Conservation Biologist

Position Summary: The Mason-Lake Conservation District is seeking a Conservation Biologist to provide technical guidance and consulting services to private landowners seeking to manage and conserve their natural resources. This fast-paced position will work with diverse landscapes including forests, open lands, dunes, inland lakes and streams, and agricultural operations. The position is grant-funded through the Conservation Partners Program with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and offers opportunities for outreach, education, partnership development and interdisciplinary conservation projects.

The Conservation Biologist will conduct one-on-one site visits and provide technical recommendations, conservation plans and guidance on best management practices. Responsibilities will include advising and mentoring landowners on native habitat restoration, soil health, invasive species management, regenerative agriculture, forestry, water quality and riparian or lakeshore restoration. Projects may include tree and shrub plantings, native wildflower and pollinator habitat, invasive shrub removal, reduced tillage, cover crops, precision agriculture, forestry improvements, agroforestry, erosion control, natural shoreline restoration and agricultural practices that reduce sediment and nutrient impacts to waterways. The Biologist will work closely with NRCS and other conservation partners, utilizing current research and NRCS conservation planning standards to help landowners plan, implement and maintain conservation practices.

Position Duties: Provide on-site and in-office technical assistance to private landowners; develop conservation plans and recommendations; assist landowners with project planning and mapping using Google Earth, ArcGIS Online, sketches and field layouts; work closely with NRCS and other public and private resource professionals to support holistic natural resource management; develop partnerships with parks, drainage authorities, MSU Extension, lake and watershed associations, Tribal partners and community organizations; organize and promote workshops, seminars and field days; assist landowners with Farm Bill and State Conservation Programs; source seed and plant materials; track grant deliverables, client interactions and project progress using Google Suite, PLET, NRCS software and internal systems; prepare staff and grant progress reports; attend relevant training; support Conservation District programs, office operations and community events; promote conservation best management practices through websites, newsletters and social media; prepare and deliver public presentations on soil, water and natural resource conservation topics; and perform other duties as assigned by the Executive Director.

Project Management and Outreach: The position provides opportunities to identify local natural resource needs, develop solutions, build relationships with landowners and community partners, and coordinate resources to implement conservation projects. Responsibilities may include grant reporting and writing, project management, budgeting and contractor coordination, with support from the Executive Director.

Required Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management or a related field required, along with at least four years of experience in field biology, agriculture or conservation fieldwork. Strong technical knowledge of natural resource management practices and the ability to quickly learn new conservation practices independently are required. Candidates should be self-directed, creative problem solvers with strong relationship-building and communication skills and the ability to effectively promote conservation practices to landowners. Proficiency with Google Drive, Microsoft Office and shared computer networks is required, along with the ability to learn GIS-based planning and modeling software. Strong organizational and time management skills are essential. Must be able to work efficiently indoors and outdoors year-round in varying weather and rough terrain, including bending, lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds. Valid driver’s license and clean driving record required. Occasional travel, including overnight stays, is required. Must be able to pass a Federal Background Security Check.

Preferred Qualifications: Familiarity with native plants, wildlife habitat, forestry, stream management and agricultural best management practices is preferred. Experience applying scientific research to conservation planning and education, compiling project data, tracking budgets, preparing grant reports and communicating with diverse audiences is highly desirable. A positive attitude, collaborative approach and good sense of humor are valued.