Farm Bill Wildlife Biologist I, II, or III

Scobey, MT
Full Time
Farm Bill Biologist
Entry Level
Location: Scobey, MT
Application Deadline: Open until filled
Anticipated Start Date: December 2026
 
Overview:
Hiring for one Farm Bill Biologist I, II or III to provide wildlife conservation services primarily in Daniels, Sheridan, and Roosevelt counties. The position will be based out of the Scobey NRCS Field Office, located in Scobey, Montana.

The incumbent will serve as a Farm Bill Biologist providing ecological and wildlife technical conservation services in northeast Montana. This position will work in joint capacity with Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), and other local conservation partners and entities such as Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks. The successful applicant will promote, implement, deliver, and assist landowners with enrollment into conservation programs including Farm Bill programs (CRP, CSP, EQIP, RCPP), as well as partner programs. This position will work directly with farmers, ranchers, and other landowners in developing conservation plans that benefit both wildlife habitat and agricultural operations. The position will also be responsible for promoting Pheasants Forever’s Montana Grassland Initiative (MGI) to enhance wildlife habitat in grassland and shrub-steppe landscapes. The position will be an employee of and supervised by Pheasants Forever, with daily instruction and leadership provided by NRCS District Conservationists and Supervisory District Conservationist.

Farm Bill Biologist I or II Duties:
  • Provide technical assistance (wildlife habitat focused) and guidance to landowners, government agencies, non-government organizations and others (training provided).
  • Develop conservation plans, complete job sheets, wildlife habitat evaluation guides, environmental evaluations, complete contracts and applications, and other required documentation offered through NRCS programs and other conservation programs (training provided).
  • Coordinate the implementation and application of wildlife habitat within conservation programs in cooperation with local NRCS District Conservationists and others.
  • Communicate program requirements, complete site visits to determine eligibility, and develop plans and contracts for applicants enrolling in NRCS Conservation programs or other state and local conservation programs.
  • Develop a working knowledge of the various conservation partners and entities in eastern Montana to leverage multiple programs that benefit both wildlife and working landscapes.
  • Develop and maintain strong working relationships with various conservation partners, local PF Chapters, and landowners alike.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned.
Farm Bill Biologist III Duties:
  • All duties outlined for a Farm Bill Biologist I or II.
  • Independently conduct natural resource inventories and wildlife assessments to develop conservation plans and project proposals.
  • Seek funding opportunities from partner organizations to leverage NRCS financial assistance programs.
  • Previous, documented experience (2+ years) delivering Farm Bill programs or similar habitat conservation programs.
  • Certified Conservation Planner, or similar certification, strongly desired.
Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities:
  • Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with landowners and partner agencies.
  • Ability to work independently with little supervision and with a diverse clientele.
  • Knowledge of wildlife ecology, grassland and rangeland management techniques. Preference given to knowledge of working landscapes of eastern Montana.
  • Ability to apply and use GIS tools (i.e. GPS, ArcPRO, etc.).
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Strong organizational and time management skills.
  • The ability to balance office work with field assessments as needed.
  • Valid driver’s license required: work vehicle provided; some use of personal vehicle may be required (mileage reimbursement provided).
  • Knowledge of conservation and wildlife programs provided through USDA Conservation Programs, Montana state agencies, PF, and other conservation partners strongly preferred. In addition, knowledge of how these programs are implemented in agricultural and range landscapes is desired.
  • Previous experience living and working in remote, rural communities is beneficial but not required.
  • Able to obtain USDA Federal Security Clearance.
Training and Experience Guideline: Any combination of training and/or experience that will enable the applicant to possess the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. A general qualification guideline for this position is a Bachelor of Science Degree in Wildlife Management, Range Management, or closely related natural resources field and/or related experience. Experience working with private landowners and conservation planning is highly desirable.

Salary Range: $45,000 - $53,000 (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. 
  • 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. 
To Apply: Submit a combined cover letter, resume and three references into a single Word document or PDF file before uploading as part of your application on our recruitment website at http://www.pheasantsforever.org/about-us/careers.

Contact: Stephanie Berry, PF Farm Bill Manager in Montana, [email protected] or 253-380-7138.

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, quail, and other wildlife.
                                               
Pheasants Forever, Inc and Quail 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 governments all aspects of employment, including but not limited to, selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination, and access to benefits and training.
Share

Apply for this position

Required*
To comply with government Equal Employment Opportunity and/or Affirmative Action reporting regulations, we are requesting (but NOT requiring) that you enter this personal data. This information will not be used in connection with any employment decisions, and will be used solely as permitted by state and federal law. Your voluntary cooperation would be appreciated. Learn more.
Invitation for Job Applicants to Self-Identify as a U.S. Veteran
  • A “disabled veteran” is one of the following:
    • a veteran of the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service who is entitled to compensation (or who but for the receipt of military retired pay would be entitled to compensation) under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; or
    • a person who was discharged or released from active duty because of a service-connected disability.
  • A “recently separated veteran” means any veteran during the three-year period beginning on the date of such veteran's discharge or release from active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval, or air service.
  • An “active duty wartime or campaign badge veteran” means a veteran who served on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service during a war, or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized under the laws administered by the Department of Defense.
  • An “Armed forces service medal veteran” means a veteran who, while serving on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service, participated in a United States military operation for which an Armed Forces service medal was awarded pursuant to Executive Order 12985.
Veteran status


Voluntary Self-Identification of Disability
Voluntary Self-Identification of Disability Form CC-305
OMB Control Number 1250-0005
Expires 07/31/2029
Why are you being asked to complete this form?

We are a federal contractor or subcontractor. The law requires us to provide equal employment opportunity to qualified people with disabilities. We have a goal of having at least 7% of our workers as people with disabilities. The law says we must measure our progress towards this goal. To do this, we must ask applicants and employees if they have a disability or have ever had one. People can become disabled, so we need to ask this question at least every five years.

Completing this form is voluntary, and we hope that you will choose to do so. Your answer is confidential. No one who makes hiring decisions will see it. Your decision to complete the form and your answer will not harm you in any way. If you want to learn more about the law or this form, visit the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) website at www.dol.gov/ofccp.

How do you know if you have a disability?

A disability is a condition that substantially limits one or more of your “major life activities.” If you have or have ever had such a condition, you are a person with a disability. Disabilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Alcohol or other substance use disorder (not currently using drugs illegally)
  • Autoimmune disorder, for example, lupus, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, HIV/AIDS
  • Blind or low vision
  • Cancer (past or present)
  • Cardiovascular or heart disease
  • Celiac disease
  • Cerebral palsy
  • Deaf or serious difficulty hearing
  • Diabetes
  • Disfigurement, for example, disfigurement caused by burns, wounds, accidents, or congenital disorders
  • Epilepsy or other seizure disorder
  • Gastrointestinal disorders, for example, Crohn's Disease, irritable bowel syndrome
  • Intellectual or developmental disability
  • Mental health conditions, for example, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD
  • Missing limbs or partially missing limbs
  • Mobility impairment, benefiting from the use of a wheelchair, scooter, walker, leg brace(s) and/or other supports
  • Nervous system condition, for example, migraine headaches, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis (MS)
  • Neurodivergence, for example, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder, dyslexia, dyspraxia, other learning disabilities
  • Partial or complete paralysis (any cause)
  • Pulmonary or respiratory conditions, for example, tuberculosis, asthma, emphysema
  • Short stature (dwarfism)
  • Traumatic brain injury
Please check one of the boxes below:

PUBLIC BURDEN STATEMENT: According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless such collection displays a valid OMB control number. This survey should take about 5 minutes to complete.

You must enter your name and date
Human Check*