Ducks Unlimited, Inc., (DU) is seeking a Working Lands Specialist to help deliver on the ground agriculture programs in Indiana.  The Working Lands Specialist will become part of a highly motivated team of biologists, engineers, GIS Technicians, and other professionals working with state and local agencies, private landowners, and agricultural partners to identify and develop opportunities to implement regenerative agriculture practices in Indiana.  This position will be in a home office or Indiana conservation partner office.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

As a member of DU’s Agriculture Program Team, the position will provide conservation technical assistance and voluntary conservation program delivery (with a specific focus on regenerative agriculture) to private landowners in Indiana and beyond as appropriate.  In addition to supporting the delivery of conservation technical assistance within their assigned area, staff may also provide technical support at the NRCS Area Level as well. 

The selected candidate will work with NRCS, other State and Federal partners, and Non-Government Organizations to promote, accelerate program enrollment, coordinate, and implement the conservation provisions of the Federal Farm Bill 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 soil health and wildlife habitat enhancement techniques to private landowners and public organizations. Additionally, this position will provide outreach efforts and support on specific program enrollment. 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, NRCS, and partner staff as required.

Minimum Qualifications:

Preferred candidates must have a Bachelor of Science in agriculture, wildlife, or related field from an accredited university.  At least one year of professional work experience focused on agriculture programs, practices and delivery is highly preferred.  While not mandatory, experience in agronomics, specifically cover crop recommendations is highly preferred.  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.  This position requires frequent work out-of-doors, possibly in inclement weather, and may require physical exertion or lifting as needed.  Candidate must be able and willing to travel as needed, including some overnight travel. This position will consist of both office and field work.

Required and Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of local, state, and federal conservation programs and policies (especially USDA Farm Bill) used to protect and restore wetlands and grasslands in agriculturally dominated landscapes is 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.
• Working knowledge of cover crops and their associated benefits, as well as associated regenerative agriculture practices and their working benefits.
• Knowledge of principles used in the management of migrating waterfowl.
• Direct professional experience working with farmers, farmland owners, state and federal agencies, soil and water conservation districts, and conservation organizations.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office and ArcGIS software.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as a member of a team.
• Previous experience and/or willingness to learn agriculture conservation practice implementation and techniques.   
• 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 to effectively communicate with private landowners, USDA staff, other wildlife professionals and the public.
• Possess good writing skills for preparation of grants, reports, management plans, etc.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.
• Possess a valid driver’s license and be willing to drive fleet vehicles or personal vehicle for federal mileage reimbursement rate when fleet vehicle is not available.

This position will report directly to Jena Herrick, Regional Agronomist for DU in the Great Lakes/Atlantic Region.