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Biologist - Big River (St. Louis, MO)

Full-Time

Job Description: Ducks Unlimited is a seeking an experienced wildlife biologist to deliver on-the-ground habitat conservation activities as part of our Big Rivers conservation program in Illinois, Kentucky and Missouri.  The Biologist will become part of a highly-motivated team of biologists, engineers and other professionals responsible for the protection, restoration and enhancement of shallow water wetland and associated habitats historically common to the floodplains of the Illinois, Mississippi, Missouri and Ohio Rivers, and their major tributaries.  This position identifies, develops and delivers wetland enhancement and restoration projects with state, federal, and NGO partners primarily in Illinois, Kentucky and Missouri and coordinates closely with Ducks Unlimited engineering staff on project delivery.  Position also handles aspects of the land protection program in Illinois, Kentucky and Missouri including facilitative land acquisitions, conservation easement acquisition and monitoring, and other land protection opportunities. The Biologist position reports to and works closely with the Big Rivers Regional Biologist and Manager of Conservation Programs to manage and develop annual conservation budgets, seek public grants and philanthropic funding to support state programs, and will help develop the conservation strategy and plan for the three states.  The position requires strong communication and coordination skills with staff, private landowners, and conservation partners, and good public speaking and presentation skills.  The position also assists with volunteer events, major donor fundraising, public policy efforts, and the development of outreach, education, and communication pieces. 

Job Responsibilities: 

In collaboration with the Big Rivers Regional Biologist and the Manager of Conservation Programs and other staff and partners, the candidate will:

1. Develop, coordinate, and guide field-level implementation of DU conservation projects primarily in Illinois, Kentucky and Missouri, and elsewhere in DU’s Big Rivers area as needed, with agency and NGO partners, including shallow water and large wetland engineering enhancements, and small wetland enhancement and restoration projects on both public and private lands.
2. Identify and help deliver facilitative fee-title land acquisition, conservation easements, and big river floodplain wetland enhancement and restoration projects.
3. Conduct annual monitoring on DU conservation easements.
4. Assist with grant proposal solicitation, writing, and reporting, including developing project cost estimates for future budgets and grant proposals, such as
   1. Conservation partner agreements;
   2. NAWCA grants & proposals;
   3. Other public and private funding opportunities & proposals.
5. Support public policy objectives in coordination with Big Rivers Regional Biologist, Manager of Conservation Programs, and Public Policy staff, and DU volunteers.
6. Support state and regional efforts as needed, including:
   1. Help develop and manage the Illinois, Kentucky and Missouri conservation budgets;
   2. Promoting the Big Rivers Initiative and other regional and national fundraising priorities;
   3. Assist fundraising staff with foundation, corporate, and individual major donor philanthropy cultivation and stewardship;
   4. Assist in developing communication resources;
   5. Participate in staff meetings and partner meetings as necessary;
   6. Other duties as assigned.

Job Qualifications: Must have a Bachelor of Science in a wildlife or related field from an accredited university.  A Master of Science degree is preferred, ideally with a focus on waterfowl.  At least two years of professional work experience required, including field experience and habitat delivery preferred.  Knowledge of wetland ecology, natural resource conservation, habitat management plans and specific conservation practices used to improve wetland health and functionality associated with shallow water wetland and big river floodplain ecosystems.  Experience negotiating conservation easements and delivering other land protection activities preferred.  Experience with development and management of big river floodplain wetland habitats preferred.  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 a plus.  Experience with land protection, grant writing and administration, and GIS mapping tools preferred. This position requires frequent work out-of-doors, possibly in inclement weather, and may require physical exertion or lifting as needed. Candidate must be able and willing to travel frequently, including overnight travel.

To apply: Please fill out the application materials online at www.ducks.org/jobs, attach cover letter, resume and three references with daytime telephone numbers and click submit.  To request application materials or submit cover letter, resume and three references, contact Jocelyn Bautista, jbautista@ducks.org, (734) 623-2000.  Application Deadline is March 30, 2018.