Regional Biologist

Work Area

Position Location: Preferred location would be in Ducks Unlimited Big Rivers Field Office in O’Fallon Illinois but can be flexible within the Illinois River watershed landscape of northern Illinois and Indiana.  Position will often work remotely and travel often (day trips and occasional overnight travel) to complete areawide responsibilities. 

Position Overview

Ducks Unlimited, Inc., the continent’s leader in waterfowl and wetlands conservation is seeking a Regional Biologist stationed in the surrounding Big Rivers Initiative (BRI) area of Illinois and Indiana. The Regional Biologist will become part of a highly motivated team of biologists, engineers, and other professionals responsible for the protection, restoration and enhancement of wetland and associated habitats in Illinois, Indiana, and potentially other surrounding states. Additionally, the Regional Biologist will help support on the ground technical assistance to conservation partners, agencies, producers, and landowners within the BRI Region of Illinois and Indiana.  The selected candidate will build relationships while working closely with state, federal and local agencies, private landowners, and agricultural partners to identify and develop opportunities to implement practices benefiting wetland restoration/enhancement, water quality and soil health.  The successful candidate will have the opportunity to enhance their knowledge of many Ducks Unlimited (DU) conservation programs including wetland restoration/enhancement, agricultural systems, soil health, and wildlife conservation on both public and private lands.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

The primary duties and responsibilities include the initiation, coordination and delivery of public and private wetland conservation projects and other conservation activities in the Illinois River Watershed. Project initiation includes developing relationships with private landowners, public agencies, and other conservation groups to establish and maintain successful partnerships with DU to restore and enhance wetlands and associated habitats. Project delivery includes coordinating with landowners, agency partners, NGOs, DU engineering staff, contractors and permitting agencies to ensure timely and on-budget delivery of projects. Along with other DU BRI staff, management of program budgets, negotiation of project agreements, field monitoring and data entry related to project tracking through DU’s business information system is also required.  

The Regional Biologist will be responsible for writing and submitting grant proposals to various funding agencies, foundations, corporations, and other partners to secure project funds and will also be responsible for the administration of these funds.  In addition, the incumbent will promote DU’s mission and accomplishments to DU members, volunteers, major donors, partners, elected leaders, and media contacts. Establishing and maintaining long-term successful relationships with conservation partners and funding entities are essential. Participation in regional and statewide habitat meetings, trainings and workshops will also be required at times. While not frequent, overnight travel will be required as needed.

Minimum Qualifications: 

Preferred candidates must have a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Biology, Ecology, Agriculture, or related field from an accredited university. At least two years of professional work experience focused on wetland and agriculture systems, wildlife management, programs, practices, and delivery are highly preferred.  The ideal candidate will have a good working knowledge of wetland ecology, natural resource conservation, habitat management plans and specific conservation practices used to improve wetland health and functionality in riverine ecosystems.  Knowledge of local, state, and federal conservation programs and policies (especially NAWCA and Farm Bill) used to protect and restore wetlands and grasslands in agriculturally dominated landscapes also desired.  The ability to work well with diverse teams including DU staff, conservation partners, landowners, agriculture producers, and other professional colleagues will be important. Excellent written and oral communication skills, as well as interpersonal skills, are required. Ability to secure external grant funding and prepare funding reports and manage detailed annual budgets will be key to program success. Position will require frequent work out-of-doors, possibly in inclement weather, and may require physical exertion or lifting as needed.  Candidates must be able and willing to travel as needed, including some overnight travel.  This position will consist of both office and field work.  

Required and Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Possess strong personal skills to effectively communicate with conservation partners, state and federal agency staff, other wildlife professionals and the public.
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal conservation programs and policies (especially NAWCA and Farm Bill) used to protect and restore wetlands and grasslands in agriculturally dominated landscapes.
• Working knowledge of Farm Bill programs such as the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) and Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) also preferred.
• Working knowledge of soil health principles and how they can be applied across different crop/soil systems and their agronomic benefit.
• Knowledge of principles used in the management of migrating waterfowl.
• Specific knowledge in writing and delivering conservation management plans.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office and ArcGIS software.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as a member of a team.
• Ability to effectively plan, organize and prioritize work activities and complete tasks to meet deadlines.
• Effectively prepare and present information on conservation programs to peers and the public through workshops, tours, and other planned events.
• Possess good writing skills for preparation of grants, reports, management plans, etc.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.
• Possess a valid driver’s license and be willing to drive fleet vehicles or personal vehicle for federal mileage reimbursement rate when fleet vehicles are not available.

Benefits/Salary:  DU offers a competitive benefits package. Salary commensurate with education & experience.  Typical starting salary ranges from $57,000 – $70,000/year with a variable compensation incentive program.