Agronomist – South Dakota

                                                                                                  

The Great Plains Regional of Ducks Unlimited (DU) is soliciting resumes for an agronomist in South Dakota. The incumbent will work under the direction of the Manager of Conservation Programs for South Dakota and become part of a team of biologists, agronomists and other professionals. The incumbent will focus primarily in landscapes throughout the Prairie Pothole Region of South Dakota. The incumbent will be responsible for the coordination, development and implementation of a Soil Health Program being implemented by Ducks Unlimited including providing technical and financial assistance to cooperating private landowners. The position location is negotiable in eastern South Dakota, and work can be accomplished remotely. 

Duties and Responsibilities

 Incumbent will promote and implement DU’s Soil Health Program in the Prairie Pothole Region of South Dakota. Primary duties include working independently with private landowners, developing cover crop and soil health management plans. Other duties include monitoring of established projects including soil sampling, coordinating with DU biological staff, and partnering organizations. Partner entities include the Natural Resources Conservation Service, local conservation districts, universities, and NGOs. Incumbent will also represent DU at various agronomic and wetland conservation venues, soil health field days, seminars, and other types of outreach events. Project implementation duties include identifying, designing, implementing, and monitoring a variety of soil health projects on privately owned agricultural lands. Incumbent will also assist with a variety of fundraising activities, including working with major donors and other conservation activities. The incumbent shall also be responsible for writing and submitting various grant proposals and grant reports to seek funds to assist with program implementation, research, and monitoring. Ability to work outside in unfavorable weather conditions is a requirement. Incumbent may also be asked at times to travel outside of South Dakota to attend various events and workshops to represent DU.  

Qualifications

Candidates should have 3-5 years of field experience with minimum of a B.S. in agronomy or a related field. Candidates should have knowledge of agricultural principles and practices and an understanding of associated biological principles. Candidates should have experience with regenerative agriculture, with a focus on cover crops, no-till practices, crop rotations, livestock grazing and other techniques that promote soil health and sustainable agriculture, improve water quality, and provide benefits to wildlife and wildlife habitat. Applicants should have proven ability to work independently with agricultural producers. Experience with NRCS conservation practice delivery is preferred. Excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to use personal computers are required. Experience with field date collection is desired, particularly knowledge and experience in various soil-testing methods and analyses. Familiarity with the region’s biological resources, including wetland ecology, water management, and waterfowl breeding ecology, and familiarity with state and federal conservation programs, policies and laws is preferred. Must possess a valid driver’s license with clean driving record and pass a pre-employment drug screen.

 

HOW TO APPLY: 

Internal Candidates- log into https://workforcenow.adp.com with your employee credentials, click MYSELF, TALENT, CAREER CENTER and follow the prompts to APPLY

External Candidates- Please fill out the application materials on this link: www.ducks.org/jobs and attach a cover letter and resume with references. For more information regarding this position, please contact: Bruce Toay, Manager of Conservation Programs,  btoay@ducks.org or (605) 380-0684.

SALARY AND BENEFITS PACKAGE: Salary commensurate with experience. We work hard to encourage everyone at Ducks Unlimited to bring their authentic selves to work every day. DU offers an exceptional benefit package that includes comprehensive group medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance, including spouse and dependent coverage; three weeks paid vacation; paid sick leave and 10 paid holidays; 401(k) plan (including partial employer match); and tuition reimbursement.

 

 

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 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.