Overview: In partnership with the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP), the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), and local Pheasants Forever chapters; the position will coordinate and implement wildlife-related conservation programs and provide technical assistance. Work in joint capacity with PF, NRCS, and GFP to promote, coordinate and implement conservation provisions of the Federal Farm Bill and other related wildlife conservation programs. Duties will include wildlife habitat planning, contract coordination, writing plans, site assessment and reporting.  Provide technical assistance for wildlife habitat and grazing enhancement techniques to private landowners and public organizations.  Meet with local chapters of Pheasants Forever to help coordinate and influence habitat management efforts and participate in county and statewide habitat meetings.  Implement specific conservation programs to improve wildlife habitat.

Duties:

• Provide technical assistance (biology focus) and guidance to private landowners, government agencies, non-government organizations and other groups for USDA NRCS Conservation Programs, especially Grassland CRP.  The positions will receive training on the USDA NRCS Conservation Programs, Pheasants Forever, SDGFP and other local and state programs.
• Coordinate the implementation and application of biological sciences within the conservation programs in cooperation with the local NRCS, District Conservationist, SDGFP private lands biologist, PF Biologists, and others.
• Complete contracts, applications and other required documentation for the conservation programs requiring biological expertise in cooperation with the listed partners and NRCS, District Conservationist.
• Communicates program requirements, completes site visits to determine eligibility, and develops contracts/plans for applicants/participants for the USDA, NRCS Conservation Programs and other local and state programs.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with landowners and partner agencies.
• Ability to work independently with little supervision and with diverse clientele.
• Knowledge of wildlife ecology, wetland and grassland management including the ability to utilize various habitat management tools in the development of management plans.
• Understanding of livestock and conservation grazing systems
• Knowledge of conservation and wildlife programs provided by federal (i.e. Farm Bill, US Fish and Wildlife Service), state, & local entities.  In addition, knowledge of how these programs are implemented in an agricultural landscape is desired.
• Excellent verbal and written communication.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Valid driver’s license required; some use of personal vehicle required (mileage reimbursement provided).
• Able to obtain USDA Federal Security Clearance.

Location Description: Murdo, South Dakota is located in Jones County with a population of approximately 500 people. This area is well known for its excellent hunting opportunities for a variety of big game and upland species. It is located in the central portion of South Dakota’s vast prairies. Murdo is a short drive to the Fort Pierre and Buffalo Gap National Grasslands which are open to the public and home to world renowned Greater Prairie Chicken, Sharp-tailed Grouse, and Pheasant hunting. Excellent fishing can be found within an hour of Murdo at the Missouri River. From Murdo it is also a short drive to Badlands National Park for recreational opportunities like hiking, star gazing, and wildlife viewing.

Training and Experience Guideline: 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.