Grazing Biologist

Biologist I/II – Grazing Programs

Department/Division

Conservation - Great Lakes/Atlantic Region

Reports To: Working Lands Coordinator, Regional Biologist, or designated supervisor

FLSA Status

Exempt

Employment Status

Full-Time, Grant-Funded

Location

Potential Duty Stations

• Long Prairie, Minnesota
• Waite Park, Minnesota
• Litchfield, Minnesota
• Willmar, Minnesota

Work Arrangement

Co-located within a USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Service Center.

Region Served

Living Lakes/Prairie Pothole Initiative Area and other priority landscapes within the Great Lakes/Atlantic Region.

Position Summary

Ducks Unlimited, Inc. (DU), in partnership with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), is seeking a Biologist I/II – Grazing Programs to support working lands conservation efforts throughout Minnesota.

As a member of DU's Working Lands Team, this position will provide conservation technical assistance and voluntary conservation program delivery to private landowners, producers, conservation partners, and public agencies, with a primary focus on grazing systems, grassland conservation, and wildlife habitat enhancement. The incumbent will work collaboratively with USDA-NRCS, state and federal agencies, local conservation organizations, and private landowners to implement conservation provisions of the Federal Farm Bill, state habitat grant programs, and other wildlife-focused initiatives.

This position emphasizes prescribed grazing, grassland habitat management, wildlife conservation planning, and the promotion of native forage systems that benefit agricultural productivity while enhancing habitat for waterfowl, grassland birds, and other wildlife species.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Conservation Planning & Technical Assistance

• Provide technical assistance and conservation planning support focused on grazing systems, wildlife habitat enhancement, and grassland conservation.
• Work directly with private landowners, livestock producers, government agencies, and non-governmental organizations to develop and implement conservation solutions.
• Conduct site visits, habitat evaluations, and resource assessments.
• Develop prescribed grazing plans that incorporate livestock production objectives and wildlife habitat outcomes.
• Promote native grass and forage plantings that improve conservation and agricultural outcomes.
• Assist with restoration, enhancement, and protection of native grasslands and grazing lands.

Farm Bill Program Delivery

• Support implementation of USDA conservation programs and state conservation initiatives.
• Complete conservation plans, maps, applications, contracts, and required documentation for conservation programs including:
• Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)
• Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP)
• Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP-ALE)
• Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)
• Communicate program requirements and eligibility criteria to landowners and stakeholders.
• Develop contracts and conservation plans supporting enrollment in conservation programs.
• Coordinate implementation activities with local NRCS District Conservationists and partner organizations.

Training, Education & Outreach

• Coordinate and conduct grazing-related workshops, field days, and educational events throughout Central Minnesota.
• Provide training opportunities for NRCS staff and conservation partners on grazing management strategies and biological planning considerations.
• Promote conservation programs and grazing system adoption through one-on-one consultations and outreach activities.
• Participate in regional and statewide habitat, grazing, and conservation meetings.

Partnership Coordination

• Serve on interdisciplinary conservation planning teams focused on improving grassland ecosystem function.
• Coordinate biological planning efforts with USDA-NRCS and state conservation partners.
• Assist with implementation of Ducks Unlimited habitat priorities and partner-led conservation initiatives.
• Support integration of wildlife biology principles into working lands conservation programs.
• Collaborate with other DU staff members on regional conservation projects and initiatives.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Maintain project records and conservation planning documentation.
• Complete required reports and program tracking requirements.
• Utilize conservation planning software, GIS tools, and USDA systems.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor of Science degree in Wildlife Biology, Wildlife Management, Range Science, Grazing Management, Livestock Production, Natural Resources, Ecology, Agriculture, or a closely related field.

Experience

• Minimum of three (3) years of professional experience related to:
• Conservation planning
• Grazing management
• Natural resource conservation
• Wildlife management
• Range science
• Livestock production systems
• Experience working directly with agricultural producers and private landowners preferred.
• Experience with conservation program delivery and habitat planning preferred.

Licenses/Certifications

• Valid driver's license required.
• Ability to obtain USDA Security Clearance.
• Ability to obtain NRCS Conservation Planning Certification.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with state habitat grant programs.
• Working knowledge of Farm Bill conservation programs including EQIP, CSP, CRP, and ACEP.
• Experience developing grazing management and prescribed grazing plans.
• Knowledge of agricultural production systems and forage management.
• Experience providing technical assistance to private landowners.
• Experience conducting outreach, workshops, or educational programming.
• Familiarity with prairie ecosystems, grassland bird conservation, and wildlife habitat planning.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of grazing science, range management, and wildlife ecology.
• Ability to develop grazing plans that incorporate wildlife habitat objectives.
• Understanding of agricultural systems and conservation planning processes.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational and project management abilities.
• Ability to communicate effectively with landowners, agricultural producers, agencies, and partners.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Experience working collaboratively on interdisciplinary teams.
• Proficiency in:
• ArcGIS
• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft Excel
• Conservation Desktop (CD) or similar conservation planning systems
• Ability to balance multiple priorities and projects effectively.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to perform both office and field-based work.
• Ability to travel throughout assigned service areas.
• Ability to conduct field visits across agricultural lands, pastures, grasslands, and conservation project sites.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather and environmental conditions.
• Ability to traverse uneven terrain and remote project locations.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

Travel Requirements

Estimated Travel

20–40%

Type of Travel

Primarily regional travel throughout Minnesota with occasional overnight travel.

Valid Driver's License Required

Yes

The successful candidate must be willing to travel intermittently and participate in regional and statewide meetings, trainings, workshops, and conservation events.

Salary

Salary Range

$55,000 – $70,000 annually

Compensation will be based on qualifications, experience, education, and demonstrated expertise.

Benefits

Ducks Unlimited offers an exceptional benefits package, including comprehensive group medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance, including spouse and dependent coverage; three weeks paid vacation; paid sick leave; ten paid holidays; 401(k) plan with partial employer match; and tuition reimbursement.

Miscellaneous Information

Position Status

Full-Time

Funding Source

Grant-Funded Position

Funding Outlook

Multiple grants currently provide funding for the next three to five years, with additional funding opportunities pursued annually.

Program Assignment

Great Lakes/Atlantic Region Grazing Team

To Apply

Please submit

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• References

Applications will be accepted through November 16, 2026.