Manager of Agriculture Programs – Mississippi Alluvial Valley

Manager of Agriculture Programs – Mississippi Alluvial Valley

The Southern Regional Office of Ducks Unlimited, Inc. (DU) is soliciting resumes for a Manager of Conservation Programs position in Agriculture. The successful candidate will join a team of biologists, engineers, GIS, public policy, communications support staff, and other professionals responsible for delivering and managing a growing agriculture program.

This full-time, salaried position will be responsible for leading a growing and dynamic agricultural program being implemented by DU across the Mississippi Alluvial Valley (MAV), working in conjunction with local DU staff and conservation partners. The successful applicant will lead the coordination, development, and implementation of an agricultural program focused on regenerative agriculture, wetland restoration, and water quality.

This position will be located in one of the MAV Field Offices: Jonesboro, AR; Monroe, LA; Ridgeland, MS, and will report to the Director of Conservation Programs located in Ridgeland, MS.

Qualifications

Candidates must have the following qualifications:

10–15 years of field experience with a minimum of a B.S. in wildlife, agriculture, or a related field.

Knowledge of agricultural principles and practices and an understanding of associated biological principles.

Experience with regenerative agriculture, focusing on no-till practices, crop rotations, grazing, and other techniques that promote soil health, sustainable agriculture, improve water quality, and provide benefits to wildlife and habitat.

Working knowledge of wetland ecology, water management, and waterfowl breeding ecology, and familiarity with state and federal conservation programs, policies, and laws.

Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Proven ability to work with producers, research, and land management professionals is desired.

Experience with field research, particularly knowledge and experience in various soil-testing methods.

Familiarity with the region’s biological resources, local and regional environmental issues, and private and public stakeholders is beneficial.

Budget management, expense position awareness, and expense forecasting.

Must possess a valid driver’s license with a clean driving record and pass a pre-employment drug screen.

Duties and Responsibilities

The incumbent will work with local DU staff and conservation partners while promoting and implementing DU’s Ag Program in the MAV. Key responsibilities include:

Outreach to local DU staff, partners, and landowners.

Developing soil health and conservation projects and agreements.

Project implementation and monitoring of established projects.

Coordinating with DU biological staff and partnering organizations, including the U.S. Natural Resources Conservation Service, local conservation districts, universities, and NGOs.

Representing DU at wetland conservation venues, soil health field days, seminars, and other outreach events.

Assisting DU public policy staff with federal and state agricultural program initiatives.

Participating in agriculture-focused coalitions to advance DU partnerships and inform coalition policy activities.

Identifying, designing, implementing, and monitoring a variety of soil health projects on privately owned agricultural lands.

Assisting with fundraising activities, including working with major donors.

Writing and submitting various grant proposals and reports to secure funds for program implementation, research, and monitoring.

Ability to work outside in unfavorable weather conditions.

Occasional travel throughout the Southern region or to national meetings to represent DU (e.g., AFWA, North American, various Joint Ventures).

Salary and Benefits Package

Salary commensurate with experience.

Comprehensive group medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance (including spouse and dependent coverage).

Three weeks paid vacation, paid sick leave, and 10 paid holidays.

401(k) plan including partial employer match.

Tuition reimbursement.

DU encourages employees to bring their authentic selves to work every day.

To Apply

Fill out application materials and attach your cover letter, resume, and three professional references.

Application Deadline: Applications will be accepted 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.

Ducks Unlimited, Inc. provides 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.