Farm Bill Wildlife Biologist I or II
About this role
Anticipated Start Date: September/October 2026
Overview: These positions will be employees of and supervised by Pheasants Forever, Inc. and Quail Forever (PFQF), with daily instruction, quality assurance, training, and workload prioritization provided by USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the PF Senior Farm Bill Biologist. This position will be located within USDA Service Centers and will provide conservation technical assistance and conservation program within their assigned districts. Occasional service to counties outside the primary work area may be required to address annual workload variance and assist teammates and partners. The biologist will work in joint capacity with NRCS, IDNR, and other partners to promote, accelerate enrollment, coordinate, and implement the conservation provisions of the Federal Farm Bill and other related wildlife conservation programs. These positions will also meet with local chapters of Pheasants Forever and other local partners to influence habitat management efforts and participate in statewide habitat meetings.
Job Duties:
- Provide technical assistance (wildlife habitat focus) and guidance to private landowners, government agencies, non-government organizations and other groups primarily through federal Farm Bill programs. Training is provided jointly by NRCS and PFQF.
- Communicate program requirements, complete site visits to determine eligibility, and develop contract documents for applicants and participants of Farm Bill conservation programs and other local and state programs.
- Review plans and specifications for feasibility for implementation under Farm Bill program contract rules, etc.
- Specific activities for CRP may include evaluations and conservation planning for new and re-enrolled contracts, mid-contract management and maintenance evaluations and recommendations, and status reviews.
- Provide on-site landowner technical assistance for conservation practice implementation.
- Coordinate and conduct training sessions which include workshops and tours for landowners and resource professionals.
- Work with local PF/QF chapters to assist with habitat program education and outreach and provide technical assistance for habitat projects.
- Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with landowners and partner agency staff.
- Ability to work independently with little supervision and with diverse clientele.
- Knowledge of wildlife ecology, grassland, wetland and early succession habitat management including the ability to utilize various habitat management tools in the development of management plans. Specific knowledge of grassland/farmland associated wildlife species’ habitat requirements is desirable.
- Strong background in prescribed fire, both implementation and education.
- Knowledge of conservation and wildlife programs provided by federal Farm Bill (WRP, CRP, SAFE, EQIP, CSP, etc.), other state, & local entities. In addition, knowledge of how these programs are implemented in an agricultural landscape is desired.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong organizational skills, time management, and attention to detail.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel and ArcGIS is required.
- Valid driver’s license required; use of personal vehicle required with a mileage reimbursement provided.
- Must be able to obtain USDA Federal Security Clearance.
Salary: $40,500 - $52,000 + benefits (see our benefits summary at www.pheasantsforever.org/jobs)
To Apply: Please combine your cover letter, resume and three references as a single Word document or PDF file before uploading as part of your application on our recruitment website at www.pheasantsforever.org/jobs.
Contact: Katie Kauzlarich-Stockman, PF/QF Illinois State Coordinator, [email protected] or (309) 264-1678.
Company at a glance
Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever make up the nation's largest nonprofit organization dedicated to upland habitat conservation. This community of more than 500,000 members, supporters and partners is dedicated to the protection of our uplands through habitat improvement, public access, education and advocacy. A network of 754 local chapters spread across North America determine how 100 percent of their locally raised funds are spent — the only national conservation organization that operates through this grassroots structure. Since its creation in 1982, “The Habitat Organization” has dedicated more than $1 billion to 580,000 habitat projects benefiting 28.8 million acres.
At the heart of Pheasants Forever is the unique grassroots system of fundraising and project development that allows members to see the direct result of their contributions. Pheasants Forever and its quail division, Quail Forever, empower county and local chapters with the responsibility to determine how 100 percent of their locally raised conservation funds will be spent - the only national conservation organization that operates through this truly grassroots structure. As a result, chapter volunteers are able to see the fruits of their efforts locally, while belonging to a larger national organization with a voice on federal and state conservation policy.
Top Benefits
- Mileage reimbursement
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