Manager of Agriculture Programs – Mississippi Alluvial Valley presso Ducks Unlimited, Inc.

Manager of Agriculture Programs – Mississippi Alluvial Valley 

The Southern Regional Office of Ducks Unlimited, Inc. (DU) is soliciting resumes for a Manager of Conservation Programs position in Agriculture.  The successful candidate will join a team of biologists, engineers, GIS, public policy, communications support staff, and other professionals responsible for delivering and managing a growing agriculture program. This full-time, salaried position will be responsible for leading a growing and dynamic agricultural program being implemented by DU across the Mississippi Alluvial Valley (MAV), working in conjunction with local DU staff and conservation partners. The successful applicant will lead the coordination, development and implementation of an agricultural program focused on regenerative agricultural, wetland restoration and water quality.  

This position will be located in one of the MAV Field Offices: Jonesboro, AR; Monroe, LA; Ridgeland, MS and will report to the Director of Conservation Programs located in Ridgeland, MS.  

Qualifications:

Candidates must have the following 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 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. 
• 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. 
• Budget management, expense position awareness, expense forecasting.
• 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 MAV. The incumbent shall be responsible for a variety of activities in this position, including: outreach to local DU staff, partners, and landowners, developing 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 Southern region or to other national meetings to represent DU such as AFWA, North American and various Joint Ventures.   

SALARY AND BENEFITS PACKAGE: 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.

To apply: Fill out application materials and [2] attach your cover letter, resume, and three professional references.

Application Deadline: Applications will be accepted until a qualified applicant is identified.

DUCKS UNLIMITED, INC. IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER 
It is the policy of Ducks Unlimited, Inc. to afford equal employment opportunity to all qualified persons regardless of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, military status, disability, age, or genetic information, except where age or gender is a bona fide occupational qualification as allowed by the Civil Rights Act of 1964. It is the policy of Ducks Unlimited, Inc. to afford equal employment opportunities 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.