Conservation Specialist

Ducks Unlimited, Inc. • Jonesboro, AR

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The USA Rice Federation (USA Rice) and Ducks Unlimited, Inc. (DU) established the Rice Stewardship Partnership in February 2013 to conserve three critical natural resources; working ricelands, water, and wetland wildlife. This long-term conservation effort is being delivered using a three-pronged approach of on-the-ground conservation practice application, communicating and promoting benefits of rice agriculture, and state/regional policy advocacy.  We are looking to grow our team of over 20 professionals dedicated to rice producers, the industry at large, and environmental stewardship.  The Rice Stewardship Partnership offers the opportunity to positively influence agriculture, wildlife, and rural communities across the Mid-South.

Conservation Specialist

A specialist position will be hired to assist DU, in cooperation with its various partners, with delivery of our on-the-ground efforts supported by the USDA Advancing Markets for Producers initiative, Regional Conservation Partnership Program, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Technical Assistance grants, and over 15 supply-chain corporations. Selected candidates will work with rice producers and State NRCS field offices to promote conservation programs and provide both programmatic and natural resource technical assistance. In addition, these positions may help promote the conservation programs of other organizations, including state Game & Fish agencies, the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and others. Positions are co-funded by the USDA-NRCS, DU and the USA Rice Federation. Positions will be full time, with a minimum of 40 hours per week. Minimum education and experience requirements are a four-year Bachelor of Science degree in natural resource conservation, agriculture, or wildlife management, or a closely related natural resources field and at least two years of experience. Those with elevated education and experience would justify starting in more advanced positions such as agronomist, biologist, or research scientist. Experience with USDA NRCS conservation programs is highly desirable. Important knowledge, skills, and abilities include:   

Ability to communicate effectively with agricultural producers;
Working knowledge of rice agriculture in Mississippi Delta;
Knowledge of principles used in the management of wintering waterfowl;
Knowledge of USDA NRCS conservation programs;
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and ArcGIS suite (including Pro, Online, Enterprise, Survey123, and Field Maps);
Ability to perform data entry tasks with accuracy and efficiency;
Ability to work effectively both independently and as a member of a team;
Ability to effectively plan, organize and prioritize work activities to meet deadlines;
Ability to prepare and present information on conservation programs to peers;
Strong personal skills to effectively communicate with producers, USDA staff, other conservation professionals and the general public;
Proficient writing skills for preparation of reports, management plans, etc.

Locations: Northeast Arkansas - DU Arkansas Field Office (Jonesboro, AR). Also covering far SE Missouri counties.

This is an excellent growth opportunity for young and early career professionals as well as a perfect position for retired NRCS veterans.

Requirements

• four-year Bachelor of Science degree in natural resource conservation, agriculture, or wildlife management, or a closely related natural resources field and at least two years of experience
• Ability to communicate effectively with agricultural producers
• Working knowledge of rice agriculture in Mississippi Delta
• Knowledge of principles used in the management of wintering waterfowl
• Knowledge of USDA NRCS conservation programs
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and ArcGIS suite (including Pro, Online, Enterprise, Survey123, and Field Maps)
• Ability to perform data entry tasks with accuracy and efficiency
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as a member of a team
• Ability to effectively plan, organize and prioritize work activities to meet deadlines
• Ability to prepare and present information on conservation programs to peers
• Strong personal skills to effectively communicate with producers, USDA staff, other conservation professionals and the general public
• Proficient writing skills for preparation of reports, management plans, etc.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with USDA NRCS conservation programs is highly desirable
• Those with elevated education and experience would justify starting in more advanced positions such as agronomist, biologist, or research scientist.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level