Hybrid Contracting Specialist at Ducks Unlimited, Inc.

Contracting Specialist

Ducks Unlimited, Inc., the world’s leader in wetlands and waterfowl conservation, has an exciting opportunity for a Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), Contracting Specialist based in Montana. 

Application Deadline: 9/1/2025

Location: Preferred Great Falls, Miles City, MT. Remote option could be made available depending on selected applicants experience. 

Anticipated Start Date: 10/1/2025

Overview: 

This is a collaborative position between the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), Pheasants Forever (PF), and Ducks Unlimited (DU). Position responsibility will be to support the project delivery of the Grasslands and Wildlife Corridors, Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). Position will assist the partnership in developing and implementing conservation and restoration projects.   This is a full-time, 4.5-year position with the incumbent being an employee of Ducks Unlimited Inc. Daily oversight, guidance, mentoring, and assistance with project prioritization provided by the partnership. The incumbent is expected to work closely with the NRCS, PF, DU, and other stakeholders in the region.  

Through this collaborative effort, DU will work with PF to host a project contracting specialist position.  The scope of this position will prioritize, but will not be limited to, overseeing and processing RCPP projects within NRCS’s Conservation Desktop (CD) and Contract Assessment and Ranking Tool (CART), and Land Rental Contracts. This position will be a crucial component to the success of this RCPP.   Large-scale project delivery and contracting will be a major lift for NRCS County Field Offices encompassed within proposed RCPP project boundary. A contracting specialist will alleviate the anticipated workload that would come from project planning and implementation. The scope of this position will prioritize the day-to-day tasks of working primarily with developing project contracts, ranking/assessing projects, constructing plan maps and coordinating with on-the-ground project personnel, both NRCS and partner planners. 

Duties/Responsibilities

• Communicate program requirements and develop contracts/plans for projects and participants.
• Complete project management through data creation, gathering, tracking and dissemination through frequent updates and reporting.  
• Facilitate information sharing and awareness conservation opportunities to partners.
• Provide landscape-level conservation planning, technical assistance, and project prioritization support to partnership with planning efforts.
• Work with teams of PF, DU and NRCS staff to contract and plan RCPP projects.
• Developing contracts and plans through CD and CART.
• Document scanning and control, maintaining project documentation in a standardized and organized manner.
• Adhere to government and internal Procurement regulations.
• Provide project tracking using internal databases from inception to close out.
• Perform various administrative tasks as needed.
• Support project planning and contracting for the Grasslands and Wildlife Corridors RCPP. Coordinate with project partners, provide technical support to landowners, provide oversight and leadership, develop and finalize project plans, contracts and rankings, and complete project outcome assessment and reporting.
• Work with NRCS field offices to identify collaborative projects, identify and address roadblocks to projects, coordinate implementation of projects, and keep offices up to date with project work in their areas.
• Participate in interagency projects and teams that contribute to the restoration and conservation of fish and wildlife habitat via wildlife area use plans, regulations and actions.

Key Qualities, Skills, and Knowledge

• A general qualification guideline for this position is a Bachelor’s Degree in Rangeland Science, Wildlife Biology/Management, Business Administration, Accounting or related field(s) from an accredited university. 
• Minimum 2 years’ experience in a comparable position.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Proficient in NRCS Conservation Desktop (CD) and Conservation Assessment Ranking Tool (CART).
• Proficient in MS Excel and MS Word.
• Basic knowledge of project management concepts.
• Well-organized and detail oriented.
• Self-motivated, lots of initiative, eager to learn, able to work with minimal supervision, but willing to ask questions and seek direction if needed.
• Able to maintain professional demeanor while working within tight deadlines with a variety of people and personalities.
• Experience in knowledge and principles of project management, concepts of project constraints, and ability to manage and apply those principles.
• Ability to work independently with little supervision and with diverse clientele.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with landowners, the public, and partner agencies.
• Excellent verbal/written communication, coordination and organizational skills.
• Valid driver’s license and skillset to drive at high elevation, and often remote locations, on a regular basis and occasionally during inclement weather.
• Basic understanding/knowledge NRCS agency, policy, planning, clearances, regulations, etc. is preferred.
• Able to obtain NRCS Security Clearance.

HOW TO APPLY:

Internal Candidates - log into https://workforcenow.adp.com with your employee credentials, click MYSELF, TALENT, CAREER CENTER and follow the prompts to APPLY

External Candidates - Please fill out the application materials and attach a resume, cover letter, and professional references. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

SALARY AND BENEFITS PACKAGE: (Starting $60,000-$65,000) Salary commensurate with experience. We work hard to encourage everyone at Ducks Unlimited to bring their authentic selves to work every day. DU offers an exceptional benefit package that includes comprehensive group medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance, including spouse and dependent coverage; three weeks paid vacation; paid sick leave and 10 paid holidays; 401(k) plan (including partial employer match); and tuition reimbursement.