Regional Biologist II - New England Coast

Ducks Unlimited, Inc. • Syracuse, NY

5d • $75,000 - $85,000 • Remote

About The Position

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 II 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 New England (Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts) to support DU’s waterfowl and wetlands conservation mission. 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 Coastal Manager. This position is remote work eligible with a preferred location within the region of responsibility (New England). As a remote employee, you may be required to report at any time, with reasonable notice, into a DU office (or other designated location) for meetings and other business needs.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree (M.S. preferred) in Wildlife Biology, Ecology, Environmental Sciences, or related natural resources field with 5-8+ years of directly related experience developing and managing wetlands restoration and enhancement projects, with a preference for coastal marsh restoration experience.
• 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.
• Experience mentoring staff or leading small teams, including technicians or junior biologists.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• Proficiency in GIS (ArcGIS Online, ArcPro, and Field Maps) and familiarity of state and wetland conservation programs, policies, and laws is preferred.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Lead development and submission of competitive, multi-partner grant proposals, with an expectation of securing project funding within the first 1–2 years of employment.
• Identify and cultivate new funding opportunities, including federal programs (e.g., NAWCA, NOAA, NRCS, EPA), foundations, and state sources, to grow DU’s coastal and working lands portfolio.
• 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 Coastal Manager, Regional Biologists 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.
• Represent DU on state and regional working groups, technical committees, and partnerships, helping shape conservation priorities, funding strategies, and project pipelines across coastal and working lands systems.
• 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.
• Provide mentorship and technical guidance to Ducks Unlimited staff, including supporting-early career biologists and contributing to staff development across the region.
• Serve as a resource to DU staff on federal and regional funding programs, providing strategic guidance on program eligibility, positioning, and partnership development to improve proposal competitiveness.
• Other duties as assigned that advance the mission of Ducks Unlimited and the regional program.

Benefits

• comprehensive group medical, prescription, dental and vision insurance, including spouse and dependent coverage
• three weeks paid vacation
• paid sick leave
• ten paid holidays
• 401(k) plan (including partial employer match)
• tuition reimbursement

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level