Regional Biologist - Iowa

Regional Biologist - Iowa

Ducks Unlimited, Inc., the continent's leader in waterfowl and wetlands conservation is seeking a Regional Biologist stationed in the surrounding Greater Des Moines Area. The Regional Biologist will become part of a highly-motivated team of biologists, engineers and other professionals responsible for the protection, restoration and enhancement of wetland and associated habitats in Iowa and potentially other surrounding states.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities
The primary duties and responsibilities include the initiation, coordination and delivery of public and private wetland conservation projects and other conservation activities in Iowa. Project initiation includes developing relationships with private landowners, public agencies and other conservation groups to establish and maintain successful partnerships with DU to restore and enhance wetlands and associated habitats. Project delivery includes coordinating with landowners, agency partners, NGOs, DU engineering staff, contractors and permitting agencies to ensure timely and on-budget delivery of projects. Management of the Iowa program budget, negotiation of project agreements, field monitoring and data entry related to project tracking through DU’s business information system is also required.

The Regional Biologist will be responsible for writing and submitting grant proposals to various funding agencies, foundations, corporations and other partners to secure project funds and will also be responsible for the administration of these funds. In addition, the incumbent will promote DU’s mission and accomplishments to DU members, volunteers, major donors, partners, elected leaders and media contacts. Establishing and maintaining long-term successful relationships with conservation partners and funding entities are essential. Overnight travel may be required as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

• Knowledge of wetland ecology, natural resource conservation, habitat management plans and specific conservation practices used to improve wetland health and functionality in prairie pothole and riverine ecosystems.
• Experience negotiating conservation easements and delivering other land protection activities.
• Knowledge of local, state and federal conservation programs and policies (especially NAWCA and Farm Bill) used to protect and restore wetlands and grasslands in agriculturally-dominated landscapes.
• Demonstrated skills in written communications, public speaking and establishing good working relationships with landowners, partners and other professional colleagues.
• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree (M.S. preferred) in Wildlife Biology, Ecology or related science.
• Proven ability to secure external grant funding and prepare funding reports and manage detailed annual budgets.

To apply, fill out the application forms provided at www.ducks.org/jobs; attach cover letter, resume, and three references with daytime telephone numbers; and submit by Friday, February 17, 2012.

Questions regarding this position may be directed to Kurt Dyroff, Director of Conservation Programs, at 410-224-6620 or kdyroff@ducks.org.