Biologist I

Ducks Unlimited, Inc.•Fergus Falls, MN

1d•$56,915 - $70,000•Onsite

About The Position

Ducks Unlimited is hiring a Biologist I for its Grazing Team in the Great Lakes/Atlantic Region. In partnership with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), the position supports working-lands conservation efforts in the Living Lakes/Prairie Pothole Initiative Area. The biologist provides conservation technical assistance and voluntary conservation program delivery, with an emphasis on grazing and wildlife, to private landowners in assigned districts and other priority areas. The position is co-located at a USDA Service Center in Long Prairie, Waite Park, Litchfield, or Willmar, Minnesota, and includes both office and field work. Working jointly with USDA-NRCS and state and federal partners, the biologist promotes and implements Federal Farm Bill conservation provisions, state habitat grant programs, and other wildlife-related conservation programs. Work includes landowner assistance, workshops and meetings, contract coordination, conservation planning, site assessments, and reporting. The role provides biological expertise on grazing and wildlife habitat enhancement, particularly the use of native grasses for forage plantings, and collaborates with Ducks Unlimited staff and local partners on habitat management and regional and statewide meetings. Staff may also provide technical support and planning at the NRCS Area Level. This is a grant-funded position within the regional Grazing Team. Multiple grants currently fund the role for the next 3–5 years, with additional funding sought annually. Intermittent travel, including overnight travel, is required.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science degree in an applicable field, such as wildlife management, grazing/range, or livestock management; listed as a preferred-candidate qualification.
At least 3 years of professional experience related to conservation planning, natural resource conservation, livestock management, or grazing management; listed as a preferred-candidate qualification.
Knowledge of agricultural systems and conservation planning processes.
Excellent written, verbal, organizational, and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with landowners and partners.
Ability to work independently with little supervision and collaborate with diverse teams, including staff, conservation partners, landowners, and agricultural producers.
Knowledge of grazing science and wildlife ecology, including the ability to develop prescribed grazing plans with wildlife habitat management objectives.
Ability and willingness to travel intermittently, including overnight travel.
Ability to obtain USDA Security Clearance and NRCS Conservation Planning certification.
Computer skills and familiarity with ArcGIS, Microsoft Word, and Microsoft Excel.
Valid driver's license.

Nice To Haves

Education or experience with agricultural programs and practices.
Working knowledge of state habitat grant programs and Farm Bill programs, including EQIP, CSP, and CRP.
Experience working one-on-one with private landowners to provide conservation planning assistance.
Experience using conservation planning programs such as Conservation Desktop or similar systems.

Responsibilities

Provide technical assistance and conservation planning support focused on wildlife biology and grassland/grazing-land conservation to landowners, government agencies, nonprofits, and others.
Coordinate and conduct grazing education opportunities and workshops in collaboration with state partners.
Participate in interdisciplinary conservation teams to enhance grassland-system function.
Provide trainings for NRCS and other partners on grazing strategies.
Coordinate the integration and application of biological sciences in conservation programs in cooperation with local NRCS District Conservationists.
Complete conservation plans, maps, contracts, applications, and other required documentation for Farm Bill programs, including EQIP, ACEP-ALE, and CRP, in cooperation with partners and local NRCS District Conservationists.
Explain program requirements, conduct site visits to determine eligibility, and develop contracts and plans for applicants enrolling in USDA, state, and local conservation programs.
Coordinate, participate in, and promote grassland and grazing workshops in Central Minnesota, focusing on mutually prioritized landscapes.
Work with Ducks Unlimited staff and local partners to increase habitat management efforts and participate in regional and statewide habitat meetings as needed.
Assist or coordinate activities and projects with other Ducks Unlimited and NRCS staff.
Perform other related duties as assigned.