Conservation Specialist - Southeast Washington

Conservation Specialists (2 Positions)

Wetland / Natural Resources

Western Region: USDA Service Center – Washington (Pasco and Walla Walla)

Full-Time, Non-Exempt Term Ducks Unlimited Position, January 2026 – September 2028

(Position expected to be extended beyond 2028, funding dependent)

Application Deadline: February 18, 2026 (or until filled)

Work Area:

Position Location(s):  USDA – Pasco and Walla Walla, WA

Position Overview:

Ducks Unlimited, Inc. and our conservation partner (USDA-Natural Resource Conservation Service) are seeking two (2) Conservation Specialists to support and deliver Farm Bill conservation programs on private lands in Washington.  The selected candidates will work as part of a partnership team providing technical assistance to landowners towards wetland restoration, wetland wildlife habitat management, and associated agricultural conservation practices and habitat objectives within the listed geographies of focus.  The primary Farm Bill conservation programs supported are CRP/CREP, EQUIP, and other Farm Bill programs.

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Ducks Unlimited, Inc. (DU), recognize the value and need for additional staffing resources in this area to develop relationships with landowners, provide technical assistance for wetland development and management, and work with additional partners to create, restore and protect critical wetland habitats and working lands.  This position is dedicated to improving wetland habitat benefits on working agricultural lands and provides a unique opportunity to build relationships with wide range of landowners. The incumbents will work in USDA-NRCS field offices to provide technical and biological expertise in the delivery of Farm Bill programs.  Incumbents will be responsible for conducting conservation planning with producers, landowners, Tribes, and land trusts to increase participation in NRCS Farm Bill programs.  The incumbents will have access to high quality training programs and mentorship opportunities while providing both programmatic and technical assistance to private landowners.  These are full-time, term DU positions with excellent advancement opportunities that are co‑funded by the USDA-NRCS and DU.  The successful applicants will be full-time employees of DU administered from the Vancouver Field Office in Vancouver, WA, but will be based out of designated USDA field offices in Pasco, Walla Walla or other approved Washington office location with day-to-day supervision and direction from NRCS staff.  The positions will primarily work collaboratively with Washington NRCS, and will adhere to all subject conservation program policies and directives.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities:

(Approximate percent time spent annually accomplishing each)

50%

• Serves as a natural resources specialist / conservation planner with responsibility for assisting in developing, implementing, and administering a broad-based natural resources program in one or more program geographies such as counties or districts.
• Provide in-the-field, programmatic and technical assistance for federal wetland conservation programs to private landowners.
• Conduct site visits to develop wetland habitat management plans, determine preliminary eligibility, and provide assistance with preparing applications for USDA Farm Bill programs.
• Conducts long and short-term scientific studies and investigations on the use of soils, water, vegetation, wildlife and other natural resources as part of the land management and natural resources program.
• Coordinates surveys, performs monitoring, compiles, analyzes biological data, and prepares reports using statistical inference where applicable.
• Work closely with participating landowners to promote and enhance wetland conservation management to enhance water quality and wildlife benefits.
• Provides input and uses natural resources data and information generated by Geographic Information System (GIS) to help develop and present planning documents, and to prepare reports for study findings.
• Promote and encourage private landowners to participate in USDA Farm Bill programs along with the suite of other wetland-friendly conservation programs available to them as private landowners.
• Work closely with the NRCS and other conservation partner staff to ensure wetland conservation programs are implemented on private land in a manner that maximizes the water, soil, migratory waterbird and other benefits of the programs.

40%

• Assist local offices and private landowners with applications, contracts and other documentation required for participation in Farm Bill conservation programs.
• Practice inventory and evaluation (I&E) including GIS-specific practice locations, and program and payment scenario identification.
• Ecological Science Practice design, implementation, certification, and evaluation.
• Submit monthly activity progress reports to include names of landowners receiving technical assistance, number of acres by county of wildlife habitat planned/improved, and staff time allocated to each program request.
• Support quarterly and annual summary report of activities.
• Assist with other wetland enhancement/restoration and private land duties as needed.

10%

• Participate in NRCS training related to areas of responsibility including Conservation Desktop training in order to assist field staff within conservation planning activities and practice certification.
• Work towards and obtain job approval authority for ecological sciences conservation practices for designated areas of responsibility.
• Prepare and submit timesheets, travel reimbursements, and mileage logs.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:

4-yr. Bachelor of Science degree in natural resource conservation, agriculture, wildlife management, or a closely related natural resources field.   At least 2 years of experience with the management of agricultural or wetland systems is highly preferred.  Duties will consist of both office and field work and may require infrequent overnight travel, both in and out of state.  Duties may require field work in extreme weather conditions.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Working knowledge of wetland systems, including identification skills of wetland associated flora and fauna.
• Specific knowledge in writing and delivering wetland habitat management conservation plans.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office and ArcGIS software.
• Knowledge of the USDA Farm Bill Programs, and other programs that support wildlife conservation on private lands in Washington.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as a member of a team.
• Ability to work outside in a wide range of weather conditions and in remote areas.
• Ability to operate and maintain UTVs/ATVs, trucks, trailers, and other field equipment.
• 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 in order to effectively communicate with private landowners, USDA staff, other wildlife professionals and the general public.
• Possess good writing skills for preparation of reports, management plans, etc.
• Possess a valid driver’s license and be willing to drive personal vehicle for federal mileage reimbursement rate when a fleet vehicle is not available.
• Ability to pass a background check to meet USDA LincPass requirements.

Benefits/Compensation: DU offers a competitive benefits package including health and retirement benefits, paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave. Compensation commensurate with education & experience. These are full time (40-hour work week) non-Exempt Hourly positions of at least $28.85 per hour.

Application: Please fill out the application materials attach a resume, cover letter and three references by February 18, 2026. The position will be open until filled.

Application Deadline:  Applications will be accepted through February 18, 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.