NRCS/DWR Farm Bill Biologist II



NRCS/DWR Farm Bill Biologist II

Salary

$23.32 - $27.16 Hourly

Location

Iron County, UT

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

40881

Agency

560 Department of Natural Resources

Unit

5639 DNR SRO HABITAT MGMT

Opening Date

03/29/2024

Closing Date

4/8/2024 11:59 PM Mountain

FLSA

Exempt

Recruiter

Karen Weir / kweir@utah.gov / 801-538-7425

# of Openings

1

Location

l1470 North Airport Road Cedar City, UT 84721

Schedule Code

B - Competitive Career Service - Employment in this position requires a probationary period.

Benefits

This position is eligible for a full benefits package. See benefits tab below for details.

Driver License Requirements

Employees hired for this recruitment will be subject to the Driver Eligibility standards found at the following link: https://adminrules.utah.gov/public/search/driver%20eligibility/Current%20Rules

EEO Statement

The State of Utah is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. For accommodations, dial 711 or TTY: 800-346-4128.

Job Description









Job Title: NRCS/DWR Farm Biologist II


Job Description:
Would you like to be part of a team that makes a difference and improves wildlife habitats as a Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS)/Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (UDWR) Farm Bill Biologist? In this position, you will be part of the Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) team working with the Natural Resources Conservation Service to plan and implement habitat restoration projects utilizing Farm Bill programs in conjunction with other state funding programs under the umbrella of the Utah Watershed Restoration Initiative (UWRI). You will have the opportunity to work alongside NRCS staff and DWR biologists to plan and implement projects to improve ecosystem processes on private lands and with public land grazers. This position plays an integral role in the DWR's objectives for restoring Utah's watersheds and provides a great opportunity to learn about both agencies being the bridge that connects them. Join our team and help us preserve Utah's wildlife and wild lands for generations to come.  


Job Duties:
As a NRCS/UDWR Farm Bill Biologist, you will:

  • Plan and implement wildlife habitat improvement projects
  • Work alongside NRCS staff and DWR biologists
  • Write grant applications for project funding through the Watershed Restoration Initiative and Farm Bill program
  • Monitor and manage contractors on habitat improvement projects
  • Conduct habitat monitoring to ensure the success of implemented projects


The Ideal Candidate:
The ideal candidate will have:
  • Master's degree or a bachelor's degree in a related field (e.g. wildlife management, range science, agricultural science, restoration ecology, botany)
  • Possess a working knowledge of the principles, theories, and practices of wildlife/range sciences and/or wildlife habitat restoration
  • Knowledge of Utah's Division of Wildlife Resources, the Natural Resources Conservation Service and Utah's Watershed Restoration Initiative
  • Proficient in the use of ARC map and GIS and GPS tools
  • Good verbal and written communication skills
  • Knowledge of habitat restoration tools and equipment
***Preference will be given to candidates with a bachelor's degree in a natural resources field. Additional preference will be given to candidates with a master's degree in a wildlife-related natural resources field or other applicable field that is beneficial for the position.


Why you should join our team:
Join our team and serve the people of Utah as a trustee and guardian of the state's wildlife. Enjoy a job with a great amount of variety and the ability to make a positive contribution towards conservation. This position also has a flexible work schedule with ample opportunity to work outdoors. Along, with support to gain additional knowledge and skills through professional training, learning opportunities as well as leadership development. In addition, the generous paid time off and great health benefits help ensure that you can spend quality time with your loved ones.
 
Below is a summary of the benefits offered to state employees:
Health Insurance - Public Employee Health Program (PEHP):
  • 3 medical plan options. Choose a Traditional or High Deductible Health Plan.
  • There is an Opt-Out Cash Benefit option for those who have other medical insurance coverage.
  • 5 dental plan options, with an Opt-Out Cash Benefit option for those that have other dental insurance coverage.
  • 4 vision plan options under EyeMed or OptiCare
Retirement - Utah Retirement Systems (URS):
  • Employees who have any service credit with an employer covered by the Utah Retirement Systems before 7/1/2011 are in the Tier I Public Employees System.
  • Employees hired on or after 7/1/2011 and who have never been in the URS retirement system have two options for retirement in the Tier II System.
  • Tier 2 Hybrid Retirement System. Employer contributes an amount equal to 10% of your salary between both plans (pension and 401(k))
  • Tier 2 Defined Contribution Plan. Employer contributes an amount equal to 10% of your salary to a 401(k) plan only.  
  • Employer contributions to your 401(k) are vested after four years.
Paid Time Off:
  • Annual leave and sick leave are accrued at 4 hours per pay period each (4 hours annual, 4 hours sick).
  • Annual leave amounts increase with years of service.
  • We have 12 paid holidays.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Requirements:

  • Bachelor's degree in wildlife management, range science, agricultural science, restoration ecology, natural resource management or closely related field; or directly related work experience equivalent.    
  • Knowledge of wildlife ecology and habitat requirements of common wildlife species
  • Able to find, gather and collect information or data 
  • Use logic to analyze and draw conclusions
  • Ability to identify common wildlife, domestic animals, and/or plant species 
  • The ability to write well; excellent verbal communication skills; ability to speak in public 
  • Ability to work as a team member
  • Familiar with GIS programs and GPS tools 
Preference:
  • Master's degree in wildlife management, range science, restoration ecology, natural resource management or a closely related field or Bachelor's degree in a closely related field with two years of directly related work experience.
  • Ability to supervise interns, volunteers, and seasonal employees.
  • Working knowledge of the DWR NRCS and/or WRI.
  • Knowledge of wildlife ecology and habitat requirements of various wildlife species.
  • Ability to identify various wildlife species, domestic animals, and plant species.
  • Familiarity with rangelands and implementation of rangeland projects.
  • Proficiency in various sampling methods to monitor wildlife and plants.
  • Ability to use GIS programs and GPS tools.
  • -Working knowledge of habitat restoration equipment (where and how it is used).
  • Knowledge of plant materials used in habitat restoration.
  • Experience in planning and implementing habit improvement projects.
  • Familiar with agricultural practices and terminology.
  • Experience in technical writing such as grant applications and proposals.
  • An understanding of contracts/contracting/agreements.

