Habitat Specialist I (Conservation Technician)

Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever; Winnemucca (NV); On-site; USD 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever in Nevada seeks a conservation planning assistant to support NRCS field offices with data collection, habitat assessments, and plan development. You will gather inventory, analyze resources, and maintain records to advance Farm Bill programs and PF/QF priorities.

Ideal candidates communicate clearly with landowners, work independently, and hold a relevant wildlife or range management background, with a valid driver’s license and ability to obtain USDA

Qualifications

• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with landowners, partners, and agency staff.
• Ability to work independently with little supervision and with diverse clientele.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills, time management, and attention to detail.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Must be able to obtain USDA Federal Security Clearance.
• Knowledge of wildlife and Great Basin ecology.
• Knowledge of Farm Bill programs and federal, state, & local conservation programs.

Responsibilities

• Provides technical assistance needed to apply conservation practices in the assigned field office as directed by the NRCS District Conservationist or lead planner.
• Assists in the collection and analysis of resource data and information needed to develop conservation plans.
• Maintains accurate records and documents accomplishments according to national, state, and field office policy.
• Utilizes IT systems as needed for recording and documenting planning and installation of conservation plans and practices, reporting progress, recording time and managing e-mails.
• Promotes and implements specific conservation programs to improve wildlife habitat and advance PF/QF mission and strategic priorities.
• Accelerates conservation program enrollment and public awareness by conducting outreach such as workshops, field days, demonstration events, and habitat tours with NRCS and PF/QF as approved by the NRCS District Conservationist.

Skills

Communication

Independent work

Verbal communication

Written communication

Time management

Driver's license

USDA security clearance

Education

Wildlife Management education

Job description

Location: Elko and Winnemucca, Nevada

Application Deadline: October 13, 2026

Anticipated Start Date: November/December 2026

Overview: This position will be an employee of and supervised by Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever (PF & QF), with daily instruction, quality assurance, training, and workload prioritization provided by USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). There are two positions available with primary duty stations in Elko or Winnemucca, Nevada, with occasional service outside the primary work area. The position is responsible for gathering basic conservation planning inventory, data and surveys to assist an NRCS Field Office with development and implementation of conservation plans for Farm Bill programs and delivering the PF & QF mission.

Job Duties

• Provides technical assistance needed to apply conservation practices in the assigned field office as directed by the NRCS District Conservationist or lead planner. This includes follow-up on active conservation contracts
• Assists in the collection and analysis of resource data and information needed to develop conservation plans
• Maintains accurate records and documents accomplishments according to national, state, and field office policy
• Utilizes IT systems as needed for recording and documenting planning and installation of conservation plans and practices, reporting progress, recording time and managing e-mails
• Promotes and implements specific conservation programs to improve wildlife habitat and advance PF/QF mission and strategic priorities
• Accelerates conservation program enrollment and public awareness by conducting outreach such as workshops, field days, demonstration events, and habitat tours with NRCS and PF/QF as approved by the NRCS District Conservationist

Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with landowners, partners, and agency staff.
• Ability to work independently with little supervision and with diverse clientele
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong organizational skills, time management, and attention to detail
• Valid driver’s license required
• Must be able to obtain USDA Federal Security Clearance

Desirable Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of wildlife and rangeland ecology, specifically in the Great Basin.
• Specific knowledge of plant identification of native, non-native, and invasive grasses, forbs, trees, and shrubs, along with grassland/farmland associated wildlife species’ habitat requirements
• Knowledge of conservation and wildlife programs provided through the Farm Bill, as well as other federal, state, & local entities.
• Knowledge of agricultural landscapes, common farming and land use practices, and basic agricultural economics

Preferred Education and Experience: Any combination of training and/or experience that will enable the applicant to perform the duties of the job. Some educational background in Wildlife Management, Range Management, Agriculture or closely related natural resources field is desirable. Practical and/or professional experience in farming and agricultural disciplines is highly beneficial. The successful applicant must enjoy working with private landowners and producers to achieve their conservation objectives. Applicants with college degrees in Wildlife Management, Range Management, Environmental Science or closely related natural resources fields, may be eligible for other Pheasants Forever positions being offered in the same locations.

Salary Range: $40,000 to $50,000 (based on experience) + benefits (see benefits summary on our Careers page at https://www.pheasantsforever.org/about-us/careers/).

Contact: Kaelie Peña, PF/QF Nevada State Coordinator, [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.