Position Overview: 

Ducks Unlimited, Inc. (DU), the world’s leading wetland and waterfowl conservation organization, is seeking a self-motivated, experienced conservation agronomist to support Ducks Unlimited in our on-going habitat efforts within the Great Lakes/Atlantic Region.  While this position is available for remote work, the preferred candidate will be located within the state of Michigan.  Primary responsibilities will be to support DU’s current regenerative agricultural programs through collaborating with and supporting DU’s Working Lands team.  Specific responsibilities include:  Work one-on-one with private landowners to facilitate the enrollment into DU-lead agricultural programs, develop site-specific conservation plans related to soil health (cover crops), edge-of-field, and wildlife related practices, provide agronomic guidance and advice to participating landowners, Other duties include: coordinating and collaborating with DU’s Ecological Services team in the development of outcome quantification and monitoring protocols, represent DU at various agronomic and conservation venues, seminars, and other outreach events.

 Specific Duties Include:

• Coordinate with DU’s Agricultural, and ES Teams on project related tasks, specifically supporting DU's soil health efforts across the Region.
• In coordination with DU delivery staff, provide one-on-one technical assistance and site-specific recommendations to landowners who are interested in regenerative agriculture practice adoption.
• Develop conservation plans and supporting documentation to facilitate conservation practice implementation.
• Conduct field inspection and perform practice certifications.
• Assist with working lands and/or wetland habitat related education and outreach events.
• Report accomplishments.
• Represent DU with local, state, and federal personnel, and private landowners, along with other conservation partners in a professional manner.
• A passion for wildlife and wetland habitat conservation

Qualifications:

Candidates should possess 3-5 years of practical field experience with a minimum of a B.S. in agriculture, agronomy, or closely related field.  Candidates should have knowledge of agriculture principles and practices and an understanding of associated biological principles.   Candidates should have experience with regenerative agriculture, with a focus on cover crops, no-till practices, crop rotations, livestock grazing and other techniques that promote soil health and sustainable agriculture, improve water quality, and provide benefits to wildlife and wildlife habitat.  Applicants should have proven ability to work independently with agricultural producers.   

Experience with NRCS conservation practice delivery is preferred. Excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to use personal computers are required. Experience with field date collection is desired, particularly knowledge and experience in development of cover crop seeding recommendation, soil-testing methods and analyses. Familiarity with the region’s biological resources, including wetland ecology, water management, and waterfowl breeding ecology, and familiarity with state and federal conservation programs, policies and laws is preferred. Must possess a valid driver’s license with clean driving record and pass a preemployment drug screen.

Candidates must be self-motivated, goal oriented and able to work with and solve problems in close team based relationships. Knowledge and experience with USDA Farm Bill programs are desired.

LEADER IN WETLANDS CONSERVATION 

Field work includes extensive outdoor activity, sometimes in difficult environmental conditions.  Field equipment will likely include ATVs. Therefore, experience with hauling and operating ATVs is desirable. Overnight travel will be required, and work may extend outside normal business hours. Working on weekends is not a common occurrence.

Benefits/Compensation: 

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