Easement Specialist

Great Lakes Atlantic Region: USDA Service Center – Kentucky

Full-Time, Term Ducks Unlimited Position

September 2026 – 2030 (Position expected to be extended beyond 2030, funding dependent)

Final date to receive applications: August 31, 2026 (Open until filled)

Position Location(s): USDA – Madisonville, KY or Mayfield, KY

Ducks Unlimited, Inc. (DU), in partnership with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), is seeking a Kentucky Easement Specialist to provide administrative, technical, and conservation delivery support for the Wetland Reserve Easement (WRE) Program throughout Kentucky. The selected candidate will be based in a USDA Service Center and will work closely with Kentucky NRCS easement and field staff to support wetland conservation easement enrollment, implementation, monitoring, and management.

This position is designed to increase statewide capacity for WRE administration and landowner assistance, with a primary focus on Compatible Use Authorization (CUA) development, easement record management, data entry, reporting, and conservation program documentation
. The Easement Specialist will serve as a key liaison between field staff, landowners, and program managers to ensure timely and accurate delivery of wetland easement programs.

While the position includes field responsibilities such as landowner visits, easement monitoring, and site evaluations, approximately 70-80% of work time will be office-based
, supporting administrative and technical functions associated with the WRE Program. The position offers extensive opportunities for training, professional development, and collaboration with federal, state, and non-governmental conservation partners. The successful applicant will be a full-time employee of DU's Great Lakes Atlantic Regional Office and will work collaboratively with DU and Kentucky NRCS staff while adhering to all applicable conservation program policies, procedures, and directives.

70% – Easement Administration, Data Management & Program Support

• Develop, review, and process Compatible Use Authorizations (CUAs) for Wetland Reserve Easements in accordance with NRCS policy and guidance.
• Maintain and update WRE easement records, databases, spreadsheets, and electronic filing systems.
• Enter, track, and manage easement data within USDA software platforms and DU reporting systems.
• Assist NRCS easement specialists and field offices with conservation program documentation, application processing, and contract records.
• Review easement files for completeness and accuracy and identify missing documentation.
• Prepare maps, reports, correspondence, and other materials necessary for easement administration and management.
• Coordinate with NRCS field offices to ensure timely completion of easement-related actions and deliverables.
• Compile monthly, quarterly, and annual accomplishments for internal and partner reporting requirements.
• Assist with tracking easement monitoring schedules, management activities, restoration implementation, and contract obligations.
• Support quality assurance efforts by ensuring compliance with program policies, procedures, and documentation standards.
• Respond to landowner inquiries regarding easement administration, approved uses, and management activities.
• Maintain organized records and provide support during audits, reviews, and program evaluations.

20% – Field Assistance & Easement Monitoring

• Conduct site visits to collect information needed for CUA development and easement management decisions.
• Assist with monitoring Wetland Reserve Easements to assess habitat conditions, restoration performance, and compliance with easement requirements.
• Work directly with landowners to discuss management objectives and conservation opportunities.
• Collect field data, photographs, GPS locations, and other information needed for program documentation and reporting.
• Assist with development of wetland habitat management recommendations and enhancement opportunities.
• Coordinate with NRCS and DU staff during restoration project planning, implementation, and follow-up monitoring.
• Support outreach activities, landowner meetings, workshops, and field…