Apply Now

Seasonal Conservation Technician (Part-Time)

Northern Sacramento Valley, California (Rice Production Region)

The USA Rice Federation (USA Rice) and Ducks Unlimited, Inc. (DU) established the Rice Stewardship Partnership in February 2013 to conserve three critical natural resources, working ricelands, water, and wetland wildlife. This long-term conservation effort is being delivered using a three-pronged approach of on-the-ground conservation practice application, communicating and promoting benefits of rice agriculture, and state/regional policy advocacy. We are looking to grow our team of over 20 professionals dedicated to rice producers, the industry at large, and environmental stewardship. The Rice Stewardship Partnership offers the opportunity to positively influence agriculture, wildlife, and rural communities across the Mid-South and California.

Ducks Unlimited, in cooperation with its conservation partners, is seeking a Seasonal, Part-Time Conservation Technician to support on-the-ground conservation delivery efforts in the Northern Sacramento Valley’s rice production region. This position will work under the direction of an Agricultural Specialist and is specifically designed for college students or recent graduates seeking hands-on experience in agriculture, conservation, natural resources, or wildlife management.

This role will assist with conservation initiatives supported by the USDA Advancing Markets for Producers initiative, Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Technical Assistance grants, and private-sector partners. The selected candidate will work closely with rice growers, agricultural professionals, and conservation partners to help implement and track conservation practices on working agricultural lands.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Assist the Conservation Specialist with field-based conservation activities on rice farms in the Northern Sacramento Valley
• Communicate directly with rice growers, farmers, and agricultural personnel on a regular basis
• Support enrollment, tracking, and implementation of conservation programs
• Conduct site visits and field observations to document conservation practices and outcomes
• Collect, input, and manage field and program data with accuracy and attention to detail
• Assist with preparation of reports, summaries, and basic management documentation
• Help coordinate with partner organizations including USDA NRCS, state agencies, and conservation groups
• Represent Ducks Unlimited in a professional and respectful manner with landowners and partners

Preferred Qualifications:

• Currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a college or university program in agriculture, natural resources, environmental science, wildlife biology, conservation, or a related field
• Basic understanding of agricultural operations; familiarity with rice production is a plus but not required
• Strong interest in conservation on working agricultural lands
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong observational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to accurately enter data and assist with report writing
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook); experience with GIS or field data collection tools is a plus but not required
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Willingness to learn, take direction, and work in outdoor field conditions

Position Details:

• Seasonal, part-time position
• Flexible schedule to accommodate academic commitments
• Field-based work with some office or remote work as needed
• Located in the Northern Sacramento Valley rice-growing region

This position offers a unique opportunity to gain real-world experience working at the intersection of agriculture, conservation, and wildlife habitat, while building professional skills and relationships within the agricultural and conservation communities. This temporary position offers the potential for extension based on performance and program needs.

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.