Biologist I in Fergus Falls, Minnesota at Ducks Unlimited, Inc.

Biologist I/II: Grazing Programs

Great Lakes/Atlantic Region: Multiple potential locations in Minnesota

(Long Prairie, Waite Park, Litchfield, Willmar)

In partnership with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), this position will support Ducks Unlimited (DU) working lands efforts within the Living Lakes/Prairie Pothole Initiative Area for the Great Lakes/Atlantic Region. As a member of DU’s Working Lands Team, the position will provide conservation technical assistance and voluntary conservation program delivery (with a specific focus on grazing and wildlife) to private landowners within their assigned districts and other priority areas as appropriate. In addition to supporting the delivery of conservation technical assistance within their assigned districts, staff may also provide technical support and planning at the NRCS Area Level as well. This position will be co-located within the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture’s (USDA) Service Center in one of the four locations listed in Minnesota.

The selected candidate will work in a joint capacity with USDA-NRCS, and other State and Federal partners to promote, accelerate program enrollment, coordinate, and implement the conservation provisions of the Federal Farm Bill, state habitat grant programs, and other wildlife related conservation programs. Activities will include working one-on-one with private landowners, workshops and one-on-one meetings, contract coordination, conservation planning, site assessment and reporting. This position will provide technical biological assistance for grazing and wildlife habitat enhancement techniques to private landowners and public organizations, with an emphasis on promoting native grasses for forage plantings. This position will also work with DU staff and other local partners to increase habitat management efforts and participate in regional and statewide habitat meetings, as necessary. Additionally, this position will assist or coordinate activities and projects with other DU and NRCS staff.

Qualifications:

Preferred candidates will have at a minimum, a Bachelor of Science degree in the applicable field, wildlife management, grazing/range and/or livestock management, etc. and a minimum of 3 years of professional experience related to conservation planning, natural resource conservation and/or livestock or grazing management. Experience and education with agriculture programs and practices are also preferred. Working knowledge of state habitat grant programs and Farm Bill programs such as the Environment Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) and Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) also preferred.

Applicants must have a knowledge of agricultural systems and conservation planning processes. Excellent written and oral communication skills, as well as interpersonal skills, are required. The ideal candidate will have a good working knowledge of regional conservation programs and agricultural systems, experience working one-on-one with private landowners to provide conservation planning assistance, and the ability to work well with diverse teams including DU staff, conservation partners, landowners, and production agriculture producers.

Candidate must be able and willing to travel intermittently, including overnight travel. This position will consist of both office and field work.

Additional/Specific Responsibilities:

• Provide technical assistance and conservation planning support (wildlife biology and grassland/grazing land conservation focus) and guidance to landowners, government agencies, non-government organizations (NGO’s) and others.
• In collaboration with state partners, coordinator and conduct grazing educational opportunities/workshops.
• Participate in inter-disciplinary conservation teams to enhance grassland system function.
• Provide trainings for NRCS and other partners focused on grazing strategies.
• Coordinate integration and application of biological sciences within the conservation programs in cooperation with the local NRCS District Conservationists.
• Complete conservation plans and maps, contracts, applications, and other required documentation for Farm Bill conservation programs (i.e., EQIP, ACEP-ALE, CRP) requiring biological and grazing science expertise in cooperation with the partners and in cooperation with the local NRCS District Conservationist.
• Communicate program requirements, complete site visits to determine eligibility and develop contracts/plans for applicants enrolling in USDA conservation programs or other state and local conservation programs for the protection, restoration and enhancement of native grasslands and grazing lands.
• Coordinate, participate and promote grassland and grazing workshops in Central MN with a primary focus in landscapes of mutual priority.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent verbal/written communication and organizational skills.
• Proven ability to communicate clearly and effectively with landowners and partners.
• Ability to work independently with little supervision.
• Knowledge of grazing science and wildlife ecology including the ability to develop prescribed grazing plans that include wildlife habitat management objectives.
• Able to obtain USDA Security Clearance and NRCS Conservation Planning certification.
• Knowledge of computer skills is required, and applicant should be familiar with ArcGIS, Word, and Excel.
• Experience utilizing conservation planning programs such as Conservation Desktop (CD) or similar systems.
• Valid driver’s license.

This position will be a grant funded position and be part of the Grazing Team within the Great Lakes/Atlantic Region. Multiple grants currently fund this position for the next 3-5 years, with additional funding being sought yearly.

Salary: $55,000 - $70,000 depending upon experience and qualifications.

Application: Please attach a resume, cover letter and references. The position will be open until filled.