Wetland Biologist

Wetland Biologist

Madisonville, Kentucky

Ducks Unlimited, Inc. (DU), in partnership with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), is seeking a Wetland Biologist to deliver wetland conservation easements and practices on private lands in Kentucky. The selected candidate will be based out of the USDA Service Center in Madisonville, Kentucky, and will work as part of a partnership team delivering Wetland Reserve Easements (WRE) and wetland restoration projects. The position's work area is a priority landscape for migratory birds dependent on wetland habitats for all or part of their life cycle, including waterfowl, large wading birds, secretive marsh birds, shorebirds, and migratory songbirds, particularly along the Mississippi Flyway. NRCS and DU recognize the need for additional technical capacity to develop landowner relationships, provide wetland technical assistance, and collaborate with partners to create, restore, and protect critical wetland habitats. The Wetland Biologist will work closely with NRCS field offices to provide technical and biological expertise in the delivery of the NRCS Wetland Reserve Easement Program, DU's conservation delivery programs, and other Farm Bill and private land conservation programs. The position offers access to high-quality training and mentorship while providing both programmatic and technical assistance to private landowners. The position is co-funded by NRCS and DU with excellent advancement opportunities. The successful applicant will be a full-time employee of DU's Great Lakes Atlantic Regional Office (Dexter, MI) and will work collaboratively with DU and Kentucky NRCS staff while adhering to all applicable conservation program policies and directives.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities:

(Approximate percent time spent annually accomplishing each)

60% - Technical Assistance & Conservation Delivery

• Provide in-the-field, programmatic, and technical assistance for state and federal wetland conservation programs on private lands
• Conduct site visits to develop wetland habitat management plans and determine eligibility for USDA Farm Bill, DU land protection, and other conservation programs
• Work directly with landowners to promote and enhance wetland conservation practices that improve water quality and wildlife habitat
• Assist with required monitoring of WRE and other conservation program lands to ensure program intent is met and identify enhancement opportunities
• Develop Compatible Use Authorizations (CUAs) for approval under the NRCS WRE Program
• Use knowledge of terrestrial and aquatic species life history to develop tree planting plans, grass planting plans, water-level management plans, and moist-soil/emergent marsh management plans
• Promote landowner participation in USDA Farm Bill programs and other wetland-focused conservation opportunities
• Coordinate closely with NRCS and partner staff to maximize soil, water, and wildlife benefits of conservation programs
• Assist with wetland management workshops, outreach, and training activities

30% - Program Support & Reporting

• Assist with applications, contracts, and documentation for wetland conservation programs
• Provide technical support to partners on wetland creation and restoration projects
• Serve on interdisciplinary teams to enhance and improve wetland conservation program delivery
• Submit monthly progress reports documenting landowner assistance, acres impacted, and time allocation
• Prepare quarterly activity summary reports
• Assist with other wetland enhancement and private lands conservation duties as needed

10% - Professional Development

• Expand technical expertise in wetland and riverine systems through training and educational opportunities

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor of Science degree in natural resource conservation, agriculture, wildlife management, or a closely related field
• At least 2 years of experience managing wetland systems is highly preferred
• Combination of office and extensive field work required
• Infrequent overnight travel may be required, both in-state and out-of-state
• Field duties may require working in extreme or inclement weather conditions

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Working knowledge of wetland systems, including identification of wetland-associated flora and fauna
• Knowledge of migratory waterfowl ecology and habitat management principles
• Experience developing and implementing wetland management and conservation plans
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office; working knowledge of ArcGIS preferred
• Familiarity with the USDA Wetland Reserve Easement Program, Farm Bill programs, and private lands conservation programs in Kentucky
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Ability to work outdoors in inclement weather and remote field conditions
• Ability to safely operate and maintain 4x4 vehicles, trucks, trailers, UTVs/ATVs, and other field equipment
• Demonstrate the ability to pull and back trailers, navigate dirt roads and uneven terrain
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for interacting with landowners, agency staff, and partners
• Valid driver's license required; willingness to use a personal vehicle for mileage reimbursement when a fleet vehicle is unavailable

Benefits/Compensation:

Ducks Unlimited offers a competitive benefits package including health insurance, retirement benefits, paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave. Compensation is commensurate with education and experience. Typical starting salary ranges from $56,000-$58,000 per year, plus a variable compensation incentive program.

To Apply: Please complete all application materials and attach a resume, cover letter, and three references. Applications will be accepted through May 31, 2026 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 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.