Private Lands Biologist (West-Central Illinois)

Ducks Unlimited, Inc.; Springfield, Northern (IL, KY); On-site; USD 57,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Paid vacation

Paid sick leave

Paid holidays

401(k) plan

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Ducks Unlimited, Inc. seeks one Private Lands Biologist for west-central Illinois with remote work flexibility. The role focuses on delivering conservation programs to private landowners, promoting pollinator habitat, regressive agricultural practices, and landscape resilience.

The position emphasizes collaboration with partners, travel across the region, and development of conservation plans to improve soil health and water quality. Requires a bachelor’s degree and field experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in wildlife management, biology, ecology, range management, agronomy, agriculture, natural resources, or a related field.
• Two+ years of conservation program delivery experience.
• Experience working directly with private landowners and agricultural producers.
• Knowledge of regenerative agriculture, soil health, wetlands, and conservation planning.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Willingness to travel frequently; valid driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Provide one-on-one technical assistance to private landowners and agricultural producers.
• Promote and implement pollinator habitat, native grasslands, field borders, buffers, and other wildlife-friendly practices.
• Develop conservation plans to enhance habitat diversity while supporting agricultural productivity.
• Promote regenerative agriculture practices, soil health principles, and water quality improvement practices.
• Coordinate Farm Bill conservation programs (CRP, EQIP, CSP, ACEP) and other funding opportunities.
• Conduct site assessments, habitat evaluations, and conservation planning activities.
• Organize workshops, field days, landowner meetings, and outreach events.
• Coordinate with NRCS, IL Dept. of Agriculture, USDA partners, and local conservation organizations.
• Maintain project records, reporting requirements, and contract documentation.
• Participate in regional conservation planning efforts and Ducks Unlimited initiatives.

Skills

Conservation program delivery

Stakeholder communication

Field operations

GIS

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

GIS

Microsoft Office

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Full-Time, Regular Springfield, IL, US

2 days ago Requisition ID: 2256

Salary Range: $56,920.00 To $60,000.00 Annually

Private Lands Biologist
West-Central Illinois - Remote

1 Full-Time, Ducks Unlimited Position (West-Central IL) - Remote

September 2026-2029 (Position expected to be extended, funding dependent)
Great Lakes/Atlantic Region: Illinois

Position Location: Flexible within west-central or central Illinois. The position will work remotely from a home office and travel frequently throughout the region to complete program delivery responsibilities.

Position Overview:

Ducks Unlimited, Inc. (DU) is seeking to hire one (1) Private Lands Biologist to deliver conservation programs and technical assistance to private landowners and agricultural producers throughout west-central Illinois. The successful candidate will work directly with landowners to promote pollinator habitat, native grasslands, wildlife habitat diversity, and regenerative agricultural practices that improve soil health, water quality, and working lands conservation.

The Private Lands Biologist will be integrated into DU's team of biologists, engineers, GIS specialists, and conservation partners to deliver voluntary conservation programs across the region. This position will build relationships with landowners, agricultural partners, state and federal agencies, and other conservation organizations to develop and implement conservation practices that benefit wildlife and agricultural sustainability.

A unique component of this position is the opportunity to help implement wetland stewardship, regenerative agriculture adoption, and Farm Bill program delivery across west-central Illinois. The selected candidate will play a key role in promoting and implementing conservation practices that improve habitat connectivity, water quality, and landscape resiliency.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide one-on-one technical assistance to private landowners and agricultural producers.
• Promote and implement pollinator habitat, native grasslands, field borders, buffers, and other wildlife-friendly conservation practices.
• Develop conservation plans that enhance habitat diversity while supporting agricultural productivity.
• Promote regenerative agriculture practices, soil health principles, and water quality improvement practices.
• Coordinate implementation of Farm Bill conservation programs, including CRP, EQIP, CSP, ACEP, and other available funding opportunities.
• Conduct site assessments, habitat evaluations, and conservation planning activities.
• Organize and deliver workshops, field days, landowner meetings, and outreach events.
• Coordinate with NRCS, IL Department of Agriculture, USDA partners, local conservation organizations, and agricultural stakeholders.
• Maintain project records, reporting requirements, and contract documentation.
• Participate in regional conservation planning efforts and other Ducks Unlimited initiatives as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Preferred candidates will possess:

• Bachelor's degree in wildlife management, biology, ecology, range management, agronomy, agriculture, natural resources, or a related field from an accredited university.
• Two or more years of professional experience related to conservation program delivery, habitat management, agriculture, agronomy, or wildlife management.
• Experience working directly with private landowners and agricultural producers.
• Knowledge of regenerative agriculture systems, soil health principles, wetlands, and conservation planning.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with diverse partners and stakeholders.
• Willingness to travel frequently, including occasional overnight travel.
• Ability to conduct field work in varying weather and terrain conditions.

Required and Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Knowledge of Illinois agricultural systems and conservation programs.
• Familiarity with USDA Farm Bill programs including CRP, EQIP, CSP, and ACEP.
• Understanding of pollinator habitat establishment and management.
• Knowledge of grassland and wetland conservation practices.
• Experience developing and delivering conservation management plans.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office; GIS experience preferred.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects.
• Experience presenting technical information to landowners and professional audiences.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel throughout the service area.

Benefits/Pay: Typical starting salary ranges from $56,920-$60,000 per year. Salary will be based on experience and education. This position is classified as exempt. DU offers an exceptional benefit package, including comprehensive group medical, prescription, dental and vision insurance, including spouse and dependent coverage; three weeks paid vacation, paid sick leave, and ten paid holidays; 401(k) plan (including partial employer match); and tuition reimbursement.

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.