Regional Biologist

Ducks Unlimited, Inc., the world’s leading wetland and waterfowl conservation organization, seeks a highly motivated biologist to join our Great Lakes Initiative 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 coastal and inland wetland restoration, enhancement and protection projects across Ohio 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: 

This position will work closely with DU staff, conservation partners, landowners, and funding agencies to advance the conservation of wetland and associated upland habitats.  This will require coordinating with both internal and external stakeholders to establish priorities and identify new wetland conservation projects. The ideal candidate will have a strong work ethic, be a self-starter, that is highly motivated with a strong sense of initiative and adaptability that can work independently and as part of a team to fulfill DU’s waterfowl habitat conservation objectives within Ohio. The Regional Biologist I will have a multi-program responsibility, including private and public land programs with primary focus on wetland restoration/enhancement. The successful candidate will be responsible for project development, funding, and management including the following duties:

• Develop, coordinate, and implement wetland projects on both public and private lands.
• Lead all aspects of wetland restoration planning, project development, and implementation, including identification and coordination with partners and landowners, identifying/applying for funding, mapping, site assessment, assisting our engineering team with restoration design, permitting, implementation oversite, contract management, project accounting, partner coordination and reporting.
• Manage the Ohio conservation budget.
• 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.
• Develop/maintain relationships with conservation partners including municipalities, state and federal agencies, NGOs, and private landowners that promote and lead to the successful implementation of wetland conservation efforts.
• Write, submit and administer grants and funding proposals to various agencies, foundations, corporations, and other sources to secure project funds for habitat conservation work, including development of project cost estimates.
• Collaborate with DU’s science and development teams and conservation partners to develop and manage 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 conservation strategies and opportunities.
• Work with the relevant staff to build and implement an effective, sustainable conservation program and develop a coordinated conservation strategy that supports the mission of Ducks Unlimited.
• Collaborate with DU’s Ecosystem Services team to identify and advance nature-based solutions for wetland and community resilience.
• Represent DU on various working groups, committees, partnerships, and task forces. Support state and regional public policy objectives.
• Coordinate with DU staff including Communications staff regarding public outreach and media needs; Administrative staff regarding the smooth operation of programs and budget management; and Development staff to incorporate fundraising strategies into the Ohio conservation program, , including the coordination of Donor events.
• Other duties as assigned that advance the mission of Ducks Unlimited.

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 but does require periods of frequent travel, including overnight and out-of-state trips.

This position will report to the Director of Conservation Programs for the Great Lakes Initiative. This position is remote work eligible with a preferred location in our Great Lakes Atlantic Regional Office in Dexter, MI; however, working remotely in northwest Ohio also will be considered.

To maintain project timelines, we have a preferred start date on or before January 5, 2026.

QUALIFICATIONS:  

• Bachelor of Science degree (M.S. preferred) in Wildlife Biology, Ecology, Environmental Sciences, or related natural resources field with 3-5+ years of directly related experience developing and managing wetland protection, restoration and enhancement projects.
• Experience writing funding proposals and managing grants.
• Strong background in wetland ecology and management with an emphasis on restoration, waterfowl, and other wetland dependent birds with knowledge of and experience with restoration techniques, modeling, hydrology and restoration monitoring.
• Detail oriented and well organized with the ability to manage multiple projects and budgets.
• Excellent management and leadership skills, grounded in a commitment to collaboration with and support of staff.
• Confidence to create strong relationships with staff, volunteers, and community members and the written and verbal communication skills to work with a wide range of people.
• Proficiency in GIS (ArcGIS Online, ArcPro, and Field Maps) and familiarity of state and wetland conservation programs, policies, and laws is preferred.