MDF Private Land Biologist/Resource Specialist – Idaho

Reports to: MDF Director of Private Land Conservation

Classification: Salaried/Exempt

Start Date: On or After March 30, 2026

Term: 3 years (with potential for extension based on funding)

Salary: $60,000 - $75,000 DOE plus benefits (Health Insurance, Paid Time Off, and 401K)

Position Location

Based in Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) field office in Idaho

• Preferred location – Blackfoot
• Potential acceptable locations – Arco, Rexburg

This position will be stationed in one of the above local NRCS offices. Work-from-office with regular fieldwork and travel across priority landscapes expected.

Job Summary

The Mule Deer Foundation (MDF) is seeking a qualified candidate to join a dynamic and expanding conservation team. MDF is hiring a Private Land Biologist/Resource Specialist to support the delivery of strategic habitat conservation efforts in Idaho. This position is funded through the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and the successful candidate will be embedded in an NRCS field office to increase capacity for private land conservation.

This position will work in close coordination with MDF, NRCS, Idaho Fish and Game (IFG), and other partners to implement conservation practices that improve big game habitat connectivity, reduce wildlife mortality, and restore degraded landscapes. The position will focus on priority areas identified in SO3362 State Action Plans and aligned with NRCS conservation priorities.

This position will provide technical assistance to private landowners, support enrollment in Farm Bill programs such as EQIP and CSP, and lead the planning, implementation, and monitoring of habitat improvement projects. Responsibilities will include invasive species treatment, wildlife-friendly fencing modifications, grazing management planning and enhancements, and habitat restoration activities on private working lands. The position will also be responsible for tracking accomplishments and reporting progress toward established grant metrics and outcomes.

This position will report directly to the MDF Director of Private Land Conservation and serve as a key member of MDF’s conservation delivery team. The role requires strong collaboration with federal and state agencies, tribal partners, private landowners, and other stakeholders to advance MDF’s mission and support long-term conservation objectives across Idaho.

Primary Responsibilities

• Serve as an MDF conservation delivery staff member embedded in NRCS field offices, working in close coordination with MDF, NRCS, and IFG to implement private land conservation projects.
• Deliver technical assistance to private landowners to support enrollment in NRCS conservation programs (EQIP, CSP, etc.).
• Develop and implement conservation plans and habitat restoration projects in priority areas identified by MDF, NRCS and IFG.
• Lead on-the-ground implementation of practices including fencing modifications, invasive species removal, grazing management improvements, and habitat restoration.
• Monitor project outcomes and ensure accurate annual reporting of metrics such as acres improved, miles of fencing modified, and landowners engaged.
• Coordinate with MDF staff, NRCS planners, IFG biologists and other partners to identify opportunities and align efforts with SO3362 Idaho state action plan and NRCS conservation priorities.
• Assist landowners with conservation planning, application development, and project design.
• Maintain regular communication with agency staff, tribal partners, and MDF leadership to ensure project alignment and progress.

Essential Duties

• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with federal and state agencies, tribal partners, private landowners, and conservation NGOs to foster long-term stewardship
• Promote voluntary conservation through outreach, education, and engagement at workshops, field tours, and community events
• Represent MDF professionally in meetings, presentations, and public forums, serving as a trusted liaison between landowners and conservation partners
• Track and report financial and administrative aspects of projects, including invoicing, documentation, and compliance with grant requirements
• Support MDF’s internal coordination and strategic planning by contributing to program development, reporting, and communications
• Maintain proficiency in conservation tools and technologies, including GIS mapping, field data collection, and digital reporting platforms
• Adapt to changing field conditions and priorities, demonstrating flexibility, initiative, and problem-solving in remote and rural settings

Education and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in wildlife management, wildlife biology, natural resources, rangeland management, ecology, or a related field (Master’s preferred)
• Minimum 3 years of professional experience in private lands conservation, habitat restoration, or NRCS program delivery

Skills

• Strong understanding of rangeland ecology, wildlife habitat requirements, and conservation planning
• Familiarity with NRCS programs and Farm Bill conservation tools
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills
• Proficiency in GIS (ArcGIS), Microsoft Office, and field data collection tools
• Ability to work independently and travel frequently

Abilities and Work Environment

• Comfortable working in remote field conditions and rural communities
• Able to manage multiple projects and deadlines
• Willingness to travel across Idaho for fieldwork and partner coordination
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment and independently with private landowners

Application Deadline: Applications will be reviewed on a continuing basis until position is filled.