Overview

Work as a member of Ducks Unlimited’s conservation team in North Dakota to deliver wetland conservation projects in the state with a targeted focus on the prairie pothole region. The successful applicant will primarily work with landowners and conservation partners to identify and develop wetland conservation projects that provide critical benefits to breeding waterfowl through federal, state, and other public funding opportunities.

Specific Duties:

• Work with public and private landowners to identify and implement wetland conservation projects.
• Advise landowners of opportunities to consider and enroll in available voluntary conservation programs available from federal, state, and other organizations.
• Assist fundraising staff with cultivating private contributions to the prairie pothole region.
• Coordinate restoration and land protection activities with other organizations and partners.
• Assist the North Dakota conservation team to analyze the effectiveness of conservation actions to improve and protect waterfowl habitat in high priority regions of North Dakota.
• Assist the North Dakota conservation team in public grant writing efforts to help secure the funding necessary to achieve the goals of DU’s prairie pothole initiative.
• Work with local DU committees to provide information on DU conservation efforts and assist with fundraising efforts as appropriate.
• Assist in developing press releases, articles, and presentations that increase public awareness of the issues surrounding waterfowl habitat in the prairie pothole region, the various efforts undertaken and/or supported by DU, and the successes achieved by DU and partners.

Qualifications:

• Demonstrated passion for conserving wetland ecosystems and waterfowl resources.
• Extensive knowledge of wetland ecology, wetland and grassland management, and waterfowl biology.
• Ability to work with farmers, ranchers, agency biologists, DU volunteers, and DU major donors.
• Experience with wetland restoration and enhancement practices including hydrology restoration, watershed improvements, and grassland enhancement preferred.
• Experience with soil health, function, and regenerative agriculture practices in the U.S. Great Plains preferred.
• Experience with USDA Farm Bill conservation programs and federal conservation easement options preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate with conservation partners towards a strategic goal.
• Knowledge of state and federal agencies and conservation programs working to protect and restore wetlands and grasslands in an agriculturally dominated landscape.
• Demonstrated skills in written communications, public speaking, and establishing good working relationships with landowners and partners.
• Experience with non-profit fundraising efforts preferred.
• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in wildlife biology or a related field.