Wetland Biologist

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Full-Time, Regular Mayfield, KY, Mayfield, KY, US

2 days ago Requisition

Ducks Unlimited, Inc. (DU), in partnership with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), is seeking a Wetland Biologist to deliver wetland conservation easements and practices on private lands in Kentucky. The selected candidate will be based out of the USDA Service Center in Mayfield, Kentucky, and will work as part of a partnership team delivering Wetland Reserve Easements (WRE) and wetland restoration projects.

The position’s work area is a priority landscape for migratory birds dependent on wetland habitats for all or part of their life cycle, including waterfowl, large wading birds, secretive marsh birds, shorebirds, and migratory songbirds, particularly along the Mississippi Flyway. NRCS and DU recognize the need for additional technical capacity to develop landowner relationships, provide wetland technical assistance, and collaborate with partners to create, restore, and protect critical wetland habitats.

The Wetland Biologist will work closely with NRCS field offices to provide technical and biological expertise in the delivery of the NRCS Wetland Reserve Easement Program, DU’s conservation delivery programs, and other Farm Bill and private land conservation programs. The position offers access to high-quality training and mentorship while providing both programmatic and technical assistance to private landowners. The position is co-funded by NRCS and DU with excellent advancement opportunities.

The successful applicant will be a full-time employee of DU’s Great Lakes Atlantic Regional Office (Dexter, MI) and will work collaboratively with DU and Kentucky NRCS staff while adhering to all applicable conservation program policies and directives.

(Approximate percent time spent annually accomplishing each)

• Provide in-the-field, programmatic, and technical assistance for state and federal wetland conservation programs on private lands
• Conduct site visits to develop wetland habitat management plans and determine eligibility for USDA Farm Bill, DU land protection, and other conservation programs
• Work directly with landowners to promote and enhance wetland conservation practices that improve water quality and wildlife habitat
• Assist with required monitoring of WRE and other conservation program lands to ensure program intent is met and identify enhancement opportunities
• Develop Compatible Use Authorizations (CUAs) for approval under the NRCS WRE Program
• Use knowledge of terrestrial and aquatic species life history to develop tree planting plans, grass planting plans, water-level management plans, and moist-soil/emergent marsh management plans
• Promote landowner participation in USDA Farm Bill programs and other wetland-focused conservation opportunities
• Coordinate closely with NRCS and partner staff to maximize soil, water, and wildlife benefits of conservation programs
• Assist with wetland management workshops, outreach, and training activities

• Assist with applications, contracts, and documentation for wetland conservation programs
• Provide technical support to partners on wetland creation and restoration projects
• Serve on interdisciplinary teams to enhance and improve wetland conservation program delivery
• Su…