Biologist I

Ducks Unlimited•Fergus Falls, MN

18h•Onsite

About The Position

The Biologist I/II will support Ducks Unlimited’s working lands conservation efforts in the Living Lakes/Prairie Pothole Initiative Area of the Great Lakes/Atlantic Region, in partnership with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). The position provides conservation technical assistance and voluntary program delivery to private landowners, with an emphasis on grazing and wildlife habitat. The successful candidate will be co-located at a USDA Service Center in Long Prairie, Waite Park, Litchfield, or Willmar, Minnesota, and work jointly with USDA-NRCS and other state and federal partners to promote program enrollment and implement Farm Bill provisions, state habitat grants, and other wildlife conservation programs. The role combines office and field work, including landowner assistance, workshops and meetings, contract coordination, conservation planning, site assessment, and reporting. It provides biological guidance on grazing and wildlife habitat enhancement, particularly the use of native grasses for forage plantings. The employee will collaborate with Ducks Unlimited staff, NRCS personnel, and local partners to increase habitat management efforts and may provide technical support and planning at the NRCS Area Level. This grant-funded position is part of the Grazing Team; current grants support the role for the next three to five years, with additional funding sought annually.

Requirements

At least three years of professional experience related to conservation planning, natural resource conservation, livestock management, or grazing management.
Knowledge of agricultural systems and conservation planning processes.
Excellent verbal and written communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills, including the ability to communicate clearly and effectively with landowners and partners.
Ability to work independently with little supervision and collaboratively with diverse teams, including 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, including familiarity with ArcGIS, Microsoft Word, and Excel.
Valid driver’s license.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor of Science degree in an applicable field, such as wildlife management, grazing/range management, or livestock management.
Education or experience with agricultural programs and practices.
Working knowledge of state habitat grant programs and Farm Bill programs such as EQIP, CSP, and CRP.
Experience working one-on-one with private landowners to provide conservation planning assistance.
Experience with conservation planning software such as Conservation Desktop or similar systems.
Good working knowledge of regional conservation programs and agricultural systems.

Responsibilities

Provide technical assistance and conservation planning support focused on wildlife biology and grassland and grazing-land conservation to landowners, government agencies, NGOs, 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 training for NRCS and other partners on grazing strategies.
Coordinate the integration and application of biological sciences within conservation programs in cooperation with local NRCS District Conservationists.
Prepare conservation plans, maps, contracts, applications, and other required documentation for Farm Bill conservation programs, including EQIP, ACEP-ALE, and CRP, in cooperation with partners and local NRCS District Conservationists.
Communicate program requirements, conduct site visits to determine eligibility, and develop contracts and plans for applicants enrolling in USDA, state, or local conservation programs protecting, restoring, or enhancing native grasslands and grazing lands.
Promote and participate in grassland and grazing workshops in Central Minnesota, focusing primarily on landscapes of mutual priority.
Work one-on-one with private landowners and provide conservation technical assistance within assigned districts and other priority areas as appropriate.
Coordinate conservation program delivery, habitat management efforts, and projects with Ducks Unlimited, NRCS, and other local partners.
Participate in regional and statewide habitat meetings as necessary.
Perform other related duties as assigned.