Farm Bill Wildlife Biologist I, II, or III

Forever, Inc; South Dakota; On-site; USD 40,000 - 49,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and vision insurance

401(k) with employer match

Student Loan Assistance up to $200/mo

Vehicle stipend up to $300/mo

Mileage reimbursement at federal rate

Paid time off 15 days/year

Bereavement/family/sick leave 6 days

Job summary

Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever are seeking two Farm Bill Wildlife Biologists to support conservation programs in north-central South Dakota and Wall, SD. The role focuses on promoting enrollment in federal Farm Bill provisions and coordinating with USDA-NRCS, SD Game, Fish and Parks, and other partners.

Primary duties include developing planning documents, serving as a technical resource for landowners and agencies, and driving program enrollment through outreach and coordination with local

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in wildlife management or a closely related natural resources field.
• Ability to obtain USDA Federal Security Clearance.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Preferred experience with the Federal Farm Bill, State Private Lands Programs, ArcPro, Prescribed Fire Training, wildlife ecology, and agricultural landscapes.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with landowners and partners.
• Ability to work independently with little supervision and with diverse clientele.
• Strong organizational skills, time management, and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Develop and review conservation planning documents, including conservation plans, habitat evaluation, implementation requirements, and related reports.
• Serve as a primary technical resource, providing guidance and assistance to private landowners, government agencies, non-government organizations, and other stakeholders through federal Farm Bill programs.
• Communicate program requirements and coordinate contract activities, site assessments, eligibility determinations, and training for landowners and resource professionals.
• Drive conservation program enrollment by leading outreach and public awareness initiatives.
• Collaborate with local PF & QF chapters and partner organizations to coordinate and support habitat management efforts and participate in local and statewide habitat meetings and trainings.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Communication

Independent work

Organization

Time management

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in wildlife management or related field

Tools

ArcPro

Prescribed Fire Training

Job description

Location

One position will be located in either Selby, Mound City, or Leola; the second position will be located in Wall, South Dakota

Application Deadline

Open until filled

Anticipated Start Date

November 2026

Overview

Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever are seeking 2 Farm Bill Wildlife Biologists, one in north-central South Dakota and another in Wall, SD to support the organization's mission of enhancing wildlife habitat through conservation. This position will work in joint capacity with USDA-NRCS, South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks, and other partners to promote, implement, and coordinate enrollment in conservation provisions of the Federal Farm Bill and related programs.

Responsibilities

• Develop and review conservation planning documents, including conservation plans, habitat evaluation, implementation requirements, and related reports.
• Serve as a primary technical resource, providing guidance and assistance to private landowners, government agencies, non-government organizations, and other stakeholders through federal Farm Bill programs.
• Communicate program requirements and coordinate contract activities, site assessments, eligibility determinations, and training for landowners and resource professionals.
• Drive conservation program enrollment by leading outreach and public awareness initiatives.
• Collaborate with local PF & QF chapters and partner organizations to coordinate and support habitat management efforts and participate in local and statewide habitat meetings and trainings.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in wildlife management or a closely related natural resources field.
• Must be able to obtain USDA Federal Security Clearance.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Preferred experience with the Federal Farm Bill, State Private Lands Programs, ArcPro, Prescribed Fire Training, wildlife ecology, and agricultural landscapes.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with landowners and partners.
• Ability to work independently with little supervision and with diverse clientele.
• Strong organizational skills, time management, and attention to detail.

Salary Range

$40,000 to $49,000 (commensurate with knowledge, skills, and experience) with annual performance-based raises and the following benefits:

• Health, vision, dental and more insurance coverage plans are available.
• 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.
• Personal vehicle use is required, mileage reimbursed at Federal reimbursement rate
• 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.
• 13 paid holidays.

Contact

If you have further questions about Pheasants Forever, the application process, or this position, please contact Tom Zinter, PF/QF South Dakota Farm Bill Program Manager, at 605-216-0104 or via email at [e-mail].

About Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever

Pheasants Forever, Inc is a non-profit organization dedicated to wildlife habitat conservation. We are a team, working to ensure that we build an environment that has a long-lasting positive impact on pheasants, quails, and other wildlife.

Pheasants Forever is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), national origin or ancestry, age, disability status, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. This policy governs all aspects of employment, including but not limited to selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination, and access to benefits and training.