Grazing Biologist - Western Minnesota

About the role

Grazing Biologist: Native Forages Program
Great Lakes/Atlantic Region: Western Minnesota
In partnership with the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund (ENRTF), United States Fish and Wildlife Service Partners for Fish and Wildlife program (USFWS PFW), Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS) and other conservation partners, this position supports Ducks Unlimited’s Working Lands conservation efforts through the “Native Forages: Growing Drought and Climate Resiliency” initiative.

Responsibilities

• Provide one-on-one technical assistance to livestock producers interested in converting marginal cropland or degraded pasture to native forage systems.
• Develop prescribed grazing management plans that improve drought tolerance, soil health, and wildlife habitat.
• Cook up and oversee contractors conducting site preparation, seeding, and infrastructure installation (e.g., fencing, water systems).
• Aid with program enrollment, ranking, and application processes for participating producers.
• Work with producers to ensure compliance with long-term agreements and project requirements.
• Conduct site assessments, reporting, and documentation to track project progress and outcomes.
• Support delivery of approximately 1,925 acres of native forage establishment and development of grazing plans for enrolled producers.
• Collaborate with DU staff and partners on outreach efforts, including workshops, field days, and educational events.
• Support project reporting, presentations, and dissemination of results to stakeholders and the public.

Qualifications

• A minimum of a Bachelor of Science degree in the applicable field (grazing/range and/or livestock management, wildlife management), and a minimum of 3 years of full-time experience related to conservation planning, natural resource conservation and/or livestock or grazing management.
• Experience and education with agriculture programs and practices are preferred.
• Working knowledge of Farm Bill programs such as the Environment Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) and Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) is preferred.
• Knowledge of agricultural systems and conservation planning processes.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, as well as interpersonal skills.
• 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 agricultural producers.
• Candidate must be able and willing to travel frequently, including overnight travel.
• This position will consist of both office and field work.