Regional Biologist – Lafayette, LA

Ducks Unlimited, Inc. • Lafayette, LA

8d • Onsite

About The Position

The Southern Region of Ducks Unlimited, Inc. (DU) is seeking an experienced Regional Biologist for South Louisiana.  The biologist will work under the direction of the Manager of Conservation Programs for South Louisiana and become part of a team of biologists, engineers, and other professionals that are based out of Lafayette, Louisiana.  The focus of this position will primarily be the enhancement and restoration of wetlands and associated habitats important to migrating waterfowl and other wetland dependent fish and wildlife species.  This position will assist with implementing conservation projects on private and public lands in South Louisiana.

Requirements

• Candidates must have a minimum of a Bachelor of Science degree in a natural resources field
• Applicants must also have at least five years of relevant experience and be knowledgeable about wetland and waterfowl ecology and management.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills are essential.
• Proven proposal/grant writing skills, project management capabilities, and wetland restoration and enhancement experience are necessary.
• Applicants should be knowledgeable about state and federal wetland conservation programs, policies, and laws/regulations.

Nice To Haves

• An advanced degree is desired.
• A strong background in ornithology with an emphasis on waterfowl and other wetland dependent birds is desired.
• Experience in providing technical assistance to landowners on how to better manage wetlands for waterfowl is also desired.
• Related experience in soil and water conservation as it pertains to rice agriculture is preferred but not necessary.
• An FAA Remote Pilot Certificate for commercial drone operation is beneficial but not required.
• Familiarity with the region’s biological resources, local and regional environmental issues, and private and public stakeholders is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Managing and delivering wetland enhancement and restoration projects with a focus on DU priority areas in South Louisiana.
• Administering and managing the Louisiana Waterfowl Project and Louisiana Mottled Duck Project.
• Identifying potential projects, working closely with private landowners, providing technical assistance, coordinating with DU engineers, negotiating and executing agreements, managing project and program budgets, ensuring regulatory compliance, drafting reports, working with construction contractors, site monitoring, maintaining relationships with public and private partners, and obtaining funding from a wide variety of sources for project work.
• Writing and submitting proposals to various agencies, foundations, and other funding sources to secure project funds.
• Assisting with fundraising and outreach events, represent DU at wetland conservation venues/events, and help with other conservation activities.
• Establishing and maintaining relationships with key DU volunteers and development staff and provide DU management with timely communication on project work/issues.
• Assisting communication staff with developing articles to promote and describe DU projects.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees