Manager of Agriculture Programs
The Great Lakes Atlantic Region of Ducks Unlimited (DU) is soliciting resumes for a regional Manager of Conservation Programs. The incumbent will work under the direction of the Director of Conservation Programs or the Director of Operations for the Great Lakes Atlantic Region (GLAR) and become part of a team of biologists, agronomists, engineers, GIS, public policy, communications support staff, and other professionals. The incumbent will focus on ag opportunities across the GLAR and primarily in landscapes associated with the Upper Mississippi River basin, Prairie Pothole Region of IA and MN, Great Lakes Watershed (Lake Michigan, Lake Huron and western Lake Erie), and the Chesapeake Bay. The incumbent will be responsible for leading a growing, dynamic agricultural program being implemented by DU across the region. While working in conjunction with local DU staff and conservation partners, the incumbent will lead the coordination, development and implementation of an agricultural program focused on regenerative agricultural, wetland restoration and water quality. The position location within the GLAR is negotiable.
Qualifications
Candidates should have 10-15 years of field experience with minimum of a B.S. in wildlife, agriculture or a related field. Candidates should have knowledge of agricultural 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, 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 a working knowledge of wetland ecology, water management and waterfowl breeding ecology, and familiarity with state and federal conservation programs, policies, and laws. Excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to use personal computers are required. Proven ability to work with producers and research and land management professionals is desired. Experience with field research is desired, particularly knowledge and experience in various soil-testing methods. Familiarity with the region’s biological resources, local and regional environmental issues and private and public stakeholders is beneficial. Must possess a valid driver’s license with clean driving record and pass a pre-employment drug screen.
Duties and Responsibilities
Incumbent’s duties and responsibilities will include working with local DU staff and conservation partners while promoting and implementing DU’s Ag Program in the GLAR. The incumbent shall be responsible for a variety of activities in this position, including: outreach to local DU staff, partners, and landowners, developing cover crop plans and other types of soil health and conservation projects and agreements, project implementation, monitoring of established projects, coordinating with DU biological staff and partnering organizations, including the U.S. Natural Resources Conservation Service, local conservation districts, universities and NGOs. Incumbent shall also represent DU at wetland conservation venues, soil health field days and seminars and other types of outreach events. Furthermore, this individual would work closely with DU public policy staff to assist with federal and state agricultural program initiatives and participate in relevant agriculture-focused coalitions in place across the region to advance DU partnerships and inform coalition policy activities. Project implementation duties include identifying, designing, implementing, and monitoring a variety of soil health projects on privately owned agricultural lands. Incumbent will also assist with a variety of fundraising activities, including working with major donors and other conservation activities. The incumbent shall also be responsible for writing and submitting various grant proposals and grant reports to seek funds to assist with program implementation, research, and monitoring. Ability to work outside in unfavorable weather conditions is a requirement. Incumbent may also be asked at times to travel throughout the GLAR region or to other national meetings to represent DU such as AFWA, North American and various Joint Ventures.
To Apply: Please fill out the application materials at the link in the job posting on our website at www.ducks.org/jobs and attach a cover letter and resume and daytime information (email & phone number) for three professional references. To request application materials please contact Brittani Donovan, bdonovan@ducks.org, (734) 623-2000. For questions regarding this position, please contact Mark Flaspohler, Director of Conservation Program at mflaspohler@ducks.org. Application Deadline is April 2, 2021.
DUCKS UNLIMITED, INC. IS AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
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.
