Farm Bill Wildlife Biologist I, II, or III

Forever, Inc; Selby, Leola, Wall (SD, SD, SD); On-site; USD 40,000 - 49,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, vision, dental insurance plans

401(k) employer match

Student loan assistance

Vehicle stipend

Mileage reimbursement

Paid time off

Bereavement/Family/Sick Leave

13 paid holidays

Job summary

Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever seek two Farm Bill Wildlife Biologists to support habitat conservation in north-central South Dakota and Wall, SD. You will work with USDA-NRCS, SD Game, Fish and Parks and partners to promote, implement, and coordinate enrollment in Federal Farm Bill programs.

Required: a bachelor's degree in wildlife management or related field; ability to obtain USDA security clearance; valid driver's license; strong communication and project coordination skills; and

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.

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

Clear communication

Independent work

Organization

Attention to detail

Driver's license

USDA clearance

Education

Bachelor's degree in wildlife management or related natural resources field

Tools

ArcPro

Prescribed Fire Training

Job description

Two positions

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.