Manitoba Jobs, Manitoba Farms & Conservation

Position: Forage Agrologist
Organization: Ducks Unlimited Canada

Position Details: Full-Time, Existing Vacancy, 12 Month Fixed Term with possibility of extension.
Salary Range: Salary range at $66,100-$82,600, based on a 35-hour work week. Salary for this position will be commensurate with the successful applicant’s education and/or experience as it relates to the position.
Location: Hybrid in Brandon, Manitoba
Closing Deadline: January 5, 2025 (11:59PM EST)

Who We Are

Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC), one of the nation’s leading conservation organizations, is a passionate community of people who believe that nature is the foundation of strong communities, a prosperous economy and a sustainable future that supports the hopes and dreams of the next generation. Together, we conserve and restore some of the most valuable and threatened landscapes on the planet.

What You Will Do

As a Marginal Areas Program Agrologist you will work as a key member of DUC’s Ag Team in Brandon. You will primarily be responsible for the delivery and negotiation of forage programming to Manitoba farmers.

You need to be an enthusiastic team player and passionate about the outdoors – a self-starter who can work with anyone, capable of working alone in rural settings under minimal supervision and recognizes the importance of environmental stewardship within agricultural production systems.

You are independent, resourceful and possess strong leadership, organizational and interpersonal skills and can also manage numerous projects on tight deadlines. Your communication and negotiation skills enable you to deal effectively with primary producers, both in the field and at the kitchen table.

Responsibilities, include but not limited to:

• Working one on one with landowners at the farm gate to provide agronomic advice for the establishment of perennial forages in marginal areas of annual cropland
• Oversee program delivery to restore perennial forage acres on the landscape: sourcing project acres, completing seed orders, creation and maintenance of project tracking sheet, signing contracts with farmers, providing info to program lead for reporting and budgeting purposes
• Conducting field inspections to determine if the forage stand meets the programs establishment guidelines.
• Steward relationships and work closely with private landowners, various conservation partners, and government organizations.
• Managing numerous ongoing project negotiations and being able to effectively track deadlines and monitor progress.

Requirements

• A post-secondary degree in Agriculture or related discipline; must be eligible for a P. Ag designation.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in land securement and or management relating to achieving habitat outcomes
• Knowledge of working farms and practices; specifically crop and forage production systems.
• Knowledge of forage agronomy best management practices, including establishment, species characteristics, fertility, and post-establishment management, forage specifics relating to saline conditions may be considered an asset
• Experience in planning and project management.
• Excellent organization, interpersonal communication skills, both oral and written.
• Strong computer skills – ArcMap may be considered an asset
• Experience with various outdoor equipment including GPS and ATV’s.
• Comfortable conducting heavy lifting and working alone in remote settings, with minimal supervision.
• A valid driver’s license with travel throughout Southern MB
• Comfortable reaching out developing new relationships with local landowners and producers through in-person meetings, phone, and/or mail

Assets

• Network of related contacts within the ag sector
• Previous sales or cold-calling experience
• Knowledge of sustainable resource management
• Familiarity with the non-profit and/or environmental conservation industry
• Knowledge of waterfowl and other animal and plant biology

What We Offer

• 2 weeks’ vacation and paid personal and sick days
• Competitive Health and Wellness benefits that start on your first day of employment.
• Hybrid working arrangements

How to Apply

DUC is proud to be recognized as a non-profit employer of choice for the second year in a row. Working for DUC is a career highlight for many staff. Let us know if making a difference is important to you.

If you are qualified and interested in this opportunity, please visit our online career center to submit your application for confidential consideration.

Please mention you saw this posting at FoodWork.ca.

While DUC would like to thank all applicants, only candidates considered for an interview will be contacted.