LOCATION
Southwest Minnesota
(Marshall or negotiable location in SW MN)
Start Date: January 1, 2015
TITLE
Coordinating Wildlife Biologist
Pheasants Forever
Application Deadline: November 25, 2014
Description
STARTING SALARY
$38,000.00
+ benefits
Full Time
The employee will design, coordinate, and implement habitat conservation programs, partnerships and projects on select private and public lands as identified in the recently adopted Minnesota Prairie Conservation Plan . This position will foster an environment of cooperation among state, federal, NGO, and other partners, serving as a Local Technical
Team Corridor for priority landscapes identified in the Minnesota Prairie Conservation Plan in
SW Minnesota. Pheasants Fo rever’s MN State Coordinator will supervise this partnership position with input from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) staff. This employee will facilitate local technical staff to use data and information to reach out to private landowners to protect, establish or enhance habitat. The biologist will coordinate with existing programs and partnerships including but not limited to Minnesota’s Farm Bill Assistance
Partnership, Working Lands Initiative, Prairie Bank, Reinvest in Minnesota, a variety of USDA’s conservation program offerings and PF habitat programs to implement stewardship activities on prairie, grasslands, wetlands, woodlands, and streams for the benefit of wildlife.
Pheasants Forever, Inc. is dedicated to the protection and enhancement of pheasants, quail and other upland wildlife through habitat improvement, public awareness, education and advocacy for sound land management policy.
The MN DNR Division of Fish and Wildlife is dedicated to managing, protecting and regulating the state's fish and wildlife resources, including promoting habitat protection and development on public and private lands.
Responsibilities
Primary responsibilities of this position include initiation of collaborative conservation efforts between private landowners, governmental organizations, and non-governmental organizations.
The Coordinating Wildlife Biologist will facilitate grassland conservation efforts on both public and private lands, conduct outreach and education efforts to build the capacity and effectiveness of local technical conservation delivery teams and assist in monitoring the partnership’s success.
The biologist will work closely with a wide range of individuals and resource professionals to meet the conservation objectives. This position will require a self-starter with excellent

communication skills and a strong work ethic. This effort will provide an opportunity to make significant contributions to the conservation of natural resources in southwest Minnesota.
Essential Job Duties:

Support and coordinate local technical conservation delivery teams in areas that include multiple core areas as well as the adjacent corridors and agricultural matrix landscapes as identified in the Prairie Conservation Plan/Implementation Plan.

Administer, coordinate, design, and direct the local implementation of stewardship of grassland, wetland and stream habitat in the identified core areas.

Assist local teams with data and subject matter experts who can help target efforts.

Assist local teams to package grant applications and market existing programs.

Facilitate the development of additional programs and outreach efforts that foster land stewardship.

Communicate land stewardship concepts and practices effectively with private landowners, governmental agencies, non-governmental organizations and individuals.

Prepare budgets, assist with grant writing, and monitor expenditures.

Set landscape goals and frequently communicate the progress to PF and DNR

Integrate local partners (e.g. Pheasants Forever
, sportsman’s clubs, NGOs and watershed organizations etc.) to achieve desired habitat outcomes.

As directed by the MN Prairie Plan State Work Group members, provide input and participate in activities.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Extensive knowledge of wildlife habitat management techniques, principles, goals and objectives; This includes familiarity with Northern Tallgrass Prairie plant and animal species and knowledge of grazing systems, prescribed fire, tree clearing and exotic plant control.

The individual must be able to work effectively with private landowners, governmental agency staff and conservation organization representatives.

Ability to work independently with little supervision and with diverse personalities.

Ability to accomplish goals with limited supervision.

Ability to organize, develop, and implement educational and outreach activities, including workshops, seminars, and publications.

Knowledge of conservation program offerings, including USDA Conservation Programs
(
CRP, CCRP, EQIP, etc
.) and state and local programs.

Excellent computer skills including knowledge of MS Word, MS Excel, and MS Powerpoint

Demonstrated proficiency in ArcView.
 Valid driver’s license required.
Required Education and Experience:
A 4-year degree in wildlife science, plant ecology, range management, or a closely related natural resources field (
M.S. preferred
). Prior experience with private lands conservation and land management is also preferred. A working knowledge of farming and ranching operations, prescribed fire training, and field experience preferred.
To Apply:
Applications must be received on or before the application deadline to be considered. Include a cover letter outlining your interest and qualifications and a resume to
Website: www.pheasantsforever.org/jobs

For more information about the position, contact Eran Sandquist, MN PF State Coordinator at
763-242-1273 or esandquist@pheasantsforever.org
.
Pheasants Forever is a an EEO Employer/Vet/Disabledequal opportunity employer