Job Description

Wetland Biologist

Department/Division: Conservation- Great Lakes Atlantic Region (GLAR) 
Reports To: Regional Biologist / Conservation Programs Manager (or designated supervisor)
FLSA Status: Exempt
Employment Status: Full-Time, Term Position

Location

Position Location: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Office, Champaign, Illinois

Work Arrangement: Office-based with extensive fieldwork and travel throughout Illinois.

Reporting Office: USDA Service Center – Champaign, IL

Position Summary

Ducks Unlimited, Inc. (DU), the continent's leader in waterfowl and wetlands conservation, is seeking a Wetland Biologist to support wetland conservation and restoration activities throughout Illinois in partnership with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

The selected candidate will work as part of a collaborative conservation team delivering wetland conservation easements, restoration projects, and Farm Bill conservation programs on private lands. The Wetland Biologist will provide biological and technical expertise to advance wetland conservation, wildlife habitat enhancement, and natural resource management objectives across Illinois.

This position will support implementation of the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP), specifically the Wetland Reserve Easement (WRE) component, while assisting with conservation planning efforts that improve wetland function, water quality, and habitat for migratory birds, waterfowl, shorebirds, marsh birds, songbirds, and other wildlife species.

The incumbent will work closely with NRCS field offices, private landowners, conservation partners, and other stakeholders to develop and implement wetland restoration, enhancement, and management projects. This position requires knowledge of wetlands, invasive species management, threatened and endangered species considerations, environmental compliance requirements, and wildlife habitat management as they relate to NRCS conservation programs and Farm Bill implementation.

The Wetland Biologist will be a full-time employee of Ducks Unlimited and will work in close coordination with Illinois NRCS staff while adhering to all applicable federal, state, and organizational policies, procedures, and directives. This position offers opportunities for professional growth, specialized training, and mentorship while contributing to landscape-scale conservation efforts across Illinois.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Technical Assistance & Conservation Delivery (60%)

• Provide direct technical assistance for implementation of the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP), Wetland Reserve Easement (WRE) component.
• Assist private landowners with wetland determination, restoration, enhancement, creation, and management activities associated with Farm Bill and other conservation programs.
• Conduct site visits and field assessments to determine project feasibility, eligibility, and conservation outcomes.
• Develop wetland habitat management plans and recommend practices that promote desired plant communities, wildlife populations, and ecosystem functions.
• Utilize knowledge of wetland ecology, hydrology, vegetation, and wildlife habitat requirements to develop restoration and management recommendations.
• Assist with tree planting plans, native grass establishment, moist-soil management plans, emergent marsh management, and water-level management strategies.
• Conduct monitoring and evaluation of wetland restoration projects and conservation easements to assess effectiveness and identify enhancement opportunities.
• Prepare Compatible Use Authorizations (CUAs) and other documentation required under the WRE Program.
• Coordinate with NRCS staff and conservation partners to maximize soil, water, and wildlife benefits of conservation projects.
• Promote participation in USDA Farm Bill programs and other private lands conservation initiatives.
• Assist with wetland management workshops, outreach, and training activities.

Program Support & Reporting (30%)

• Provide leadership and coordination in planning and conducting wildlife, plant, and wetland studies, investigations, and data collection efforts.
• Assist with applications, contracts, reporting requirements, and program documentation.
• Serve on interdisciplinary teams supporting conservation planning and program delivery.
• Receive, disseminate, and assist with implementation of National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) guidance and requirements.
• Provide training, technical guidance, and support to NRCS field staff on environmental compliance and biological resource concerns.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and special progress reports documenting accomplishments, landowner assistance, acres impacted, and project status.
• Compile and analyze biological and conservation data using available technology and GIS tools where appropriate.
• Participate in state, regional, and national meetings, trainings, workshops, and teleconferences.

Professional Development & Innovation (10%)

• Maintain current knowledge of developments in wetland ecology, wildlife biology, restoration science, and conservation program delivery.
• Promote efficiencies through the use of technology, data management systems, and innovative conservation techniques.
• Participate in professional development opportunities to expand expertise in wetland systems, habitat management, and conservation planning.
• Assist with conservation outreach events, workshops, and partner training efforts.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Wildlife Biology, Fisheries Biology, Ecology, Natural Resources, Conservation Biology, Agriculture, Environmental Science, or a closely related field.

Experience

• Minimum of two (2) years of professional experience in wetland management, restoration, ecology, wildlife management, or related natural resource disciplines preferred.
• Experience with private lands conservation programs, habitat restoration projects, or USDA Farm Bill programs is highly desirable.

Licenses/Certifications

• Valid state motor vehicle operator's license required and must be maintained throughout employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with USDA NRCS conservation programs, particularly Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) and Wetland Reserve Easements (WRE).
• Experience developing and implementing wetland restoration and habitat management plans.
• Working knowledge of conservation planning and environmental compliance requirements.
• Experience with ArcGIS, GPS technology, and conservation planning tools.
• Experience conducting biological monitoring, habitat assessments, and conservation project evaluations.
• Ability to provide technical assistance and training to conservation professionals and landowners.
• Familiarity with migratory bird, waterfowl, and wetland-dependent wildlife habitat management.
• Experience working with private landowners and conservation partners.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Working knowledge of wetland ecology, hydrology, and wetland-associated plant and animal communities.
• Knowledge of wildlife habitat management principles, particularly for migratory birds and waterfowl.
• Understanding of federal and state regulations related to wetlands, threatened and endangered species, invasive species, and environmental compliance.
• Familiarity with USDA Farm Bill conservation programs, including Wetland Reserve Easements (WRE), preferred.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while maintaining effective collaboration with agency personnel, landowners, and conservation partners.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to safely operate four-wheel-drive vehicles, UTVs/ATVs, trailers, and other field equipment.
• Ability to travel throughout Illinois, including occasional overnight travel.
• Ability to work outdoors in remote locations and under adverse weather conditions.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to perform a combination of office and extensive fieldwork activities.
• Ability to traverse uneven terrain, wetlands, agricultural landscapes, and remote project sites.
• Ability to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions.
• Ability to lift and carry field equipment and supplies necessary to perform assigned duties.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Travel Requirements

Estimated Percentage of Travel: 30–50%

Type of Travel: Day trips and occasional overnight travel throughout Illinois.

Valid Driver's License Required: Yes

The selected candidate must be willing to travel throughout Illinois and utilize a personal vehicle for mileage reimbursement when a fleet vehicle is unavailable.

Salary

Salary Range: $54,360 – $58,000 annually

Salary will be based on experience and education.

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

Miscellaneous Information

Position Term: December 2026 – 2030 (anticipated extension beyond 2030, funding dependent)

Application Deadline: November 30, 2026 

Job Classification: Exempt

To Apply

Please complete all application materials and attach:

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Three Professional References

Applications will be accepted through November 30, 2026, or until a qualified applicant is identified.

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, 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 opportunities 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.