Position Overview:

Ducks Unlimited, Inc. and our conservation partners are seeking a Wetland Biologist to deliver wetland conservation easements and practices on private lands in Illinois.  The selected candidate will work as part of a partnership team delivering Wetland Reserve Easements and wetland restoration.  The position’s work area includes is a priority landscape for migratory bird’s dependent on wetland habitats for all or part of their life cycle and includes waterfowl, large wading birds, secretive marsh birds, shorebirds, and migratory songbirds especially during migration along the Mississippi Flyway.  The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Ducks Unlimited, Inc. (DU), recognize the value and need for additional staffing resources in this area to develop relationships with landowners, provide technical assistance for wetland development and management, and work with additional partners to create, restore and protect critical wetland habitats.  This position is dedicated to improving wetland habitats and provides a unique opportunity to build relationships with wide range of landowners. The Wetland Biologist will work with field offices to provide technical and biological expertise in the delivery of the NRCS Wetland Reserve Easement Program, DU’s Conservation Delivery Programs, and will have a working knowledge of other programs available to support wetland conservation on private lands. The incumbent will have access to high quality training programs and mentorship opportunities while providing both programmatic and technical assistance to private landowners.  This is a full-time, term DU position with excellent advancement opportunities. It is co‑funded by the USDA-NRCS and DU.  The successful applicant will be a fulltime employee of DU’s Great Lakes Atlantic Regional Office in Dexter, MI, but will be based out of a USDA field office in Champaign and Marion. The position will work collaboratively with DU and Illinois NRCS and will adhere to all subject conservation program policies and directives. 

Specific Duties and Responsibilities:

(Approximate percent time spent annually accomplishing each)

60% 

• Provide in-the-field, programmatic and technical assistance for state and federal wetland conservation programs to private landowners;
• Conduct site visits to develop wetland habitat management plans and determine eligibility for USDA Farm Bill, DU land protection, and other private land programs;  
• Work closely with participating landowners to promote and enhance wetland conservation management to enhance water quality and wildlife benefits;
• Assist with required monitoring on WRE and other conservation program lands to ensure program intent is being met while also identifying other enhancement opportunities;
• Develop compatible use authorizations (CUAs) for approval under USDA-NRCS WRE Program; 
• Use knowledge of general life history of terrestrial and aquatic species to develop tree planting plans, grass planting plans, water level management plans and moist soil/emergent marsh management plans matching plant and wildlife species to hydrology, topography and landform; 
• Promote and encourage private landowners to participate in USDA Farm Bill programs along with the suite of other wetland-friendly conservation programs available to them as private landowners;
• Work closely with the NRCS and other conservation partner staff to ensure wetland conservation programs are implemented on private land in a manner that maximizes the water, soil, waterfowl and other benefits of the programs;
• Coordinate with other conservation interests to effectively leverage conservation resources for delivery of conservation programs;
• Assist all involved agencies with wetland management workshops, promotions, and training.

30% 

• Assist local offices and private landowners with applications, contracts and other documentation required for participation in all wetland friendly conservation programs;
• Provide support and lend expertise to partners on wetland creation/restoration projects within the work area;
• Serve on a team to help create, enhance, and modify wetland conservation programs to increase product delivery;
• Submit monthly activity progress reports to include names of landowners receiving technical assistance, number of acres by county of wildlife habitat planned/improved, and staff time allocated to each program request;
• Annual summary report of activities;
• Assist with other wetland enhancement/restoration and private land duties as needed.

10%

• Expand knowledge of wetland/riverine systems and further develop technical skills to support the design and management of wetland communities by participating in available training/educational opportunities. 

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:

4-yr. Bachelor of Science degree in natural resource conservation, agriculture, wildlife management, or a closely related natural resources field.   At least 2 years of experience with the management of wetland systems is highly preferred.  Duties will consist of both office and field work and may require infrequent overnight travel, both in and out of state.  Duties may require field work in extreme weather conditions.   

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Working knowledge of wetland systems, including identification skills of wetland associated flora and fauna;
• Knowledge of principles used in the management of migrating waterfowl;
• Specific knowledge in writing and delivering wetland habitat management conservation plans;
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office and ArcGIS software;
• Knowledge of the USDA Wetland Reserve Easement Program, Farm Bill Programs, and other programs that support wildlife conservation on private lands in Illinois;
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as a member of a team;
• Ability to work outside in a wide range of weather conditions and in remote areas;
• Ability to operate and maintain UTVs/ATVs, trucks, trailers, and other field equipment; 
• 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 in order to effectively communicate with private landowners, USDA staff, other wildlife professionals and the general public;
• Possess good writing skills for preparation of reports, management plans, etc.;
• Possess a valid driver’s license and be willing to drive personal vehicle for federal mileage reimbursement rate when a fleet vehicle is not available.