Wetland Biologist

Ducks Unlimited Website; North Vernon (IN); On-site; USD 54,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Retirement plan 401(k)

Paid vacation

Sick leave

Paid holidays

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Ducks Unlimited, Inc. in partnership with the NRCS seeks a Wetland Biologist to support wetland conservation across Indiana, delivering easements, restoration projects, and Farm Bill programs on private lands.

The role focuses on wetland ecology, hydrology, and habitat enhancement to benefit migratory birds and waterfowl in the Great Lakes Atlantic Region. The position emphasizes technical assistance, NEPA guidance, and collaboration with NRCS staff and conservation partners to maximize soil,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Wildlife Biology, Ecology, Natural Resources or related field.
• 2+ years of professional wetland/habitat experience preferred.
• Experience with private lands programs or Farm Bill programs desirable.
• Willingness to travel throughout Indiana and occasional overnight travel.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical assistance for ACEP-WRE program implementation.
• Assist landowners with wetland determination, restoration, creation, and management.
• Conduct site visits and assess project feasibility and outcomes.
• Develop wetland habitat management plans and recommended practices.
• Use wetland ecology, hydrology, and wildlife knowledge for restoration guidance.
• Support wetland and restoration activities including tree planting and water-level mgmt.
• Monitor projects and evaluate effectiveness and opportunities for enhancement.
• Prepare documentation under WRE and coordinate with NRCS and partners.
• Promote participation in Farm Bill programs and outreach events.
• Support conservation planning and program delivery in teams.

Skills

Wetland ecology

Hydrology

Wildlife habitat mgmt

Project management

Written & verbal comms

Education

Bachelor's degree in Wildlife Biology or related field

Tools

ArcGIS

GPS technology

Microsoft Office

Job description

Wetland Biologist

Great Lakes Atlantic Region: USDA Service Center – Southeast Indiana

Full-Time, Term Ducks Unlimited Position

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

Application Deadline: September 30, 2026 (Open until filled)

Position Location: North Vernon, IN - USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Service Center

Position Overview:

Ducks Unlimited, Inc. (DU), in partnership with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), is seeking a Wetland Biologist to support wetland conservation and restoration activities throughout Indiana. The selected candidate will work as part of a collaborative partnership team delivering wetland conservation easements, restoration projects, and Farm Bill conservation programs on private lands.

The Wetland Biologist will provide biological and technical expertise to advance wetland conservation, wildlife habitat enhancement, and natural resource management objectives. The position will assist with the delivery of the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP), specifically the Wetland Reserve Easement (WRE) component, while supporting conservation planning efforts that improve wetland function, water quality, and habitat for migratory birds, waterfowl, shorebirds, marsh birds, songbirds, and other wildlife species.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities:

60% – Technical Assistance & Conservation Delivery

• Provide direct technical assistance for implementation of the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP), Wetland Reserve Easement (WRE) component.
• Assist private landowners with wetland determination, restoration, enhancement, creation, and management activities associated with Farm Bill and other conservation programs.
• Conduct site visits and field assessments to determine project feasibility, eligibility, and conservation outcomes.
• Develop wetland habitat management plans and recommend practices that promote desired plant communities, wildlife populations, and ecosystem functions.
• Utilize knowledge of wetland ecology, hydrology, vegetation, and wildlife habitat requirements to develop restoration and management recommendations.
• Assist with tree planting plans, native grass establishment, moist-soil management plans, emergent marsh management, and water-level management strategies.
• Conduct monitoring and evaluation of wetland restoration projects and conservation easements to assess effectiveness and identify enhancement opportunities.
• Prepare Compatible Use Authorizations (CUAs) and other documentation required under the WRE Program.
• Coordinate with NRCS staff and conservation partners to maximize soil, water, and wildlife benefits of conservation projects.
• Promote participation in USDA Farm Bill programs and other private lands conservation initiatives.
• Assist with wetland management workshops, outreach, and training activities

30% – Program Support & Reporting

• Provide leadership and coordination in planning and conducting wildlife, plant, and wetland studies, investigations, and data collection efforts.
• Assist with applications, contracts, reporting requirements, and program documentation.
• Serve on interdisciplinary teams supporting conservation planning and program delivery.
• Receive, disseminate, and assist with implementation of National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) guidance and requirements.
• Provide training, technical guidance, and support to NRCS field staff on environmental compliance and biological resource concerns.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and special progress reports documenting accomplishments, landowner assistance, acres impacted, and project status.
• Compile and analyze biological and conservation data using available technology and GIS tools where appropriate.
• Participate in state, regional, and national meetings, trainings, workshops, and teleconferences.

10% – Professional Development & Innovation

• Maintain current knowledge of technical developments in wetland ecology, wildlife biology, restoration science, and conservation program delivery.
• Promote efficiencies through the use of technology, data management systems, and innovative conservation techniques.
• Participate in professional training opportunities to expand expertise in wetland systems, habitat management, and conservation planning.
• Assist with conservation outreach events, workshops, and partner training efforts.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Wildlife Biology, Fisheries Biology, Ecology, Natural Resources, Conservation Biology, Agriculture, Environmental Science, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of two years of professional experience in wetland management, restoration, ecology, wildlife management, or related natural resource disciplines preferred.
• Experience with private lands conservation programs, habitat restoration projects, or Farm Bill programs is highly desirable.
• Combination of office and extensive field work required.
• Ability to travel throughout Indiana; occasional overnight travel may be required.
• Ability to work outdoors in remote locations and under adverse weather conditions.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Working knowledge of wetland ecology, hydrology, and wetland-associated plant and animal communities.
• Knowledge of wildlife habitat management principles, particularly for migratory birds and waterfowl.
• Understanding of federal and state regulations related to wetlands, threatened and endangered species, invasive species, and environmental compliance.
• Familiarity with USDA Farm Bill conservation programs, including Wetland Reserve Easements (WRE), preferred.
• Experience developing and implementing habitat management and restoration plans.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Experience with ArcGIS, GPS technology, and conservation planning tools preferred.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Ability to work independently while maintaining effective collaboration with agency personnel, landowners, and conservation partners.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to safely operate four-wheel-drive vehicles, UTVs/ATVs, trailers, and other field equipment.
• Valid driver's license required; willingness to use a personal vehicle for mileage reimbursement when a fleet vehicle is unavailable.

Benefits/Pay:

Salary will be based on experience and education. Typical starting salary ranges from $54,360–$60,000 per year. 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.