Wetlands Biologist

Ducks Unlimited•Kansas City, MO

22h•Onsite

About The Position

Ducks Unlimited, Inc., in partnership with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), is hiring a full-time Wetland Biologist to deliver wetland conservation easements and practices on private lands in Missouri. The position is based at the USDA Service Center in Jackson, Missouri, and is part of a partnership team delivering Wetland Reserve Easements (WRE) and wetland restoration projects. The work area supports migratory birds that depend on wetland habitats, particularly along the Mississippi Flyway. The biologist will work closely with NRCS field offices to provide technical and biological expertise for the NRCS Wetland Reserve Easement Program, Ducks Unlimited conservation delivery programs, and other Farm Bill and private-land conservation programs. The successful applicant will be a full-time employee of DU’s Great Lakes Atlantic Regional Office in Dexter, Michigan, and will collaborate with DU, Missouri NRCS staff, and MDC Wetland Services Biologists while following applicable conservation program policies and directives. The position is co-funded by NRCS, MDC, and DU and offers training, mentorship, and advancement opportunities. The position combines office work with extensive field work. Infrequent overnight travel, both in and out of state, may be required, and field duties may involve extreme or inclement weather and remote conditions. The position is scheduled from October 2026 through September 2029, with an extension beyond 2029 expected if funding allows. It is classified as exempt. The typical starting salary is $54,500–$55,500 per year, depending on education and experience, plus a variable compensation incentive program.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science degree in natural resource conservation, agriculture, wildlife management, or a closely related field.
Working knowledge of wetland systems, including identification of wetland-associated flora and fauna.
Knowledge of migratory waterfowl ecology and habitat management principles.
Experience developing and implementing wetland management and conservation plans.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
Familiarity with the USDA Wetland Reserve Easement Program, Farm Bill programs, and private-lands conservation programs in Missouri.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Ability to work outdoors in inclement weather and remote field conditions.
Ability to safely operate and maintain 4x4 vehicles, trucks, trailers, UTVs/ATVs, and other field equipment.
Ability to pull and back trailers and navigate dirt roads and uneven terrain.
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
Strong written and verbal communication skills for interacting with landowners, agency staff, and partners.
Valid driver’s license.
Willingness to use a personal vehicle for mileage reimbursement when a fleet vehicle is unavailable.
Combination of office and extensive field work is required.
Infrequent overnight travel may be required, both in-state and out-of-state.
Field duties may require working in extreme or inclement weather conditions.

Nice To Haves

At least 2 years of experience managing wetland systems is highly preferred.
Working knowledge of ArcGIS.

Responsibilities

Provide in-the-field, programmatic, and technical assistance for state and federal wetland conservation programs on private lands.
Conduct site visits to develop wetland habitat management plans and determine eligibility for USDA Farm Bill, DU land protection, and other conservation programs.
Work directly with landowners to promote and enhance wetland conservation practices that improve water quality and wildlife habitat.
Assist with required monitoring of WRE and other conservation program lands to ensure program intent is met and identify enhancement opportunities.
Develop Compatible Use Authorizations (CUAs) for approval under the NRCS WRE Program.
Use knowledge of terrestrial and aquatic species life histories to develop tree planting, grass planting, water-level management, and moist-soil/emergent marsh management plans.
Promote landowner participation in USDA Farm Bill programs and other wetland-focused conservation opportunities.
Coordinate with NRCS and partner staff to maximize soil, water, and wildlife benefits of conservation programs.
Assist with wetland management workshops, outreach, and training activities.
Assist with applications, contracts, and documentation for wetland conservation programs.
Provide technical support to partners on wetland creation and restoration projects.
Serve on interdisciplinary teams to enhance and improve wetland conservation program delivery.
Submit monthly progress reports documenting landowner assistance, acres impacted, and time allocation.
Prepare quarterly activity summary reports.
Assist with other wetland enhancement and private-lands conservation duties as needed.
Expand technical expertise in wetland and riverine systems through training and educational opportunities.