Seasonal Agronomy Technicians – South Dakota

The Great Plains Regional Office of Ducks Unlimited, Inc. (DU) is soliciting resumes for two agronomy summer technicians for South Dakota. The incumbents will work under the direction of a DU Agronomist and become part of a team of agronomists, biologists, engineers, and other professionals. The incumbents will focus primarily in the Prairie Pothole Region of eastern South Dakota and be involved in a variety of tasks related to DU’s Soil Health Program. The position location will be Brookings, South Dakota, and last from early May until early August 2023.

Duties and Responsibilities
Incumbents’ duties and responsibilities will include: conducting various soil health tests and collecting soil and tissue samples for testing on properties enrolled in one of DU’s soil health programs, assisting with cover crop and soil health outreach efforts to landowners, planting and monitoring cover crop test plots and other cover crops fields, coordinating with DU biological staff on research and monitoring efforts focused at documenting benefits of soil health to waterfowl and wetlands resulting from the implementation of soil health practices. Monitoring activities may include a variety of soil health tests, including conducting infiltration tests and collecting soil and tissue samples for later laboratory analysis by others. Incumbents may also be asked to represent DU at various venues, including venues designed to promote soil health practices to producers. Incumbents may also be asked to help develop written materials, including grant proposals, seeking funds for a variety of soil health related activities. Ability to work outside in unfavorable weather conditions is a requirement.

Qualifications

• Candidates must have at a minimum, one year of advanced education in the field of agronomy or a closely related field.
• Experience and education related to cover crops, no-till practices, and other soil health practices is desirable.
• Experience working on a farm is desirable.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to use personal computers are required.
• Ability to work independently is necessary.
• Ability to work with producers, research, and land management professionals is desired.
• Familiarity with the region’s biological resources and agricultural operations is beneficial.
• Demonstrate ability to work independently with little direct supervision.

If selected, applicants must have a valid driver’s license and clean driving record and will also be required to complete pre-employment screenings successfully with acceptable results prior to the start date.

Salary: $16.00 per hour/ Housing Stipend will be issued

Employment Classification: Seasonal- Not eligible for benefits

Employment Duration: May 1, 2023- August 31, 2023

Application

To apply, access job announcement at www.ducks.org/jobs; complete the electronic application; and attach a letter of interest, current resume, and daytime contact information (email and phone numbers) for three references. Applications will be considered as they are received, and position will remain open until filled. Questions regarding the position can be directed to:

Brian Chatham

Agronomist—SD

Ducks Unlimited, Inc.

Phone: 605.633.2690

DUCKS UNLIMITED, INC. IS AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

It is the policy of Ducks Unlimited, Inc. to afford equal employment opportunity 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 fe