a federal eAuthentication account to securely access USDA business tools and client files.

Salary – $50,000-68,000 Commensurate with Experience + health benefits, and 401K options (see benefit summary on our Careers page at www.pheasantsforever.org/jobs )

Contact:  Erin Blair, Oregon State Partnerships and Restoration Manager, eblair@pheasantsforever.org                                                   

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.