Job Description

Rice Stewardship Coordinator

Jonesboro, AR

Ducks Unlimited in Jonesboro, AR, is soliciting resumes for a full-time Rice Stewardship Coordinator. The Coordinator will play a lead role in setting the course for future conservation growth and supply chain support as this successful program continues to grow. USA Rice and Ducks Unlimited, Inc. (DU) established the Rice Stewardship Partnership in February 2013 to conserve three critical natural resources: working rice lands, water, and waterfowl. This long-term conservation effort is delivered through a three-pronged approach of on-the-ground conservation, advocacy, and state/regional policy efforts. This is a full-time exempt position, co-funded by USA Rice, DU, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), and supply chain corporations. The Coordinator will be employed through Ducks Unlimited as staff of the Rice Stewardship Partnership and will report to DU's Manager of Agricultural Programs in Jonesboro, AR, with substantial direction from USA Rice Director of Grower Relations in Little Rock, AR.


Travel to adjacent rice-growing states and meeting locations will be required. Duties will require overnight travel, both within and outside the state. Duties will at times require long hours and fieldwork in extreme weather conditions.

Duties and Responsibilities

Conservation planning, on-the-ground delivery coordination, research/ outcomes metrics, and development fundraising. Implement QA/QC protocol for conservation contracts, lead conservation practice retention research, integrate findings into future Rice Stewardship and NRCS conservation practices, and provide technical assistance efforts. Coordinate with the DU Engineering team for surface water irrigation projects, improve and promote rice-based conservation programs, and lead our on-the-ground team in northeastern Arkansas and southeastern Missouri. Work with the DU Science Team to produce and validate outcomes-based performance metrics and deploy the Sentinel radar remote sensing platform to identify and quantify surface-water management projects on program fields. Lead progression of partnerships' 4R nutrient management efforts, ensuring producers and fertilizer retailers analyze results, adapt prescriptions, and increase on-farm efficiencies and yields. Work with current financial sponsors and current large corporate in-kind sponsors to create shared value for Rice Stewardship. Assist the DU Development Fundraising Team in crafting funding proposals for the above and already identified prospects. Study relevancy leading to recruitment strategies for new rice supply chain financial sponsors. Assist with or lead NRCS and other related grant applications to secure funding for programmatic and technical assistance to rice producers and work to recruit new rice supply chain financial sponsors.

Qualifications:

Candidates must have the following qualifications:

Candidates should have 5-10 years of field experience with a minimum of a B.S. in wildlife, agriculture, or a related field. Candidates should have knowledge of agricultural principles and specifically working knowledge of rice agriculture in the lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley (Mid-South). Candidates should have experience with regenerative agriculture, with a focus on no-till practices, crop rotations, 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 a working knowledge of NRCS conservation programs. Specific expertise in NRCS conservation practices, planning, and financial assistance contracts. Candidates should have the ability to work with producers, and research and land management professionals are desired. Experience with field research is desired, particularly knowledge and experience in various soil-testing methods. Familiarity with the region's biological resources, local and regional environmental issues and private and public stakeholders is beneficial. Candidates should have solid organizational skills, demonstrated ability to prioritize, plan, and execute strategies and objectives; set and meet timelines. Candidates should possess strong personal skills to effectively communicate with Mid-South producers, NRCS staff, other governmental staff, supply chain partners, and the public. Must possess a valid driver's license with a clean driving record and pass a pre-employment drug screen.

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.

To apply:

Please fill out all application materials and attach your (a) cover letter, (b) resume, and (c) three professional references.

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.