Agriculture Conservation Specialist

Great Lakes/Atlantic Region : IL Dept. of Agriculture Central Office – Springfield, Illinois

Ducks Unlimited, Inc., (DU) is seeking an Agriculture Conservation Specialist to help deliver on the ground agriculture programs in Illinois. The Conservation Specialist will become part of a highly motivated team of biologists, engineers, GIS Technicians, and other professionals working with state, federal and local agencies, private landowners, and agricultural partners to identify and develop opportunities to implement regenerative agriculture practices in Illinois. This position will be co-located within the IL Dept. of Agriculture’s (IDOA) Central Office in Springfield Illinois.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

In partnership with the IDOA, this position will support DU, IDOA, and Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) agricultural program efforts across Illinois for the Great Lakes/Atlantic Region. As a member of DU’s Team, the position will provide conservation technical assistance and voluntary conservation program delivery (with a specific focus on regenerative agriculture) to private landowners in Illinois. In addition to supporting the delivery of conservation technical assistance within their assigned area, staff may also provide technical support and planning at the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) Area Level as well.

The selected candidate will work in a joint capacity with IDOA and IDNR to promote, accelerate program enrollment, coordinate, and implement conservation practices supporting the Fall Covers for Spring Savings Program (FCSS) and the IDNR Agriculture Lease Program. Activities will include working one-on-one with private landowners, workshops and one-on-one meetings, contract coordination, conservation planning, site assessment and reporting. This position will provide technical biological assistance for soil health and wildlife habitat enhancement techniques to private landowners and public organizations. This position will also work with DU staff and other local partners to increase habitat management efforts and participate in regional and statewide habitat meetings, as necessary. Additionally, this position will assist or coordinate activities and projects with other DU, IDOA, IDNR, and partner staff as required.

Minimum Qualifications:

Preferred candidates must have a Bachelor of Science in agriculture, wildlife, or related field from an accredited university. At least one year of professional work experience focused on agriculture programs, practices and delivery is highly preferred. Experience in agronomics, specifically cover crop recommendations is not mandatory, but highly preferred. Excellent written and oral communication skills, as well as interpersonal skills, are required. The ideal candidate will have a good working knowledge of regional conservation programs and agricultural systems, experience working one-on-one with private landowners to provide conservation planning assistance, and the ability to work well with diverse teams including DU staff, conservation partners, landowners, and production agriculture producers. This position requires frequent work out-of-doors, possibly in inclement weather, and may require physical exertion or lifting as needed. Candidate must be able and willing to travel as needed, including some overnight travel. This position will consist of both office and field work.

Required and Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of local, state, and federal conservation programs and policies (especially USDA Farm Bill) used to protect and restore wetlands and grasslands in agriculturally dominated landscapes is preferred.
• Working knowledge of Farm Bill programs such as the Environment Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) and Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) also preferred.
• Working knowledge of cover crops and their associated benefits, as well as associated regenerative agriculture practices and their working benefits.
• Knowledge of principles used in the management of migrating waterfowl.
• Specific knowledge in writing and delivering wetland habitat management conservation plans.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office and ArcGIS software.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as a member of a team.
• Ability to effectively plan, organize and prioritize work activities and complete tasks to meet deadlines.
• Ability to prepare and present information on conservation programs to peers and the public.
• Possess strong personal skills to effectively communicate with private landowners, USDA staff, other wildlife professionals and the public.
• Possess good writing skills for preparation of grants, reports, management plans, etc.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.
• Possess a valid driver’s license and be willing to drive fleet vehicles or personal vehicle for federal mileage reimbursement rate when fleet vehicles are not available.

This position will report directly to Jena Herrick, Manager of Conservation Programs for DU in the Great Lakes/Atlantic Region.

Benefits/Salary: DU offers a competitive benefits package. Salary commensurate with education & experience.

Application: Please fill out the application materials 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 contact the DU Great Lakes / Atlantic Regional Office. The position will be open until filled.

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.