Conservation Specialist I – Great Plains Region (Kansas)

Conservation Specialist I – Great Plains Region (Kansas) “John Redmond Watershed Technician”

Ducks Unlimited Kansas has an opening for a Conservation Specialist I. Location: Emporia, KS area. Remote office, travel required Salary Range: $52,000

Ducks Unlimited, Inc., the world’s leading wetland and waterfowl conservation organization, is seeking qualified candidates for a Conservation Specialist in Kansas. The mission of Ducks Unlimited is to conserve, restore, and manage wetlands and associated habitats for North America’s waterfowl. These habitats also benefit other wildlife and people. This position will work with a team of biologists and engineers to deliver watershed projects in important migration habitat throughout the state of Kansas. The position will collaborate daily with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) in Emporia, KS and report to the Kansas Alliance for Wetlands and Streams (KAWS) Director, Libby Albers.

Responsibilities:

• Implement habitat management work on cooperating private landowners which will include but not limited to edge feathering, herbicide application, native grass establishment, shrubby cover establishment, cover crop seeding, moist soil management and brush management with skid steer and chainsaw.
• Procuring supplies and equipment using KAWS’ purchasing standards.
• Provide information at workshops, public events, with the management teams, and to KDWP.
• Engage landowners and other stakeholders on habitat management goals and outcomes.
• Track and communicate weekly the progress, maps, and photos of habitat management projects with the KDWP, KAWS, and DU teams.
• Assist Wolf Creek Generating Station, Flint Hills Wildlife Area, and Baker University Wetlands with habitat management, as needed.
• Ensure that all equipment is maintained and in running condition.
• Perform equipment maintenance and field repairs as needed.
• Work closely with the KAWS and DU team members to support their complementary missions

Qualifications:

Experience and Education:

• Any combination of training and/or experience that will enable the applicant to possess the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
• One year of work experience in a wildlife management or agricultural related job is preferred and a basic understanding of environmental, agricultural and/or natural resource science. Education may be substituted for experience as determined relevant by the partners.
• A valid Kansas Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is required, as is a Private Pesticide Applicator’s License. Preference will be given to applicants who already possess a CDL and/or pesticide applicator’s license prior to beginning work.
• Experience with cover crop drilling, operation of tractor and drill.
• Knowledge and experience in upland habitat management, operation of tractors and agricultural implements (disking, mowing, planting food plots, etc.), operation of skid loader with tree saw or sheer, brush grapple and other attachments, identification and control of noxious weeds and other undesirable vegetation.
• Experience with safe transportation/hauling of equipment.
• Knowledge of wildlife ecology, wetland and grassland management including the ability to utilize various habitat management equipment and tools in the development of wildlife habitat.
• Experience using handheld power tools (chainsaw) and small engine operation.

Communication Skills:

• Strong communication skills across diverse audiences including peers, partners, private landowners, and other professionals.
• Provide written and verbal communications with producers and partners to meet their needs in a courteous and cooperative manner
• Possess skill in interpersonal relationships.

Technological Proficiency:

• Ability to use agricultural software programs on large agricultural equipment
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office and Mapping/GIS software.
• Ability to adapt and learn changing technology systems.

Interpersonal Skills:

• Ability to work effectively—both independently and as a member of a team.
• Self-motivated and strongly driven to make a conservation impact in the Great Plains landscape.

To Apply: Please fill out all application materials and attach a cover letter and resume. Applications will be considered as they are received.

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.