Working Lands Biologist - Southwest New Jersey

Ducks Unlimited, Inc. • Woodstown, NJ

7d • $55,000 - $65,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

Ducks Unlimited, Inc. and its conservation partners are seeking a full-time Working Lands Biologist to implement wetland and wildlife conservation practices on private lands in Southwest New Jersey. This role is part of a collaborative effort funded by Ducks Unlimited (DU), National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), focusing on delivering Farm Bill programs to private landowners. The New Jersey Working Lands Biologist position is dedicated to addressing wildlife, water quality, and soil health concerns, offering a unique opportunity to build relationships with diverse landowners. The biologist will collaborate with NJ field offices, providing technical, biological, and conservation planning expertise for NRCS Working Lands and other Farm Bill Programs, as well as DU’s Conservation Delivery Programs. The position includes access to high-quality training and mentorship. This is a full-time, term DU position with excellent advancement potential. The successful applicant will be a full-time employee of DU’s Great Lakes Atlantic Regional Office in Dexter, MI, but will be based out of a USDA field office in New Jersey. Some duties may extend to Farm Bill programs in DE, MD, VA, and NY. The position will work closely with DU and NJ-NRCS, adhering to all conservation program policies and directives, and assisting with other duties as needed.

Requirements

• Working knowledge of wetland, coastal, grassland systems, including identification skills of wetland associated flora and fauna.
• Knowledge of principles used in the management of migrating waterfowl.
• Specific knowledge in writing and delivering wetland habitat management conservation plans.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office and ArcGIS software.
• Knowledge of the USDA Wetland Reserve Easement Program, Farm Bill Programs, and other programs that support wildlife conservation on private lands in New Jersey.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as a member of a team.
• Ability to work outside in a wide range of weather conditions and in remote areas.
• Ability to operate and maintain UTVs/ATVs, trucks, trailers, and other field equipment.
• Ability to effectively plan, organize and prioritize work activities and complete tasks to meet deadlines.
• Ability to prepare and present information on conservation programs to peers and the public.
• Possess strong personal skills in order to effectively communicate with private landowners, USDA staff, other wildlife professionals and the general public.
• Possess good writing skills for preparation of reports, management plans, etc.
• Possess a valid driver’s license and be willing to drive personal vehicle for federal mileage reimbursement rate when a fleet vehicle is not available.

Nice To Haves

• At least 2 years of experience with the management of wetland or wildlife systems is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide in-the-field, programmatic and technical assistance for state and federal wildlife conservation programs to private landowners.
• Conduct site visits to develop wetland habitat management plans and determine eligibility for USDA Farm Bill, DU land protection, and other private land programs.
• Work closely with participating landowners to promote and enhance wetland and wildlife conservation management to improve water quality and wildlife benefits.
• Assist local offices and private landowners in facilitating program applications and enrollment, support county offices in the development and assessment of project ranking, assist county offices in the development site specific conservation plans through NRCS’s Conservation Desktop (CD) program, contracts and other documentation required for participation in all wetland-friendly conservation programs.
• Develop compatible use authorizations (CUAs) for approval under USDA-NRCS WRE Program.
• Use knowledge of general life history of terrestrial and aquatic species to develop tree planting plans, grass planting plans, water level management plans and moist soil/emergent marsh management plans matching plant and wildlife species to hydrology, topography and landform.
• Work closely with the NRCS and other conservation partner staff to ensure wetland conservation programs are implemented on private land in a manner that maximizes the water, soil, waterfowl/wildlife and other benefits of the programs.
• Assist all involved agencies with wetland management workshops, promotions, and training.
• Assist NRCS with targeted outreach mapping, outreach flyer/mailer creation, and workshop creation for landowners to increase enrollment in Farm Bill wetland programs.
• Assist with a growing Wetland Reserve Easement technical assistance program in New York.
• Provide support and lend expertise to partners on working lands projects within the work area.
• Serve on a team to help create, enhance, and modify wetland conservation programs to increase product delivery.
• Submit monthly and annual activity progress reports to include names of landowners receiving technical assistance, number of acres by county of wildlife habitat planned/improved, and staff time allocated to each program request.
• Further develop technical skills to support the design and management of wetland communities by participating in available training/educational opportunities.
• Assist with new funding grant writing and project budgets, as directed by supervisor.

Benefits

• Comprehensive group medical, prescription, dental and vision insurance, including spouse and dependent coverage
• Three weeks paid vacation
• Paid sick leave
• Ten paid holidays
• 401(k) plan (including partial employer match)
• Tuition reimbursement

What This Job Offers

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