IMPORTANT: This Advertiser has requested that applicants MUST be National Residents / Valid Work Permit-holders. Other applicants need not apply.
Conservation Specialist
Ducks Unlimited National Headquarters
Position Description:
The Conservation Specialist position is located at Ducks Unlimited’s National Headquarters in Memphis, TN, and provides broad exposure to the range of DU initiatives and continental scope of waterfowl and wetland management. This is an entry level position – with potential for advancement within DU - that provides support for Conservation staff on topic research and synthesis, data analysis and interpretation, proposal/grant writing, responding to public inquiry and communications updates. The position serves as a key point of contact for Ducks Unlimited through a variety of duties such as inquiries for conservation and waterfowl-related information and collaboration with other departments in the development and dissemination of information about DU’s programs and waterfowl conservation.
Objectives:
1) To provide a point of contact on waterfowl and wetland conservation information from DU National Headquarters (NHQ).
2) Support NHQ and regional land protection staff in delivery of DU's easement and fee-title land protection strategies
3) Provide assistance for literature research and data synthesis for projects at NHQ and from regional offices, including support of key policy issues such as wetland protection and water management, agriculture and waterfowl conservation, human dimensions information related to conservation and fundraising, etc.
4) Collaborate and coordinate among DU staff and partners in the development and maintenance of communications tools such as fact sheets, a policy report card, web pages, program summary reports and presentations, etc.
5) Assist with special projects as they arise.
Job Duties include but are not limited to:
- Work on special waterfowl and wetland communications projects (GIS mapping, Waterfowl 360, updating conservation-related website content, requests from fundraising, etc.).
- Prepare project summaries, PowerPoint presentations, and data synthesis as requested.
- Answer conservation-related questions and correspondence (email, regular mail, phone), from members/general public, coordinate with other NHQ/regional staff as appropriate, and provide field staff with conservation information.
- Conduct literature searches and synthesis on issues such as: the nexus between wetlands and flowing waters; sustainability of agricultural landscapes; ramifications of ethanol production for waterfowl conservation; and, conduct internet searches for a variety of topics as needed to support staff needs, including policy issues.
- Assist with preparation and maintenance of an electronic “library” of internal documents relative to DU’s policy work and positions, and related supporting materials.
- Occasionally provide presentations to area youth groups, such as 4-H, Boy Scouts of America, Great Outdoors University, etc.
Minimum Qualifications:
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master’s Degree preferred (or considerable academic and practical experience) in wildlife, zoology, or related field.
Core Competencies:
- Strong background in waterfowl / wetlands issues.
- Knowledge of waterfowl hunting and heritage.
- Strong written and oral communications skills.
- Ability to accept all responsibilities of the job and assigned tasks and to demonstrate technical proficiency in areas of responsibility.
- Self-motivated person who takes initiative and works productively on their own and within a team environment.
- Ability to anticipate and respond to the needs of DU staff and provide service-oriented support for programs and initiatives.Ability to clearly define a problem, analyze relevant information, develop solutions, and recommend modifications.Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends.
- Passion for waterfowl and wetland conservation and commitment to the mission and goals of Ducks Unlimited.
Deadline for applications: February 28, 2014. To apply, please fill out the application materials online at www.ducks.org/jobs, attach cover letter and resume and references and click "submit". To request application materials please contact hr@ducks.org.
