Kentucky Easement Specialist (1 Position)
Great Lakes Atlantic Region: USDA Service Center – Kentucky
Full-Time, Term Ducks Unlimited Position
September 2026 – 2030 (Position expected to be extended beyond 2030, funding dependent)
Application Deadline: August 31, 2026 (Open until filled)
Position Location(s): USDA – Madisonville, KY or Mayfield, KY
Ducks Unlimited, Inc. (DU), in partnership with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), is seeking a Kentucky Easement Specialist to provide administrative, technical, and conservation delivery support for the Wetland Reserve Easement (WRE) Program throughout Kentucky. The selected candidate will be based in a USDA Service Center and will work closely with Kentucky NRCS easement and field staff to support wetland conservation easement enrollment, implementation, monitoring, and management. This position is designed to increase statewide capacity for WRE administration and landowner assistance, with a primary focus on Compatible Use Authorization (CUA) development, easement record management, data entry, reporting, and conservation program documentation. The Easement Specialist will serve as a key liaison between field staff, landowners, and program managers to ensure timely and accurate delivery of wetland easement programs.
While the position includes field responsibilities such as landowner visits, easement monitoring, and site evaluations, approximately 70-80% of work time will be office-based, supporting administrative and technical functions associated with the WRE Program. The position offers extensive opportunities for training, professional development, and collaboration with federal, state, and non-governmental conservation partners. The successful applicant will be a full-time employee of DU's Great Lakes Atlantic Regional Office and will work collaboratively with DU and Kentucky NRCS staff while adhering to all applicable conservation program policies, procedures, and directives.
Specific Duties and Responsibilities:
(Approximate percent time spent annually accomplishing each)
70% – Easement Administration, Data Management & Program Support
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Develop, review, and process Compatible Use Authorizations (CUAs) for Wetland Reserve Easements in accordance with NRCS policy and guidance.
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Maintain and update WRE easement records, databases, spreadsheets, and electronic filing systems.
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Enter, track, and manage easement data within USDA software platforms and DU reporting systems.
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Assist NRCS easement specialists and field offices with conservation program documentation, application processing, and contract records.
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Review easement files for completeness and accuracy and identify missing documentation.
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Prepare maps, reports, correspondence, and other materials necessary for easement administration and management.
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Coordinate with NRCS field offices to ensure timely completion of easement-related actions and deliverables.
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Compile monthly, quarterly, and annual accomplishments for internal and partner reporting requirements.
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Assist with tracking easement monitoring schedules, management activities, restoration implementation, and contract obligations.
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Support quality assurance efforts by ensuring compliance with program policies, procedures, and documentation standards.
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Respond to landowner inquiries regarding easement administration, approved uses, and management activities.
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Maintain organized records and provide support during audits, reviews, and program evaluations.
20% – Field Assistance & Easement Monitoring
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Conduct site visits to collect information needed for CUA development and easement management decisions.
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Assist with monitoring Wetland Reserve Easements to assess habitat conditions, restoration performance, and compliance with easement requirements.
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Work directly with landowners to discuss management objectives and conservation opportunities.
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Collect field data, photographs, GPS locations, and other information needed for program documentation and reporting.
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Assist with development of wetland habitat management recommendations and enhancement opportunities.
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Coordinate with NRCS and DU staff during restoration project planning, implementation, and follow-up monitoring.
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Support outreach activities, landowner meetings, workshops, and field demonstrations related to wetland conservation programs.
10% – Professional Development
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Participate in NRCS and Ducks Unlimited training opportunities related to wetland conservation, easement programs, CUA development, GIS, data management, and conservation planning.
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Expand knowledge of federal conservation programs, wetland ecology, and habitat management principles.
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Attend applicable meetings, workshops, and conferences to enhance program delivery and professional effectiveness.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
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Bachelor of Science degree in natural resources, wildlife management, conservation, agriculture, environmental science, or a closely related field.
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Experience with conservation programs, natural resource management, administrative support, or easement delivery is preferred.
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Strong interest in wetland conservation and private lands habitat programs.
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Experience with data management, record keeping, reporting, or database administration is highly desirable.
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Combination of office and field work required.
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Infrequent overnight travel may be required.
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Field duties may require working in remote locations and under adverse weather conditions.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
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Working knowledge of conservation, agricultural, wildlife, or natural resource programs.
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Familiarity with USDA Farm Bill programs and Wetland Reserve Easements preferred.
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Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate records and documentation.
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Demonstrated ability to manage large volumes of data entry and administrative tasks with accuracy and consistency.
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Strong organizational and time-management skills.
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Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, Word, Outlook, and Teams.
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Experience with ArcGIS, GIS platforms, or conservation databases preferred.
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Ability to read and interpret conservation plans, maps, aerial imagery, and program guidance documents.
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Strong written communication skills with emphasis on technical writing and preparation of Compatible Use Authorizations.
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Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary conservation team.
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Strong interpersonal skills and ability to effectively communicate with landowners, agency personnel, and conservation partners.
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Ability to operate four-wheel-drive vehicles and travel to field sites as needed.
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Valid driver's license required.
Benefits/Pay: Salary will be based on experience and education. Salary range of $54,360-55,500 per year. 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.
To Apply: Please complete all application materials and attach your resume, cover letter, and three professional references. Applications will be accepted through August 31st, 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.
