Ducks Unlimited Seeks Conservation Specialist for Rice Stewardship

Position Title

Conservation Specialist

Impact Data Management & Communications

Ridgeland, MS

Position Summary

The Specialist will assist Stewardship Partnership staff in managing the half-million-acre project impact database, quantifying the extent of conservation practice delivery, and calculating positive environmental impacts of these on-the-ground projects. The opportunity to assist with fieldwork and communications efforts will also be part of overall responsibilities.

Position Summary

The USA Rice Federation (USARF) and Ducks Unlimited, Inc. (DU) established the Rice Stewardship Partnership in February 2013 to conserve 3 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 efforts, communicating and promoting benefits of rice agriculture, and state/regional policy efforts. The Specialist will assist Stewardship Partnership staff in managing the half-million-acre project impact database, quantifying the extent of conservation practice delivery, and calculating positive environmental impacts of these on-the-ground projects. The opportunity to assist with fieldwork and communications efforts will also be part of overall responsibilities.

Duties to include:

Collecting and compiling conservation project data, including conservation contract information, project field locations (polygons), conservation practices delivered, and tenure of projects.
Calculating and reporting of project breadth, scope, and impact via various databases.
Assist with communications efforts to funding partners, including USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), National Fish & Wildlife Foundation, and agricultural partners.

Additional communications efforts could include:

Updating promotional materials and websites.
Developing donor stewardship reports.
Assisting with assembling and publishing our Rice Stewardship annual report.
Opportunities will also exist to visit project sites, generate rice producer testimonials, document conservation in action, and collect facts and figures to report.

This position is co‑funded by USARF, DU, NRCS, and other private foundations and corporations. The Specialist will be employed through Ducks Unlimited, Inc., Southern Regional Office (SRO), as staff of the Rice Stewardship Partnership. and will be based out of the SRO in Ridgeland, MS. The Specialist will report to and receive direction from DU’s Director of Conservation Programs located there. The tenure of the position is designed to fit young professionals and can be anywhere from a short 6 months (semester plus summer break) to as long as 3 years (length of current funding availability). Women and minorities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Desired Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of agriculture in the Mid-South.
Knowledge of computers and Microsoft Office software.
GIS experience.
Technical communications experience.
Ability to work effectively both independently and as a member of a team.
Ability to effectively plan, organize and prioritize work activities and complete tasks on time.

Minimum Education Requirements:

Currently enrolled in or recently graduated from College or University, degree track in agriculture, natural resource management, wildlife conservation, or related field.

To Apply: Please find job announcement at https://www.ducks.org/About-Ducks-Unlimited/Jobs-at-Ducks-Unlimited. Fill out application materials on specific job announcement via link provided.

For further information regarding this position please contact: Scott W. Manley, Ph.D.

Director of Conservation Programs - Mississippi Alluvial Valley

193 Business Park Drive – Suite E

Ridgeland, MS 39157

Main Office: (601) 956-1936

Direct Office: (601) 206-5443

Mobile: (601) 672-0023

Email: smanley@ducks.org

To learn more about Ducks Unlimited, Inc visit www.ducks.org To learn more about USA Rice Federation visit www.usarice.com

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, 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.