Farm Bill Wildlife Biologist II - Wetland Specialist

Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever; Warrensburg (MO); On-site; USD 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Pheasants Forever Inc. and Quail Forever (PFQF) seek an experienced biologist to support wetland restoration and habitat projects across Missouri. The role involves NRCS teamwork to deliver Farm Bill programs, enrollment, design, and monitoring for wetlands and upland habitats.

The position collaborates with PFQF chapters, MDC, and NRCS to promote ACEP and related conservation initiatives, and requires travel across Southwest MO and occasional overnight stays.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Management or closely related field with 3 years of relevant experience.
• Experience with USDA Farm Bill programs (EQIP, CSP, ACEP, CRP) is preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication; ability to work with diverse landowners and agencies.

Responsibilities

• Deliver wetland restoration assistance and habitat management as part of NRCS teams.
• Assist with enrollment, acquisition, and design of wetland and upland habitats.
• Coordinate program delivery, contracts, and reporting with PFQF, NRCS, and MDC.

Skills

Wildlife ecology

Wetland management

Communication

Leadership

Travel readiness

Driver's license

Education

Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Management

Tools

ArcGIS

ArcPro

Microsoft Office

Job description

Application Deadline

November 18, 2026

Start Date

January 11, 2027

Starting Salary

$47,000 + benefits (see our benefits summary at www.quailforever.org/about-us/careers).

Overview & Job Duties

Pheasants Forever Inc. and Quail Forever (PFQF) is seeking an experienced biologist to assist in delivering conservation programs and projects within the state of Missouri. The selected candidate will work as a member of the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Wetland Emphasis Team and Farm Bill Biologist Team providing wetland restoration assistance across 20 or more counties. The selected candidate will be involved with all aspects of delivering wetland-related farm bill programs. This will include enrollment and acquisition, design, protection, enhancement, management, and restoration of wetlands and associated upland habitats important to migrating waterfowl, upland wildlife, and other associated species. This position will be located within the Warrensburg NRCS field office and will provide conservation technical assistance and conservation program delivery to private landowners throughout Southwest MO. The incumbent will work in a joint capacity with NRCS, MDC, and other partners to promote, facilitate enrollment, and coordinate the implementation of the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) and other wildlife-related conservation programs. Activities will include program application assistance, program coordination, contract coordination, conservation planning, developing compatible use agreements, easement monitoring, site assessment, and reporting. Incumbents will provide technical biological assistance for wildlife habitat enhancement techniques to private landowners and public organizations. The position will work with local chapters of PFQF and other local partners to increase habitat management efforts and participate in regional and statewide habitat meetings. Assist or coordinate activities and projects with other PFQF, MDC, and NRCS staff. These positions will be employees of and supervised by Pheasants Forever, Inc. & Quail Forever, with daily instruction and leadership provided by PFQF, NRCS, and MDC.

Desired Knowledge. Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of wildlife ecology, prescribed fire, grassland, wetland, and early succession habitat management
• Experience with wetland management and restoration techniques
• Experience with wetland restoration design is highly desirable
• Working knowledge of wetland systems, including identification skills of wetland-associated flora and fauna
• Specific knowledge in writing and delivering wetland habitat management conservation plans
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office and ArcGIS software
• Knowledge of the USDA Wetland Reserve Easement and other conservation assistance programs
• Ability to convey the use of various management tools in the development of habitat management plans
• Knowledge of conservation and wildlife habitat 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
• Knowledge of or practical experience with agricultural systems, farming and ranching
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with landowners, partner agencies, and colleagues
• Ability to work independently with little supervision and with diverse clientele
• Excellent verbal and written communication
• Strong organizational skills
• Demonstrated ability as a leader with a high degree of self-motivation
• Proficient with ArcPro and/or other spatial mapping programs
• Ability to resolve difficult situations
• Valid driver's license required; some use of personal vehicle may be required (mileage reimbursement provided)
• Occasional overnight travel required
• Must be able to obtain USDA Federal Security Clearance

Education and Experience Preferred

A minimum requirement for this position is a Bachelor of Science Degree in Wildlife Management or closely related natural resources field and three years of relevant experience. Wildlife Society Certification and graduate work will also be considered. At least 3 years of experience with the management of wetland systems is highly preferred. Proven experience working with USDA Farm Bill programs (i.e. EQIP, CSP, ACEP, CRP) is preferred.

Contact

Haley Lockard, PF/QF Missouri Farm Bill Manager, at [e-mail] or [phone].

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.