Conservation Biologist

About Hudsonia

Hudsonia Ltd. is a nonprofit, non-advocacy environmental research and education organization dedicated to the study and conservation of biodiversity and ecological systems, primarily in the Hudson Valley region of New York State. Hudsonia integrates scientific research, field biology, land-use planning, and professional education to support informed decision-making and biodiversity conservation.  To learn more visit www.hudsonia.org

Position Overview

Hudsonia seeks a highly motivated Conservation Biologist to support biological surveys and research, GIS-based conservation planning, and outreach to other conservation professionals, municipalities and landowners. This role bridges science and decision-making by translating ecological data and principles into practical conservation strategies.

Primary Responsibilities

Field Research & Technical Support (50%)

• Conduct and assist with biological field surveys, including plants, fungi, mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates and habitats
• Collect, manage, and analyze data
• Contribute to research design, literature reviews, technical reports, and scientific publications
• Support specimen curation, data archiving, and project documentation

Municipal Liaison & Conservation Planning (25%)

• Serve as liaison to municipalities, planning boards, conservation advisory councils, and partner organizations
• Lead or contribute to Natural Resource Inventories (NRIs), open space plans, and biodiversity assessments
• Develop and interpret GIS-based maps and technical planning materials to support land-use decisions
• Provide science-based guidance on conservation, habitat management, and ecological planning

Outreach & Education (15%)

• Design and deliver outreach and education programs for municipal leaders, landowners, land trusts, and community groups
• Translate scientific findings into accessible presentations, workshops, and educational materials
• Represent Hudsonia at public meetings, trainings, and regional forums

Administration & Proposal Writing (10%)

• Assist with grant proposal development and fundraising efforts
• Support organizational planning and program growth

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree (graduate degree preferred) in wildlife ecology, botany, natural resource management, environmental science, or a related field
• Minimum three years of professional conservation experience with strong field skills
• Knowledge of northeastern U.S. ecology and plant identification, with expertise in at least one additional taxonomic group
• Experience with GIS and spatial analysis
• Strong technical or scientific writing skills
• Project management experience and ability to supervise staff, interns, or volunteers
• Strong communication skills with technical and non-technical audiences
• Experience working with municipalities, landowners, or community stakeholders
• Valid driver’s license and access to a personal vehicle

Preferred

• Experience developing NRIs, open space plans, or similar conservation planning documents
• Familiarity with Hudson Valley ecosystems and regional conservation issues
• Field experience across multiple taxa and radiotelemetry experience
• Knowledge of R or other data analysis tools
• Teaching, facilitation, or public outreach experience

Physical & Work Requirements

• Ability to conduct fieldwork year-round in varied weather and terrain
• Ability to carry field equipment and work in rugged or wet environments
• Hybrid schedule (3 in-office days and 2 remote days)
• Occasional evening and weekend work; some long-distance travel to field sites

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: $50,000–$60,000, commensurate with experience
• Generous benefits package
• Flexible, collegial work environment
• Professional development opportunities

Reports to: Executive Director / Science Director