What are the responsibilities and job description for the Private Lands Conservationist II position at Pheasants Forever?
Location: Onsite in Clarkston, Washington
Application Deadline: Open until filled
Anticipated Start Date: November 2026
Overview: Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever are seeking a Private Lands Conservationist II in Clarkston, Washington, to support the organization's mission of enhancing wildlife habitat through conservation. This position will work in joint capacity with the USDA-Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) and other local partners to promote, implement, and coordinate enrollment in conservation provisions of the Federal Farm Bill and related programs.
This position will be an employee of and be supervised by Pheasants Forever, Inc. with daily instruction and leadership provided by Pheasants Forever & the local NRCS District Conservationist in the Clarkston USDA Field Office. The incumbent is expected to work closely with NRCS as well as other conservation partners in the region to develop projects with private landowners and direct funding through USDA and other partners’ habitat restoration programs towards wildlife habitat improvement projects on private lands. This position will primarily be focused on wildlife-related conservation contracts and applications within the counties serviced through the Clarkston Field Office and provide assistance with wildlife and conservation programs to landowners.
The incumbent will serve as a Private Lands Conservationist providing biological/wildlife technical assistance for USDA-NRCS, Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever Inc., and other local partners. The successful applicant will deliver conservation programs like CRP, CSP, EQIP, and other Farm Bill conservation programs to farmers, ranchers and other landowners to provide recommendations that benefit both wildlife conservation and agriculture operations.
Responsibilities:
Contact: If you have further questions about Pheasants Forever, the application process, or this position, please contact Kayley Schlesener, HR Manager, via email at kschlesener@pheasantsforever.org.
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, quails, and other wildlife.
Application Deadline: Open until filled
Anticipated Start Date: November 2026
Overview: Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever are seeking a Private Lands Conservationist II in Clarkston, Washington, to support the organization's mission of enhancing wildlife habitat through conservation. This position will work in joint capacity with the USDA-Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) and other local partners to promote, implement, and coordinate enrollment in conservation provisions of the Federal Farm Bill and related programs.
This position will be an employee of and be supervised by Pheasants Forever, Inc. with daily instruction and leadership provided by Pheasants Forever & the local NRCS District Conservationist in the Clarkston USDA Field Office. The incumbent is expected to work closely with NRCS as well as other conservation partners in the region to develop projects with private landowners and direct funding through USDA and other partners’ habitat restoration programs towards wildlife habitat improvement projects on private lands. This position will primarily be focused on wildlife-related conservation contracts and applications within the counties serviced through the Clarkston Field Office and provide assistance with wildlife and conservation programs to landowners.
The incumbent will serve as a Private Lands Conservationist providing biological/wildlife technical assistance for USDA-NRCS, Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever Inc., and other local partners. The successful applicant will deliver conservation programs like CRP, CSP, EQIP, and other Farm Bill conservation programs to farmers, ranchers and other landowners to provide recommendations that benefit both wildlife conservation and agriculture operations.
Responsibilities:
- Provide technical assistance (wildlife habitat focus) and guidance to landowners, government agencies, non-government organizations, and others (training will be provided by the NRCS, PF/QF, and other organizations).
- Coordinate the implementation and application of wildlife habitat within conservation programs in cooperation with NRCS District Conservationist, and others.
- Develop conservation plans, complete job sheets, wildlife habitat evaluation guides, environmental evaluations, complete contracts, applications and other required documentation for conservation programs offered through the NRCS Conservation Programs, and other conservation programs.
- 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.
- Monitor wildlife habitats, complete status reviews, conduct site visits to determine establishment or stand health, determine management needs, and coordinate activities with landowners and program needs.
- Seek funding opportunities from other partners to leverage NRCS financial assistance programs.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
- Bachelor of Science Degree in Wildlife Management or closely related natural resources field and/or related field experience.
- Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with landowners and partner agencies.
- Ability to work independently with little supervision and with diverse clientele.
- Knowledge of wildlife ecology, wetland and grassland management including the ability to utilize various habitat management tools and techniques in the development of management plans.
- Knowledge of conservation and wildlife programs provided through USDA Conservation Programs, Washington state agencies, and other conservation partners. In addition, knowledge of how these programs are implemented in an agricultural and range landscape is desired.
- Knowledge of conservation and wildlife habitat restoration programs provided by Federal (i.e. Farm Bill, US Fish and Wildlife Service), State agencies, and PF. In addition, knowledge of how these programs are implemented in an agricultural landscape is desired.
- Ability to apply and use GIS tools and other technologies (i.e. GPS, ARC Map, Microsoft Office etc.).
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong organizational skills.
- Valid driver’s license required; work vehicle provided; some use of personal vehicle may be required (mileage reimbursement provided).
- Able to obtain USDA Federal Security Clearance.
- 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.
- 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.
Contact: If you have further questions about Pheasants Forever, the application process, or this position, please contact Kayley Schlesener, HR Manager, via email at kschlesener@pheasantsforever.org.
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, quails, and other wildlife.
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.