Conservation Agronomist

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 recommendations to landowners who are interested in regenerative agriculture practice adoption.
• Develop conservation plans and supporting documentation to facilitate conservation practice implementation.
• Conduct field inspection and perform practice certifications.
• Coordinate and attend regenerative agriculture educational events
• Report accomplishments.
• Represent DU with local, state, and federal personnel, and private landowners, along with other conservation partners in a professional manner.
• A passion for wildlife and wetland habitat conservation
• Work closely with members of the DU wetland restoration biologist team to identify program expansion opportunities

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 equipment will likely include ATVs. Therefore, experience with hauling and operating ATVs is desirable. 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.