Regional Biologists (2) - South Dakota

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

Qualifications:  Candidates must have a minimum of a Bachelor of Science degree in a natural resources field—an advanced degree is desirable. Applicants must also have at least three years of 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, policies, and laws. 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. Familiarity with the region’s biological resources, local and regional environmental issues, and private and public stakeholders is beneficial.

Duties and Responsibilities:  Duties and responsibilities will include finding, initiating, managing and delivering wetland enhancement, restoration acquisition 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, biological technical assistance, and entering project tracking data in DU’s business information system would also be required. The regional biologists will write and submit proposals to various agencies, foundations and other funding sources to secure project funds. Incumbents will also establish and maintain relationships with key DU volunteers and development staff and provide DU management with timely communication on project work and issues in the area and assist communications staff with articles to promote and describe the work.

How to Apply:  Complete the online application at www.ducks.org/jobs and attach a cover letter, resume and daytime contact information (email & phone numbers) for three professional references. For more information regarding this position, or to request application materials, contact Candace Miller at 701.355.351 or cmiller@ducks.org.

Deadline:  Applications will be accepted through March 7, 2014.