Conservation Agronomist

Malaysianwildlife; Michigan; Hybrid; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Ducks Unlimited, Inc. seeks a Conservation Agronomist in Michigan to enhance regenerative agricultural programs. The role involves working with landowners to promote soil health and wildlife conservation efforts. Candidates should have a strong background in agriculture and the ability to work independently while collaborating as part of the team.

Benefits

Health and retirement benefits

Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of practical field experience.
• Knowledge of agricultural principles and practices.
• Experience with soil-testing methods and analysis.

Responsibilities

• Provide agronomic guidance to landowners.
• Develop conservation plans for regenerative agriculture.
• Coordinate educational events related to agriculture.

Skills

Experience with regenerative agriculture

Communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Knowledge of soil health practices

Ability to work independently

Education

B.S. in agriculture, agronomy, or closely related field

Tools

ATVs

Job description

Conservation Agronomist

Work Area: Great Lakes Atlantic Regional Office; Dexter, Michigan

Position Overview:

Ducks Unlimited, Inc. (DU), the world’s leading wetland and waterfowl conservation organization, is seeking a self-motivated, experienced conservation agronomist to support Ducks Unlimited in our on-going habitat efforts within the Great Lakes/Atlantic Region. While this position is available for a hybrid schedule, the preferred candidate will be located in Michigan. Primary responsibilities will be to support DU’s current regenerative agricultural programs through collaborating with and supporting DU’s Working Lands team. Specific responsibilities include: Work one-on-one with private landowners to facilitate the enrollment into DU-lead agricultural programs, develop site-specific conservation plans related to soil health (cover crops), fertilizer efficiency, edge-of-field, and wildlife related practices, provide agronomic guidance and advice to participating landowners. Other duties include: represent DU at various agronomic and conservation venues, organize and coordinate seminars and other outreach events, work directly with SWCD/NRCS field offices , attend field days and regenerative agriculture focused events.

Specific Duties Include:

• In coordination with DU delivery staff, provide one-on-one agronomic technical assistance and site-specific recommendationstolandownerswhoareinterestedinregenerativeagriculturepracticeadoption.
• Developconservationplansandsupportingdocumentationtofacilitateconservationpractice implementation.
• Conductfieldinspectionandperformpracticecertifications.
• Coordinate and attend regenerative agriculture educational events
• Reportaccomplishments.
• RepresentDUwithlocal,state,andfederalpersonnel,andprivatelandowners,alongwithother conservation partners in a professional manner.
• Apassionforwildlifeandwetlandhabitatconservation
• Work closely with members of the DU wetland restoration biologist team to identify program expansion opportunities

Qualifications:

Candidates should possess 3-5 years of practical field experience with a minimum of a B.S. in agriculture, agronomy, or closely related field. Candidates should have knowledge of agriculture principles and practices and an understanding of associated biological principles. Candidates should have experience with regenerative agriculture, with a focus on cover crops, no-till practices, crop rotations, nutrient management, livestock 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 proven ability and be comfortable to work independently with agricultural producers via on farm visits.

Experience with NRCS conservation practice delivery is preferred. Excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to use personal computers are required. Experience with field date collection is desired, particularly knowledge and experience in development of cover crop seeding recommendation, soil-testing methods and analyses. Familiarity with the region’s biological resources, including wetland ecology, water management, and waterfowl breeding ecology, and familiarity with state and federal conservation programs, policies and laws is preferred. Must possess a valid driver’s license with clean driving record and pass a pre- employment drug screen.

Candidates must be self-motivated, goal oriented, able to work with and solve problems in close team- based relationships, good communicators, and have a willingness to travel. Knowledge and experience with USDA Farm Bill programs are desired.

Field work includes extensive outdoor activity, sometimes in difficult environmental conditions.Field equipmentwilllikelyincludeATVs.Therefore,experiencewithhaulingandoperatingATVsisdesirable. Overnight travel will be required, and work may extend outside normal business hours. Working on weekends is not a common occurrence.

Benefits/Compensation:DU offers a competitive benefits package including health and retirement benefits, paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave. Compensation commensurate with education & experience.

Application: Please fill out the application materials at this link DU Opportunities and attach a resume, cover letter and references by May 15th, 2025. Please direct any questions regarding application materials to DU Human Resources. For further information regarding this position, please reach out to the DU Great Lakes / Atlantic Regional Office.

Application Deadline: Applications will be accepted through May 15th, 2025 or 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 opportunity 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, 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.