Grazing Specialist – Florida 

Ducks Unlimited, the world’s leading wetland and waterfowl conservation organization, is seeking a highly motivated individual to join our conservation team in Florida. The Grazing Specialist position will work in partnership with Ducks Unlimited and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), focused on delivering voluntary conservation programs on private working lands. 

The Grazing Specialist will work closely with DU, NRCS staff, landowners, and other conservation partners to implement and promote grazing-based conservation practices that enhance habitat for waterfowl and other wildlife, improve soil health, and support working agricultural operations. 

This position may be remote or based in an NRCS Field Office, if available. If remote, the candidate must be within proximity to central and south Florida, where most work will occur. Travel throughout the state may be required. This position will report to the DU Manager of Conservation Programs – Florida. 

This is a 3-year term position with potential for continuation in future years as performance and additional workload warrants. 

Responsibilities:

• Provide technical assistance to landowners and producers for the development and implementation of grazing practices and conservation plans in alignment with NRCS conservation programs (ex. EQIP, CSP).
• Work with landowners to implement conservation grazing practices that support wetland function, wildlife habitat, and sustainable livestock production.
• Ensure conservation practices planned and installed meet applicable NRCS conservation practice standards, specifications, and program requirements. 
• Assist with field assessments, vegetation monitoring, plan development, project oversight, and practice check out. 
• Collaborate with DU staff, NRCS personnel, and conservation partners to coordinate outreach, education, and project delivery.
• Assist with implementation of a pilot incentive program for landowners by conducting outreach to raise program awareness, evaluating eligible grazing practices, facilitating landowner agreements, and processing incentive payments.
• Maintain complete and accurate records for reporting conservation projects and outcomes.

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree (Master’s preferred) in Agriculture, Agronomy, Range Science, Wildlife Biology, Natural Resources, or a related field. 
• Demonstrated knowledge of grazing systems, native and introduced forage species, and pasture management in the southeastern United States.
• Familiarity with NRCS and Farm Bill programs and experience with development of grazing and conservation plans is highly desirable. 
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in field and office settings.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.
• Candidate must be able and willing to travel throughout Florida, including overnight and out-of-state travel. 

Benefits:

DU offers a competitive benefits package including health and retirement benefits, paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave. Compensation commensurate with education & experience.

Application: Please fill out the application materials and attach a resume, cover letter, and references. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and the position will remain open until filled. Please direct any questions regarding application materials to DU Human Resources.

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 opportunities 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.