Regional Biologist – North Atlantic Coast

Ducks Unlimited, Inc., the world’s leading wetland and waterfowl conservation organization, seeks a highly motivated biologist to join our Coastal 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 coastal wetland restoration and enhancement projects across southern New England and the Mid-Atlantic 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, partners, landowners, and agencies to advance the restoration and protection coastal habitats and will require coordinating with both internal and external stakeholders to establish priorities and identify new marsh conservation projects. The ideal candidate will be self-directed with a strong sense of initiative and adaptability that can work independently to identify opportunities focused on enhancement and restoration of wetlands and associated habitats to fulfill DU’s waterfowl habitat conservation objectives within the coastal zones. 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 coastal wetland projects on both public and private lands.
• Lead all aspects of marsh 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.
• 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, NGO’s, private landowners, etc. that promote and lead to the successful implementation of wetland conservation efforts.
• Writes, submits and administers grants and funding proposals to various agencies, foundations, corporations, and other funding 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 on developing and managing coastal 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.
• Works with the New England Regional Biologist and other relevant staff to build and implement an effective, sustainable conservation program to develop a coordinated conservation strategy that supports the mission of Ducks Unlimited and regional priorities.
• Collaborates with DU’s Ecosystem Services team to identify and advance nature-based solutions for coastal wetland and community resilience
• Represent DU on various working groups, committees, partnerships, and task forces, etc. to develop partnerships and guide the establishment of coastal restoration priorities and coordinate with partners on project tracking and grant funding opportunities, et cetera.
• Support public policy objectives in coordination with DU Regional Biologists, Manager of Conservation Programs, Director of Conservation Programs, Public Policy staff and DU volunteers.
• 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 continually incorporate development strategies and to help with fundraising.
• Other duties as assigned that advance the mission of Ducks Unlimited and the regional program.

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 New England Regional Biologist III. This position is remote work eligible with a preferred location within the region of responsibility (southern New England) or our North Atlantic Regional Office in Syracuse, NY.

To maintain project timelines, we have a preferred start date on or before October 1, 2025.

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 wetlands restoration and enhancement projects, especially coastal marsh restoration.
• Strong background in coastal wetland ecology and management with an emphasis on restoration, waterfowl, and other wetland dependent birds with knowledge of and experience with coastal 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.