Regional Biologist II - New England Coast

Ducks Unlimited • Syracuse, NY

4d • Remote

About The Position

Ducks Unlimited, Inc. is seeking a motivated biologist to join their Coastal Conservation Team. This role involves working with a team to identify, develop, fund, and implement coastal wetland restoration and enhancement projects across New England (Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts). The position is full-time and salaried, with a balance of office and field work. It is predominantly office-based but requires frequent travel, including overnight and out-of-state trips. The position is remote work eligible with a preferred location within the New England region. As a remote employee, occasional reporting to a DU office may be required. The preferred start date is early September 2026.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree in Wildlife Biology, Ecology, Environmental Sciences, or related natural resources field.
• 5-8+ years of directly related experience developing and managing wetlands restoration and enhancement projects.
• Strong background in coastal wetland ecology and management with an emphasis on restoration, waterfowl, and other wetland dependent birds.
• 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.
• Written and verbal communication skills to work with a wide range of people.
• Proficiency in GIS (ArcGIS Online, ArcPro, and Field Maps).
• Familiarity of state and wetland conservation programs, policies, and laws.

Nice To Haves

• M.S. degree preferred.
• Preference for coastal marsh restoration experience.

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 partner and landowner coordination, funding applications, mapping, site assessment, design assistance, permitting, implementation oversight, contract management, project accounting, and reporting.
• Collaborate and coordinate with agency partners, stakeholder groups, DU biological and engineering staff, consultants, and regulatory agencies to ensure timely and on-budget project delivery.
• Develop and maintain relationships with conservation partners (municipalities, state/federal agencies, NGOs, private landowners) to promote wetland conservation efforts.
• Lead the development and submission of competitive, multi-partner grant proposals, with an expectation of securing project funding within the first 1-2 years.
• Identify and cultivate new funding opportunities from federal programs (NAWCA, NOAA, NRCS, EPA), foundations, and state sources.
• Collaborate with DU science and development teams and conservation partners on developing and managing coastal habitat conservation programs, including strategic conservation plans, landowner outreach, conservation easements, land acquisitions, and other conservation strategies.
• Build and implement an effective, sustainable conservation program with the New England Coastal Manager and other relevant staff to develop a coordinated conservation strategy.
• Represent DU on state and regional working groups, technical committees, and partnerships to shape conservation priorities, funding strategies, and project pipelines.
• 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 Communications staff for public outreach and media needs.
• Coordinate with DU Administrative staff for program operations and budget management.
• Coordinate with DU Development staff to incorporate development strategies and assist with fundraising.
• Provide mentorship and technical guidance to Ducks Unlimited staff, including supporting early-career biologists and contributing to staff development.
• Serve as a resource to DU staff on federal and regional funding programs, providing strategic guidance on program eligibility, positioning, and partnership development.
• Perform 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