Biologist I - Southwest Wisconsin

Biologist I: Grazing Programs

Great Lakes/Atlantic Region: Southwest Wisconsin

In partnership with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), this position will support Ducks Unlimited (DU) working lands efforts within the Big Rivers 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 grassland management, 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 located in Southwest Wisconsin with a focus on the Driftless Region. 

The selected candidate will work in a joint capacity with NRCS and other State and Federal partners to promote and accelerate program enrollment, coordinate, and implement the conservation provisions of the Federal Farm Bill, and other grazing and grasslands related conservation programs as required. 

Activities will include working one-on-one with livestock producers, workshops and one-on-one meetings, contract coordination, conservation planning, site assessment and reporting.  This position will provide technical biological assistance for grazing and grassland habitat enhancement techniques to private landowners and public organizations.  This position will also work with DU staff and other local partners to increase grassland management efforts and participate in regional and statewide meetings, as necessary.  Additionally, this position will assist or coordinate activities and projects with other DU and NRCS staff. This position will be based in the Dodgeville NRCS office and has the option to work part time from a home office as well.  There will be significant field work throughout the project area. 

Qualifications:

Preferred candidates will have at a minimum, a Bachelor of Science degree in the applicable field, (grazing/range and/or livestock management, wildlife management), and a minimum of 3 years of full-time 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 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 agricultural producers.

Candidate must be able and willing to travel frequently, including some 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.  
• 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.
• Participate in inter-disciplinary conservation team to enhance grassland system function.
• In collaboration with state partners, coordinate and conduct grassland and grazing educational opportunities/workshops.
• 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 Conservationist.
• 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 Pro, Word, and Excel.
• Experience utilizing conservation planning programs such as Conservation Desktop (CD) or similar systems. 
• Valid driver’s license.
• Support public policy objectives in coordination with the Director of Agriculture Programs.

This position will be a 5-year term position and be part of the Grazing Team within the Great Lakes/Atlantic Region. 

Application: Please fill out the application materials and attach a resume, cover letter, and reference by January 3, 2025.  Please direct any questions regarding application materials to DU Human Resources careers@ducks.org.   For further information regarding this position, please contact Ryan Diener at rdiener@ducks.org   or Tally Hamilton at thamilton@ducks.org. The position will be open until filled.  

Salary and Benefits Package: Salary commensurate with experience. DU offers an exceptional benefit package that included comprehensive group medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance, including spouse and dependent coverage; three weeks paid vacation; paid sick leave and 10 paid holidays; 401(k) plan (including partial employer match); and tuition reimbursement.

DUCKS UNLIMITED, INC. IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

It is the policy of Ducks Unlimited, Inc. to afford equal employment opportunity to all qualified persons regardless of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, military status, disability, age, or genetic information except where age or gender is a bona fide occupational qualification as allowed by the Civil Rights Act of 1964. It is the policy of Ducks Unlimited, Inc. to afford equal employment opportunity to all qualified persons regardless of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions),  sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression,  age (40 or over), disability (physical, mental or visual), genetic information, marital status (including registered domestic partnership status), military and veteran status, immigration status, or any other category protected by federal, state or local law.