Regional Biologist

Ducks Unlimited, Inc., the world’s leading wetland and waterfowl conservation organization, seeks an experienced biologist to join our Mid Atlantic Conservation Team. As a Regional Biologist I you will work with a team of biologists, engineers, and land protection professionals to identify, develop, fund and implement wetlands restoration and enhancement projects across the Mid-Atlantic states of Delaware, Maryland, and West Virginia to support DU’s waterfowl and wetlands conservation mission.

If you have a passion for wetlands, and the waterfowl and wildlife species that they support, and want to actively contribute to conservation that makes a lasting impact on the environment, then this is the job for you!

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The ideal candidate will be able to work independently, be motivated, and a self-starter adept at identifying opportunities focused on enhancement and restoration of wetlands and associated habitats to fulfill DU’s waterfowl habitat conservation objectives within the Mid-Atlantic. The Mid-Atlantic Regional Biologist will have a multi-program responsibility, including private and public land programs with approximately 80% wetland restoration/enhancement and 20% land protection. The successful candidate will be responsible for project development, funding, and management including the following duties:

• Identify and develop wetlands restoration and enhancement projects that align with DU’s conservation mission.
• Develop/maintain relationships with conservation partners including state and federal agencies, NGO’s, private landowners, etc.
• Write, submit and administer grants and funding proposals to various agencies, foundations, corporations, and other funding sources to secure project funds for habitat conservation work.
• In cooperation with the Mid-Atlantic teams, work with private landowners, DU science and development teams and conservation partners on developing and managing habitat conservation programs including but not limited to, strategic conservation plans, landowner outreach and education, conservation easement projects, facilitated land acquisitions, and the development and implementation of additional land protection strategies and opportunities.
• Build and implement an effective, sustainable conservation program while cooperating with other regional staff on new growth opportunities, including USDA Farm Bill Programs, water quality, climate resiliency, and ecosystem services.
• Manage project accounting, planning, permitting, implementation, partner coordination, and reporting.
• Collaborate and coordinate with agency partners and other stakeholder groups as well as DU biological and engineering staff, consultants, and regulatory agencies to ensure timely and on-budget delivery of projects
• Serve as DU’s representative, and regional waterfowl and wetlands conservation specialist, on various conservation committees, alliances, partnerships, and task forces, etc.
• Assist with fundraising, development, and outreach events, represent DU at wetland conservation venues, and help with other conservation activities.
• Establish and maintain relationships with key DU volunteers and fundraising staff and provide DU management with timely communication on project progress and challenges
• Assist communication staff with developing information to educate and promote DU’s wetland conservation efforts

SCHEDULE: This is a full-time, salaried position. Working hours will be a balance of office and field work, with the approximate allocation dependent on scheduling, seasonal priorities, and other factors. The position is predominantly office-based with frequent travel required, including overnight and out-of-state trips. Other positions may be available based upon experience and education.

This position will report to the Chesapeake Bay Programs Manager with a preferred location in our Mid-Atlantic Field Office in Easton, MD. 

QUALIFICATIONS:  

• Bachelor of Science degree (M.S. preferred) in Wildlife Biology, Ecology, Environmental Sciences, or related natural resources field.
• 3-5+ years related experience developing and managing wetlands restoration and enhancement projects preferred.
• Knowledge of and experience with land trusts and land protection work (fee-title acquisition and easements).
• Knowledge of state and federal lands protection programs and applicable laws, and state and federal wetland conservation programs, policies, and laws.
• Strong background in wetland ecology and management (moist-soil, coastal marsh, forested wetlands) with an emphasis on waterfowl and other wetland dependent birds.
• Experience in delivering wetlands-related ecosystem services projects.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Proven proposal/grant writing skills.
• Excellent relationship building and networking skills.
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a diverse team.