Easement Program Specialist – Remote

This a Full Remote job, the offer is available from: United States Easement Program Specialist Remote Work Ducks Unlimited (DU) is an American nonprofit conservation organization 501(c) with a mission to conserve, restore, and manage wetlands and associated habitats for North America's waterfowl. This mission closely parallels the goals and mission of one of DU’s biggest partners, the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), and specifically their conservation easement programs administered through the Farm Bill. The NRCS’s Agriculture Conservation Easement Program (ACEP), Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), and the Emergency Watershed Protection Program Floodplain Easements (EWPP-FPE) restore and conserve thousands of acres of wetland and grassland habitat each year. In partnership with NRCS, DU is assisting NRCS with the delivery of conservation easement programs to increase NRCS’s capacity to meet growing funding levels. This position will be home-officed, however, will be expected to travel for team meetings and trainings held by DU and NRCS as necessary. Duties and Responsibilities: The Easement Specialist is a remote position that will support the implementation of NRCS conservation easement programs under the Farm Bill, to restore and conserve wetlands, grasslands, and farmlands nationwide. This position plays a crucial role in helping NRCS enroll and acquire conservation easements. This position involves managing projects from start to completion including reviewing program eligibility documentation, restoration plans, and agreements to ensure compliance with NRCS policies. This position will assist NRCS with the procurement and review of due-diligence documents (appraisals, environmental database reviews, and preliminary title commitments. The successful candidate will be part of an enthusiastic team comprised of federal staff, Ducks Unlimited staff. The candidate must be willing and able to travel as needed, including some overnight travel. This position will consist of office work; no fieldwork will be required. Candidates must have a bachelor's degree in wildlife, environmental science, ecology or related conservation field, preferably a graduate degree. Knowledge of Farm Bill programs, conservation planning, wetland restoration, title work, and proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Acrobat. • Maintain a solid understanding of NRCS’s ACEP and RCPP program policy, bulletins, and national instructions. • Review land eligibility documentation for easement projects and assess whether proper documentation has been provided; work with NRCS State offices to address incomplete eligibility requirements. • Review maps and/or other restoration, conservation, and grassland management plans to ensure adequate information is provided to meet program objectives. • Review programmatic waiver documentation and assess whether waiver request meets criteria; work with NRCS State offices to address incomplete waiver requirements. • Ensure the land eligibility criteria aligns with conservation easement deeds based on programmatic requirements and is adequately entered into the easement business tools. • Conduct a preliminary review of Title Commitments and legal access to assist Realty Specialists. • For Wetland Reserve Easements (WRE), ensure there is a preliminary restoration plan documented in Conservation Desktop that aligns with the enrollment purposes and individual state Wetland Restoration Criteria Guidelines (WRCGs). • Ensure points earned in ranking documents are reflected in restoration plans and conservation easement deeds. • Following NRCS policy standards, review easement agreement packages and quality check them to ensure each is complete and accurate. • Prepare and send outgoing mail through appropriate mailing/shipping providers. • Track assigned easement project from application (project start) through acquisition (project completion) following current NRCS protocols. • Analysis of project completion timelines and proposed actions necessary to complete acquisition. • Coordinate among other team members and participate in standing meetings as requested. Minimum Qualifications: Preferred candidates must have a bachelor's degree in wildlife, environmental science, restoration ecology or related conservation field, preferably a M.S. The successful candidate must have demonstrated the ability to think strategically, manage multiple assignments with different deadlines, and adopt new approaches in response to changing circumstances. Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: • Working knowledge of Farm Bill conservation easement programs. • Experience working with private landowners is preferred. • Ability to work and develop relationships with diverse partners including federal staff, vendors, and land trusts. • Field experience working in wetland, grassland, or other aquatic systems is preferred. • Conservation planning and/or wetland restoration planning experience is preferred. • The ability to review restoration plans, grassland management plans, or conservation management plans is preferred. • Experience with reading/reviewing deeds and familiarity with title work. • Ability to effectively plan, organize and prioritize work activities and complete tasks to meet deadlines. • Computer literacy with a proficiency in ArcGIS, word processing, spreadsheet, and database management programs. • Experience and proven ability to encourage collaboration among diverse project partners, with an ability to create and thrive in a team environment. • Excellent written and oral communication skills, with proven ability to convey information clearly. • Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability, style, and personality to foster collaborative problem-solving and resolve or diffuse conflict. • Ability to work independently and maintain a high level of productivity in a remote work environment. These positions will report directly to DU’s Manager of Conservation Programs – USDA Partnerships. These positions are for a 3-year term with the opportunity to extend based upon funding availability. Benefits/Salary: Salary $65,000 to $75,000, to commensurate with experience & education. 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. Application: Please fill out the application materials attach a cover letter and resume indicating your qualifications and why you are interested in the position. The position will be open until filled. Application Deadline: Applications will be accepted 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. This offer from "Ducks Unlimited" has been enriched by Jobgether.com and got a 80% flex score. Apply tot his job