Pheasants Forever

Grassroots nonprofit upland habitat conservation

Farm Bill Wildlife Biologist 2 - Wetland Specialist

Environmental SciencesConfirmed live in the last 24 hours

Full-timeWarrensburg, MO, USA$47k

About the Job

Requirements

Knowledge of wildlife ecology, prescribed fire, grassland, wetland, and early succession habitat management.
Experience with wetland management and restoration techniques.
Working knowledge of wetland systems, including identification 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, state, and local entities, and how these programs are implemented in an agricultural landscape.
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.
Strong organizational skills.
Demonstrated ability as a leader with a high degree of self-motivation.
Proficiency with ArcPro and/or other spatial mapping programs.
Ability to resolve difficult situations.
Valid driver's license; some use of a personal vehicle may be required.
Ability to undertake occasional overnight travel.
Must be able to obtain USDA Federal Security Clearance.
Bachelor of Science degree in Wildlife Management or a closely related natural resources field, and three years of relevant experience.

Responsibilities

Deliver conservation programs and projects within Missouri as a member of the NRCS Wetland Emphasis Team and Farm Bill Biologist Team, providing wetland restoration assistance across 20 or more counties.
Deliver wetland-related Farm Bill programs, including 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.
Provide conservation technical assistance and conservation program delivery to private landowners throughout Southwest Missouri from the Warrensburg NRCS field office.
Work jointly with NRCS, MDC, and other partners to promote and facilitate enrollment and coordinate implementation of the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program and other wildlife-related conservation programs.
Assist with program applications and coordination, contract coordination, conservation planning, compatible use agreements, easement monitoring, site assessment, and reporting.
Provide technical biological assistance to private landowners and public organizations on wildlife habitat enhancement techniques.
Work with local PFQF chapters 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.

Desired Qualifications

Wetland restoration design experience is highly desirable.
Knowledge of federal, state, and local conservation and wildlife habitat programs, including their implementation in agricultural landscapes, is desired.
At least three years of experience managing wetland systems is highly preferred.
Proven experience working with USDA Farm Bill programs, such as EQIP, CSP, ACEP, and CRP, is preferred.
Wildlife Society Certification and graduate work will also be considered.

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.

To Apply: Please combine your cover letter, resume and three references into a single Microsoft Word document or PDF file before uploading as part of your application at www.quailforever.org/about-us/careers. *Only online applications will be accepted.*

Contact: Haley Lockard, PF/QF Missouri Farm Bill Manager, at [email protected] or (816) 427-1451.

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.

About the Company

Pheasants Forever

Grassroots nonprofit upland habitat conservation

Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever are a nonprofit focused on protecting and improving upland habitats in North America. They coordinate a nationwide network of more than 500,000 members and 754 local chapters, with each chapter deciding how 100 percent of locally raised funds are spent. This grassroots structure supports habitat projects, public access, education, and advocacy, translating member donations into local and statewide conservation work. Since 1982, the organization has funded over 580,000 habitat projects across 28.8 million acres, funded by community volunteers and local fundraising while maintaining a national voice on conservation policy. The goal is to conserve upland habitats for pheasants, quail, and other wildlife by empowering local chapters to fund and manage projects and by influencing federal and state conservation policy.

Company size: 201-500
Company stage: Grant
Total funding: $200K
Headquarters: White Bear Lake, MN
Founded: 1982

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