Biologist at Ducks Unlimited

Biologist (Montana)

Great Falls, MT

Ducks Unlimited (Montana) has an opening for a full-time (Biologist) position. This role will be responsible for helping promote and deliver NRCS Farm Bill programs and the Montana Fish Wildlife & Parks (FWP) Migratory Bird Wetland Program throughout north-central and northeastern Montana. Specifically, the biologist will work with area and county NRCS offices on implementation of the following programs: Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) - Wetland Reserve Easement (WRE) and Agricultural Land Easement (ALE), Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) and Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). The specialist will work with FWP staff on implementation of FWP’s Migratory Bird Wetland Program and other wetland-grassland conservation opportunities. This is a salaried position with benefits, and is co-funded by the USDA-NRCS, DU and FWP. Funding is for three years but can be extended upon success of the program and funding availability. Successful applicant will be an employee of DU’s Great Plains Regional Office located in Bismarck, ND and will receive primary supervision from DU. Daily supervision will be provided by DU and NRCS staff. Successful applicant will receive required training from USDA, DU and FWP.

Position will be located in the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) - Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) office in Great Falls, Montana. Work area will include north-central and northeastern Montana with occasional duties elsewhere in Montana.

Responsibilities:

• Provide programmatic, administrative and biological technical assistance for NRCS Farm Bill programs to private landowners, governmental agencies and non-governmental organizations
• Promote and assist FWP staff in delivering the Migratory Bird Wetland Program with a focus on wetland-grassland enhancement, restoration and retention projects
• Work closely with area and county USDA and FWP staff to ensure that conservation programs are implemented on private lands in a manner that maximizes wetland values, soil, water, waterfowl and other wildlife benefits of the program
• Promote and assist NRCS staff in delivering EQIP, RCPP, and CRP programs with a focus on wetland and grassland retention
• Assist USDA, FWP and private landowners with applications, ranking, contracts, restoration plans, management plans, biological evaluations, grazing plans and other documentation required for participation in conservation programs
• Help increase private landowner interest in Farm Bill programs and the FWP Migratory Bird Wetland Program by promoting the programs through public outreach
• Coordinate with conservation partners to effectively leverage conservation resources for delivery of conservation programs
• Assist with other duties as assigned

Duties may require periodic overnight travel, both in and out of state. Successful applicant must provide his/her own vehicle and will be reimbursed for mileage. Expenses for overnight travel, such as lodging and meals, will be reimbursed. 

Duties may require field work in extreme weather conditions.

Qualifications:

• Experience and Education: 4-year Bachelor of Science degree in wildlife management or a closely related natural resources field and 1 year of experience in the natural resources field is preferred
• Any combination of education, experience and training that enables the applicant to possess the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Ability to develop a strong knowledge of the Farm Bill and FWP Migratory Bird Wetland Program including application processes, developing restoration plans, conducting site visits, compatible use requests and grazing plans
• Knowledge of the principles used in the management of waterfowl and other wetland and grassland-dependent wildlife populations
• Strong knowledge of wetland ecosystems, wetland restoration, wetland management practices and range management practices required to maximize wetland functions and values and enhance wetland habitats for waterfowl, water birds and other wetland-dependent wildlife populations
• Working knowledge of farming, ranching and related agricultural operations
• Proficient with computers, including Microsoft Office software – proficient with ArcGIS preferred
• Ability to work effectively—both independently and as a member of a team
• Ability to effectively plan, organize and prioritize work activities and complete tasks and reports to meet deadlines
• Ability to prepare and present information on conservation programs to peers and the public
• Possess strong interpersonal skills to effectively communicate with private landowners, USDA staff, FWP staff, other wildlife professionals and the general public
• Ability to walk for several hours on uneven terrain in hot and cold conditions while collecting data and survey information
• Possess strong writing skills for preparation of technical and popular reports, management plans, restoration plans, etc.
• Possess a valid driver’s license and a vehicle
• Must be able to pass a background investigation for access to USDA computer systems
• Must pass drug screening test

HOW TO APPLY:

Please fill out the application materials and attach a cover letter, resume, and three professional references. For more information regarding this position, please contact Adam McDaniel at (406) 564-0709.  

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

SALARY AND BENEFITS PACKAGE: (Starting $55,000-$60,000) 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.