Overview

The Great Plains Region of Ducks Unlimited, Inc. (DU) is seeking an experienced biologist for South Dakota. The biologist will work under the direction of the manager of conservation programs for South Dakota and be part of a team of biologists, agronomists, and other professionals. The incumbent will focus primarily in the Prairie Pothole Region of South Dakota and be responsible for the restoration, protection, and enhancement of wetlands and associated habitats important to breeding waterfowl and other wetland dependent species. Position location is negotiable but must be in eastern South Dakota.

Duties and responsibilities will include finding, initiating, managing, and delivering wetland enhancement, restoration, and protection projects in South Dakota, with a focus in eastern South Dakota; representing DU at wetland conservation venues; assisting with a variety of fundraising activities, including working with major donors; and other conservation activities. Project initiation duties include identifying potential projects, developing/maintaining relationships with public and private landowners and agencies that may partner with DU to enhance and restore wetlands, and identifying and securing funding from a wide variety of sources for project work. Project management and delivery duties include coordinating with landowners and other stakeholders, DU engineering staff, consultants, and regulatory agencies to ensure timely and on-budget delivery of projects. Negotiation of project agreements, report writing, budget management, and biological technical assistance would also be required. The biologist will coordinate with conservation partners to write and submit proposals to various agencies, foundations, and other funding sources to secure project funds. Incumbent will also establish and maintain relationships with key DU volunteers and development staff and provide DU management with timely reports and assist communications staff with articles to promote and describe the work. Duties may periodically include work with overnight travel, sometimes outside of South Dakota.

Qualifications

Candidate must have a minimum of a Bachelor of Science degree in a natural resources field—an advanced degree is desirable. Applicants must also have relevant experience and have a working knowledge of wetland ecology, waterfowl, shorebird, and water bird biology, particularly waterfowl breeding ecology; and state and federal wetland conservation programs. Demonstrated experience with various state and federal regulatory requirements (e.g. National Historic Preservation Act and Clean Water Act) as they relate to wetland restoration and enhancement is beneficial. Excellent written and oral communication skills are required. Proven proposal/grant writing skills, project management capabilities and wetland restoration and enhancement experience are desired. Field experience and proven ability to work with producers and conservation managers is important. Basic knowledge and application of land surveying is helpful, as is familiarity with the safe use of ATVs and other machinery. Familiarity with the region’s biological resources, local and regional environmental issues, and private and public stakeholders is beneficial.

To apply, please fill out the application materials on this link and attach a cover letter, resume and references by close of business August 9, 2019. For more information regarding this position or to request application materials, please contact Bruce Toay at btoay@ducks.org or (605) 380-0684.