Grazing Biologist

In partnership with the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund (ENRTF), United States Fish and Wildlife Service Partners for Fish and Wildlife program (USFWS PFW), Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS) and other conservation partners, this position will support Ducks Unlimited’s Working Lands conservation efforts through the “Native Forages: Growing Drought and Climate Resiliency” initiative. This project focuses on integrating diverse native forages into working livestock systems to improve climate resilience, soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitat across western Minnesota. As a member of DU’s Working Lands Team, this position will lead project delivery efforts by working directly with livestock producers to develop grazing management plans and coordinate the implementation of native forage establishment projects. The selected candidate will play a key role in expanding native grassland acres by providing technical assistance, coordinating contractors, and facilitating outreach and enrollment of producers into the program.

This position will work collaboratively with DU staff, contractors, and conservation partners to deliver program objectives across a multi-county region in western Minnesota. The selected candidate will work in a joint capacity with USDA-NRCS, and other State and Federal partners to promote and accelerate program enrollment, coordinate, and implement the conservation provisions of the Federal Farm Bill, and other grazing and grasslands related conservation programs as required. 

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

The Grazing Biologist will work directly with producers and partners to deliver conservation programs and implement native forage systems on working lands. Responsibilities include:

• Provide one-on-one technical assistance to livestock producers interested in converting marginal cropland or degraded pasture to native forage systems.
• Develop prescribed grazing management plans that improve drought tolerance, soil health, and wildlife habitat.
• Coordinate and oversee contractors conducting site preparation, seeding, and infrastructure installation (e.g., fencing, water systems).
• Assist with program enrollment, ranking, and application processes for participating producers.
• Work with producers to ensure compliance with long-term agreements and project requirements.
• Conduct site assessments, reporting, and documentation to track project progress and outcomes.
• Support delivery of approximately 1,925 acres of native forage establishment and development of grazing plans for enrolled producers.
• Collaborate with DU staff and partners on outreach efforts, including workshops, field days, and educational events.
• Participate in project reporting, presentations, and dissemination of results to stakeholders and the public.

Additional/Specific Responsibilities: 

• Coordinate communication between producers, contractors, and DU staff to ensure efficient project delivery.
• Assist with development of outreach materials and producer education tools related to native forages.
• Support project tracking, milestone reporting, and grant deliverables.
• Participate in regional and statewide meetings, trainings, and conferences.
• Provide technical assistance and conservation planning support (wildlife biology and grassland/grazing land conservation focus) and guidance to landowners, government agencies, non-government organizations (NGO’s) and others.
• In collaboration with state partners, coordinator and conduct grazing educational opportunities/workshops.
• Coordinate integration and application of biological sciences within the conservation programs in cooperation with the local NRCS District Conservationist.
• Complete conservation plans and maps, contracts, applications, and other required documentation for Farm Bill conservation programs (i.e., EQIP, ACEP-ALE, CRP) requiring biological and grazing science expertise in cooperation with the partners and in cooperation with the local NRCS District Conservationist.
• Communicate program requirements, complete site visits to determine eligibility and develop contracts/plans for applicants enrolling in USDA conservation programs or other state and local conservation programs for the protection, restoration and enhancement of native grasslands and grazing lands.
• Coordinate, participate and promote grassland and grazing workshops in Western MN with a primary focus in landscapes of mutual priority.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Preferred candidates will have at a minimum, a Bachelor of Science degree in the applicable field, (grazing/range and/or livestock management, wildlife management), and a minimum of 3 years of full-time experience related to conservation planning, natural resource conservation and/or livestock or grazing management. Experience and education with agriculture programs and practices are also preferred. Working knowledge of Farm Bill programs such as the Environment Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) and Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) also preferred. 

Applicants must have a knowledge of agricultural systems and conservation planning processes. Excellent written and oral communication skills, as well as interpersonal skills, are required. The ideal candidate will have a good working knowledge of regional conservation programs and agricultural systems, experience working one-on-one with private landowners to provide conservation planning assistance, and the ability to work well with diverse teams including DU staff, conservation partners, landowners, and agricultural producers.

Candidate must be able and willing to travel frequently, including overnight travel. This position will consist of both office and field work.

Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent verbal/written communication and organizational skills.
• Proven ability to communicate clearly and effectively with landowners and partners.
• Ability to work independently with little supervision and as part of a collaborative team..
• Knowledge of grazing science and wildlife ecology including the ability to develop prescribed grazing plans that include wildlife habitat management objectives.
• Able to obtain USDA Security Clearance and NRCS Conservation Planning certification.
• Knowledge of computer skills is required, and applicant should be familiar with ArcGIS, Word, and Excel.
• Experience utilizing conservation planning programs such as Conservation Desktop (CD) or similar systems.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Support public policy objectives in coordination with the Director of Agriculture Programs.

Project Term:

This is a grant-funded position with an anticipated duration through June 30, 2031, but can be extended dependent on funding and program needs.

Salary: Negotiable with qualifications and experience.