Supplemental Information

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:

  • Risks that require the use of special safety precautions and/or equipment, e.g., working around operating machines, working with contagious diseases or hazardous chemicals, etc.
  • Work requires physical exertion. May require the ability to stand; walk over rough surfaces; bend, crouch, stoop, stretch, reach, lift moderately heavy items (up to 60 lbs.) in a recurring manner and/or for long periods of time.
  • Typical work schedule is 40 hours per week, with occasional weekends, evenings and emergency response.
  • Non-standard work schedule is typical during the field season.
Certifications/Licenses required at the time of hire or must be obtained during the probationary period or designated timeframe:
  • Pesticide Applicators License may be required after hire.
Other requirements:
  • Valid Drivers License at the time of hire.
  • This is a full-time position, which occasionally requires irregular hours, including evenings, weekends and during emergencies.
  • Occasional overnight travel within Utah, and occasionally outside of the state, is required to attend meetings, and conferences, support habitat management projects, etc.
Miscellaneous:
  • Successful candidate will have access to both DWR and NRCS offices and personnel and will be supplied with a dedicated office space at the Cedar City NRCS office.

Benefits:
The State of Utah offers eligible employees a variety of benefits including medical, dental, life and disability insurance, as well as a comprehensive leave program. Please click the following link for a detailed information page: Benefits. To access a Total Compensation Calculator in Excel format click HERE.

FMLA General Notice: 
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01
The interview selection process is based on the answers to the supplemental questions listed below. It is imperative that information provided on the application and job profile is detailed and clearly outlines your work experience and skills. Your answers to the supplemental questions must be documented in your work experience and job profile. "See resume" is not an acceptable response for any question. Failure to follow these instructions will result in disqualification from further consideration for this position.
  • I have read and understand the above statement.
02
The beginning wage for this position will be between $23.32 & $27.16/hr for new employees. For existing state employees DHRM rules and agency/division policy will determine the starting salary.
Are you willing to accept a salary within this beginning range of $23.32 & $27.16/hr (for non-state employees or seasonal state employees) or as determined by DHRM rule and DWR guidelines (for current state career service employees)?

Applicants selecting "NO" will not be considered or interviewed.

  • Yes
  • No
03
How many years of full-time work experience in a wildlife-related natural resources field or other applicable field that is beneficial for the position?
  • Less than 2 years
  • 3 - 5 years
  • 6 - 9 years
  • 10 or more years
04
Preference will be given to candidates with a bachelor's degree in a natural resources field. Additional preference will be given to candidates with a master's degree in a wildlife-related natural resources field or other applicable field that is beneficial for the position. Select the highest level of academic education that you've completed.
  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Associate's degree
  • Bachelor's degree
  • Master's degree or higher
  • None of the above
05
What was the field of study of your academic education above?
  • Bachelor's in wildlife biology
  • Master's in wildlife biology
  • Bachelor's in habitat restoration or natural resource conservation
  • Master's in habitat restoration or natural resource conservation
  • Bachelor's in natural resource management
  • Master's in natural resource management
  • Bachelor's in public administration
  • Master's in public administration
  • Bachelor's or higher in another closely related field
  • None of the above
06
How many years of professional work experience do you have in wildlife or habitat management or a closely related natural resource conservation field?
  • None
  • Less than 1 year
  • 2 - 4 completed years
  • 5 - 7 completed years
  • 7 - 9 completed years
  • 10 completed years or more
07
Please rate your experience planning, implementing and monitoring habitat restoration projects.
  • No related experience
  • Limited experience
  • Moderate experience
  • Advanced experience
08
How many years of professional work experience do you have using ARC map and other GIS and GPS tools?
  • No experience
  • Less than 1 year
  • 2 - 4 completed years
  • 5 - 7 completed years
  • 7 - 9 completed years
  • 10 completed years or more
09
Please rate your level of professional experience monitoring and managing program or project budgets.
  • No experience
  • Beginner
  • Intermediate
  • Advanced
10
Please rate your level of professional work experience where your responsibilities included conflict resolution and building collaborative partnerships with state and federal agencies, elected officials, non-governmental organizations, tribal governments, members of the public, etc.
  • No experience
  • Beginner
  • Intermediate
  • Advanced
11
How many years of professional experience do you have writing technical documents such as management plans, grant proposals, journal articles, and reports?
  • No experience
  • 1 year or les experience
  • 2 - 4 years experience
  • 5 - 7 years experience
  • 8 or more years experience
12
Are you a current DNR employee?
  • Yes
  • No
13
Please indicate how you heard about this specific job posting.
  • State of Utah job site (www.governmentjobs.com/careers/utah)
  • Referred by a Friend or Family
  • Indeed
  • Other External Job Board or Site
  • LinkedIn
  • Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, etc.)
  • DWS job website (www.jobs.utah.gov)
  • Advertisement (Digital Ad, Billboard, Print, etc)
  • Professional Network (Association, Membership, Work Colleague)
  • University Network (Handshake, School Job Board, Career Center, etc)
  • Contacted by a Recruiter
  • Career or Job Fair
  • Internship
  • Interviewed for different position
  • Internal communications (Agency/Division, etc)
  • Other (not listed above)

Required Question

Agency
State of Utah
Address
4315 S. 2700 W., Suite 2100

Taylorsville, Utah, 84129