Restoration Biologist

The Western Region of Ducks Unlimited, Inc. (DU) has an opening for a restoration biologist to help deliver and promote DU’s on-the-ground conservation programs primarily in northern Utah, with strong focus on the Bear River and Great Salt Lake. Ducks Unlimited’s Northern Great Basin Program works to increase the pace and scale of ecologically sound conservation practices that benefit migratory and resident waterbirds, as well as other priority species, in wetlands, floodplains, riparian corridors and working agricultural lands throughout the program area.  The incumbent will become part of a team of biologists, engineers, and support staff responsible for implementing DU’s mission of conserving, enhancing, and restoring wetlands and associated habitats.  The specific workstation is to be determined but will be situated within the area of focus and may include work from home, a workspace at a partner agency office or a hybrid arrangement.  This is a full-time, salaried position with a competitive benefits package.  Salary will be commensurate with work experience.

Duties and Responsibilities
The primary responsibility of this position will be to serve as the project coordinator for a large, multi-year ecosystem restoration project DU and the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands are initiating on the lower Bear River between Cutler Dam and the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge.  This is a multi-year, watershed restoration project that will include an assessment of baseline conditions, development of a restoration action plan and implementation of restoration projects within a 65-mile reach of the river.  The project will prioritize streambank stabilization, riparian habitat restoration and floodplain reconnection.  Incumbent’s duties and responsibilities will include a variety of project support functions including scope and budget development, progress status tracking and reporting, coordination and facilitation of meetings, project delivery support, and workload forecasting. This position will have the opportunity to participate in and assist with implementation of all aspects of the project.  This position will coordinate and engage regularly with project team members, our clients and other stakeholders to ensure that project deliverables are high quality, on schedule, and within budget.

Other duties may include landowner outreach and technical assistance related to wetland conservation focused public funding programs, initiating and managing habitat enhancement, restoration and protection projects; representing DU at conservation venues; promoting conservation activities on public and private lands; developing new and participating in existing conservation initiatives with emphasis on land protection, water conservation activities and sustainability of working landscapes. Project initiation duties include identifying potential projects; developing/maintaining relationships with public and private landowners and agencies; and identifying and securing funding for project activities. Project management/delivery duties include coordinating with landowners, DU engineering and environmental compliance staff, consultants, regulatory and funding agencies to ensure timely and on-budget completion of projects.  Negotiation of project agreements, report writing, budget management, biological technical assistance, and entering project tracking data in DU’s business information systems would also be required.

The Restoration Biologist will write and submit funding proposals to various agencies, foundations, and other sources to secure project funds. Incumbent will also establish and maintain relationships with DU Volunteers and Fundraising staff, provide DU management with timely communication on project work and issues in the area, and assist DU communications staff with outreach to promote DU’s mission and programs.

Qualifications
Candidates must have a Bachelor of Science degree in a natural resources field. An advanced degree is desirable. Applicants must have at least five years of relevant experience and must have a working knowledge of wetland and riverine ecology; waterfowl, shorebird, and waterbird biology; and state and federal wetland conservation programs, policies, and laws.  Due to the primary focus of this position, direct experience with planning and implementing riverine restoration in Great Basin landscapes and coordination of large scale, multidisciplinary environmental restoration projects are highly desirable.  Knowledge of managed freshwater wetlands and saline lake ecology and related restoration and enhancement strategies are beneficial.  Experience with land protection, water efficiency projects, and sustainable agriculture is also desirable.

Excellent written and oral communication skills, a collaborative approach and interest in working with a team are desirable.  The ability to use personal computers and a good understanding of Excel, Word, Teams and SharePoint are required. Proven proposal/grant writing skills, grant and project management capabilities, and completion of restoration and enhancement activities are desired.

Familiarity with current science, issues and conservation efforts within the Bear River and Great Salt Lake Ecosystem and regional and state conservation funding sources is beneficial.  Experience working with a broad range of partners and stakeholders including government agencies, NGOs, private landowners and tribal entities is critical.