The Working Lands Climate Corp members would join a team of dedicated conservationists in expanding the delivery of these programs and increasing the capacity to deliver outreach to more producers.
Ducks Unlimited has continued to grow into the working lands conservation space, with new projects and staff on the ground across the Midwest. DU staff with the Conservation Grazing projects in Minnesota and Missouri, as well as the Advancing U.S. Pork Sustainability and Market Value Climate Smart Grant in partnership with the National Pork Board, have been delivering technical assistance to producers on climate smart practices though NRCS programs, the climate smart grant, and other farm bill and cost share opportunities in those states. Program and practice delivery still cannot meet the demand of producers on the landscape for technical assistance.
Working directly with Grazing Biologist staff already on the ground in Minnesota and Missouri, the WLCC members would be directly delivering NRCS programs and practices, with focus on rotational grazing and grasslands improvements to increase carbon sequestration and water infiltration. Members would also periodically work with DU Working Lands Biologists to deliver the Climate Smart grant as part of the National Pork Board partnership, promoting the use of cover crops, conversion to no-till, and using precision technology to place native grass and forb buffers on marginal cropland. Tasks would include site visits, practice layout and design, collection of field data, outreach activities, and creating informational materials, and working through all steps of the conservation planning process.
The WLCC members would greatly increase the capacity to deliver climate smart practices in their work areas. The increase in outreach activities will be invaluable in getting more producers to the table to adopt practices, greatly increasing the overall impact for climate smart practices in the locations. Ducks Unlimited staff already on the ground in the three locations have built connections in the local community and with producers, allowing WLCC members to step into an environment that is full of opportunity and welcoming of the support both in the local offices with NRCS and other partner staff as well as among producers.
The WLCC members will get the opportunity to work directly with multiple DU staff in delivering a wide variety of climate smart practices. Work will range from rotational grazing and infrastructure, native forage plantings and increased climate resiliency, cover crops and in-field climate smart practices, to pollinator and monarch plantings on marginal cropland. They will also have the opportunity to job shadow and cross train with Monarch Joint Venture staff. MJV has agreed to partner with DU in providing a diverse learning opportunity for WLCC members brough on by each organization. This will greatly broaden the experience and learning of WLCC members with each organization. Allowing them to see all the possible ways climate smart conservation can be delivered through an array of partners.
Additional/Specific Responsibilities: Conduct on-farm assessments with DU staff to evaluate current agricultural practices, identify opportunities to integrate new climate-smart practices, and make appropriate conservation program recommendations.
Job shadow Ducks Unlimited and MJV staff to gain insights into region-specific climate-smart row-crop and grazing lands practices, emphasizing those that also benefit biodiversity.
Support DU and partner conservation staff in coordinating workshops, field days, and training sessions aimed at promoting the adoption of climate-smart practices among landowners.
Assist DU and NRCS staff with all nine steps of the Conservation Planning process.
Provide support for DU's Conservation Grazing and Climate Smart Grant projects, offering technical assistance to landowners seeking guidance on implementing climate-smart agriculture practices on their working lands.
Collaborate with DU and partner staff to develop educational materials such as brochures, fact sheets, videos, and presentations, effectively communicating the benefits of climate-smart agriculture to farmers and other interested stakeholders for grazing and in-field practices.
Participate actively in regular meetings with DU team members, facilitating the exchange of updates, ideas, and strategies aimed at advancing habitat conservation through promotion of sustainable agriculture practices.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). 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.
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.
This 1700-hour Climate Corps term position will be part of the Working Lands Team within the Great Lakes/Atlantic Region.
Great Lakes/Atlantic Region: Thief River Falls, MN; Long Prairie, MN; and Columbia, MO
Full-Time, Regular
5 days agoRequisition ID: 1925
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