Farm Bill Wildlife Biologist I or II (RCPP)

Location Choice of office location: Camden, AR NRCS Office or Lewisville, AR NRCS Office. Primary County Coverage: Ouachita, Union, Columbia, Lafayette, with some travel to Nevada, Hempstead, Miller, Little River, etc. Application Deadline: May 29, 2026. Anticipated Start Date: June 29/July 6, 2026. Overview In partnership with American Bird Conservancy, Lower Mississippi Valley Joint Venture, and the USDA‑Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS); RCPP FBBs serve to coordinate and implement the Open Pine RCPP and other wildlife‑related conservation programs and provide technical assistance within assigned counties. Some assistance outside of assigned counties may be requested. This position is a full‑time permanent employee of Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever and will be located within Focal Landscapes in Southwest Arkansas and will provide service across multiple counties. Staff will work in joint capacity with AGFC, NRCS, and the Farm Service Agency (FSA) to promote, coordinate and implement conservation provisions of the Federal Farm Bill (Open Pine RCPP, EQIP, EQIP‑WLFW, CSP, CRP) and other related wildlife conservation programs as well as assist in delivery of state‑level habitat programs and initiatives. General duties include wildlife habitat planning, contract coordination, writing plans, site assessment and reporting, and conducting outreach. Biologists will provide technical assistance for wildlife habitat enhancement techniques to private landowners and public organizations. Meet with local chapters of Quail Forever to help coordinate habitat management efforts and participate in county and statewide habitat meetings. Meet regularly with AGFC, QF, USDA, and LMVJV staff to coordinate technical assistance efforts. Responsibilities Coordinate implementation and application of the South Arkansas Open Pine RCPP in partnership with American Bird Conservancy, USDA‑NRCS, and AGFC. Coordinate monitoring efforts on Open Pine RCPP and other cost‑share projects, including autonomous recording units, spring breeding bird surveys, fall covey count surveys, habitat and vegetation assessments, and associated job sheets, data sheets, and map creation. Provide technical assistance (biology focus) and guidance to private landowners, government agencies, non‑government organizations, and other groups for USDA NRCS Conservation Programs. Receive training on USDA NRCS Conservation Programs, Quail Forever, and other local and state programs, including USDA planning, mapping, and project assessment systems. Coordinate implementation and application of wildlife programs within the Focal Landscapes in cooperation with local NRCS, LMVJV Delivery Coordinator, QF Biologists, and other state partners as appropriate. Complete contracts, applications, and other required documentation for conservation programs requiring biological expertise in cooperation with listed partners. Communicate program requirements, conduct site visits to determine eligibility, and develop contracts/plans for applicants/participants for USDA‑NRCS Conservation Programs and other local and state programs. Perform other related duties as assigned. Qualifications 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, forest and grassland management, including the ability to utilize various habitat management tools in the development of management plans. Experience or knowledge of working lands practices in Arkansas agriculture (commercial forestry, row‑crop, livestock), and how to implement conservation practices economically into those operations. Knowledge of conservation and wildlife programs provided by federal agencies (Farm Bill, US Fish and Wildlife Service), state, and local entities; 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. Training and Experience Guideline A Bachelor of Science Degree in Wildlife Management, Forestry, or a closely related natural resources field is required. Knowledge and/or experience in the field with NRCS programs is desired. Any combination of training and/or experience that will enable the applicant to possess the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is acceptable. Salary Range and Benefits Salary: $50,000 (commensurate with knowledge, skills, and experience) with annual performance‑based raises. Benefits include health, vision, dental and additional insurance coverage plans; 401(k) retirement plan with an employer match of up to 5%; student loan assistance program of up to $200/month for eligible employees; vehicle stipend of up to $300/month for eligible employees; paid time off accrued at 15 days (120 hours) per year for new employees; bereavement/family/sick leave of 6 days (48 hours) per year; and 13 paid holidays. Equal Opportunity / Affiliate Statement 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr