Habitat Restoration Specialist

position Summary

The Monarch Joint Venture (MJV), in partnership with Ducks Unlimited (DU) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), is hiring a full-time Pollinator Habitat & Easement Specialist to accelerate conservation delivery in one of Minnesota’s most ecologically significant prairie-wetland landscapes: the Fergus Falls Wetland Management District (WMD).

This position will fill a critical gap in the delivery of monarch and native pollinator habitat conservation for the Prairie Pothole Region in Minnesota. Working as part of a cohesive team alongside biologists and engineers from DU, USFWS, and MJV, Specialists will play a central role in advancing permanent easement delivery and habitat restoration efforts that support pollinators and broader prairie-wetland biodiversity.

The Specialist will help plan and oversee wetland and grassland restorations, manage contractor activities, collect and analyze site data, and track deliverables for reporting. This is a hands-on, field-based position that requires strong technical skills, ecological knowledge, and a collaborative mindset. Throughout the process, the Specialist will work closely with all project partners to ensure that monarch and pollinator conservation outcomes are fully integrated and optimized across all stages of planning, implementation, and long-term management.

Key Responsibilities

• Work with USFWS and DU staff to plan, design, and deliver wetland and grassland restoration projects on USFWS Habitat jobshiringnearme.org Easements and other protected lands.
• Identify degraded wetlands and native grasslands on easement parcels in need of enhancement using GIS, aerial imagery, and field investigations.
• Conduct field data collection using soil probes, tile probes, core samplers, laser levels, and Trimble GPS units to inform site assessments and restoration design.
• With the help of DU and USFWS biologists and engineers, design restoration plans involving ditch plugs, berm construction, tile breaks, sediment removal, tree removal, and native seeding.
• Help prepare bid packages and oversee contractor work for quality control, safety compliance, and restoration effectiveness.
• Occasionally support habitat maintenance activities for partner projects within the area as needed, such as prescribed fire, interseeding, or invasive/woody species control.
• Monitor pollinator habitat outcomes, incorporating monarch-specific protocols where appropriate, and coordinate with MJV’s science team.
• Document project activities with GPS mapping, before/after photography, field notes, and brief summary reports for internal tracking and public communications.
• Track and verify project invoices and assist with grant reporting to multiple funders
• Maintain strong communication and coordination with DU, USFWS, and MJV teams, as well as private landowners and local agency partners.

Recommended Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in ecology, wildlife biology, natural resource management, or a related field
• At least 1–2 years of relevant work experience in habitat restoration, easement coordination, or landowner engagement
• Knowledge of prairie, wetland, and pollinator ecology
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively across agencies and organizations
• Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Willingness to work outdoors in variable conditions for extended durations and travel regularly throughout the area
• Proven ability to safely handle physical tasks such as lifting, digging, or carrying materials in the field
• Valid driver’s license

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with restoration contract management, equipment operation oversight, or engineering design support.
• Training in prescribed fire or invasive species management techniques.
• Understanding of monarch biology and native pollinator habitat needs.
• Skills in data management, reporting, and spatial analysis.
• Familiarity with private lands conservation programs or permanent easement tools
• Familiarity with Trimble/other in-field GPS survey equipment
• GIS/data management skills
• Passion for monarch and pollinator conservation

Physical Requirements

This position will operate in a mix of indoor (office-based) and outdoor (field-based) environments. Field work may include exposure to varying weather conditions, rugged terrain, and wildlife. Specific requirements include:

• Mobility: Capable of traveling to and working from conservation sites within the Fergus Falls Wetland Management District
• Lifting and Carrying: Capable to lift and transport equipment, tools, and supplies, occasionally of substantial weight or irregular shape.
• Bending and Stooping: Comfortable with bending down or stooping to pick up items.
• Manual Dexterity: Proficient use of hands and fingers for typing, writing, and operating field and office equipment.
• Sitting: Ability to sit for extended periods while performing office-based computer tasks.
• Focus and Concentration: Ability to concentrate on detailed tasks and maintain focus.
• Sensory Abilities: Ability to use sensory abilities to perceive and analyze information from computer screens, written documents, and/or verbal communication.

About Us

The Monarch Joint Venture is a national nonprofit organization working to conserve monarch butterflies and other pollinators through habitat conservation, education, and research. We work in close partnership with federal and state agencies, nonprofit organizations, researchers, and communities across the country.

The Monarch Joint Venture is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and welcome applications from all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status. We strive to ensure equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants and foster an environment free from discrimination and harassment. MJV values diversity in all forms and is dedicated to promoting fairness, equity, and respect throughout our organization.

The Monarch Joint Venture is an at-will employer.