Regional Biologist

Regional Biologist Lafayette, LouisianaThe 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 development and approval of Watershed Implementation Plans (WIP) including US EPAs nine key elements and best management practices for non-point source pollution in selected priority watersheds. This work will be done in cooperation with the LA Department of Ag and Forestry and the Office of Soil & Water Conservation. Additionally, the successful candidate will be a key team member developing and delivering wetlands conservation projects important to wintering waterfowl and other wetland dependent fish and wildlife species in south Louisiana.

Qualifications:

Candidates must have a minimum of a Bachelor of Science degree in a natural resources fieldan advanced degree is desired. Applicants must also have at least five years of relevant experience and be knowledgeable about wetland and waterfowl ecology and management. A strong technical writing background is required. Excellent written and oral communication skills, including public speaking, are necessary. Related experience in soil and water conservation as it pertains to common land uses in SW Louisiana is preferred. Proven proposal/grant writing skills, project management capabilities, and wetland restoration and enhancement experience are necessary. Familiarity with the regions biological resources, local and regional environmental issues, and private and public stakeholders is beneficial. Applicants should be knowledgeable about state and federal wetland conservation programs, policies, and laws/regulations.

Duties and Responsibilities:

The ideal candidate will be a self-starter adept at conservation planning, interpreting and providing guidance on complex challenges affecting impaired watersheds. The successful candidate will be responsible for leading the development of WIPs following US EPAs guidelines and coordinating with state and federal agencies to ensure final approval of plans. Duties related to WIP development include identifying causes of impairment, assimilate and interpret data, develop and describe key BMP strategies, model effects of proposed actions, perform cost analysis, develop education and outreach plans, and short and long term monitoring plans.

The successful candidate will also be a key contributor to DUs conservation team focused on wetlands and waterfowl conservation project delivery by identifying project opportunities, developing restoration and enhancement strategies and plans, which also includes writing and submitting proposals to various agencies, foundations, and other funding sources to secure project funds. He/she must also assist with fundraising and outreach events, represent DU at wetland conservation venues/events, and help with other conservation activities. He/she would be required to establish and maintain relationships with key DU volunteers and development staff and provide DU management with timely communication on project work/issues. Finally, he/she will assist communication staff with developing articles to promote and describe DU projects. This position is a combination of office and field work. Types of duties vary depending on scheduling, seasonal priorities, and other factors.

This position will be based out of the Ducks Unlimited Louisiana Field Office in Lafayette, Louisiana. It is located at 209 Southpark Road. Lafayette is in south-central Louisiana approximately 50 miles west of Baton Rouge.

To Apply:

Complete the online application materials for Regional Biologist -Lafayette, LA at www.ducks.org/jobs including cover letter, resume, and daytime contact information (email & phone numbers) for three professional references.

DUCKS UNLIMITED, INC. IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

It is the policy of Ducks Unlimited, Inc. to afford equal employment opportunity to all qualified persons regardless of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, military status, disability, age, or genetic information, except where age or gender is a bona fide occupational qualification as allowed by the Civil Rights Act of 1964. It is the policy of Ducks Unlimited, Inc. to afford equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons regardless of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age (40 or over), disability (physical, mental or visual), genetic information, marital status (including registered domestic partnership status), military and veteran status, immigration status, or any other category protected by federal, state or local law.