Regional biologist

Location

Richmond, TX | United States

Job description

PLAYA LAKES REGIONAL BIOLOGIST – SOUTHERN REGION


Ducks Unlimited, Inc. (DU) is seeking a motivated, accomplishment driven, self-starter with a passion for wetland management and restoration, playa lake wetlands, waterfowl, and aquatic resources to fill a new position that will be aimed at growing DU’s conservation activities and partnerships in the playa lakes region of Texas, to also include western Oklahoma, and eastern New Mexico. The successful candidate will work with state and federal resource agencies, communities, private landowners, and other NGO’s to identify and develop opportunities to restore and protect playa lakes and other wetlands on public and private lands with an emphasis on waterfowl and shorebird habitat.



DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:


This position will have an emphasis on wetland restoration and management that maintains and strengthens existing partnerships with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), New Mexico Department of Game and Fish (NMDGF), Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC), USDA, USFWS, the Playa Lakes Joint Venture, private landowners, and other NGO’s, while also fostering new and innovative playa lake restoration projects and partnerships with communities and groundwater districts. These wetland restoration and enhancement projects will emphasize benefits to migratory waterfowl and shorebirds and also contribute to improved water quality and aquifer recharge for community and resource sustainability in the region.


This position will work with the successful and ongoing Texas Playa Conservation Initiative (Texas PCI) partnership with TPWD, and also the Eastern New Mexico Playa Restoration Program partnership with NMDGF to help expand and grow those important playa lake wetland conservation programs on private lands in partnership with the Playa Lakes Joint Venture.


This position will also work with public land partners that include TPWD, ODWC, NMDGF and USFWS to identify and develop wetland restoration and enhancement needs on publicly owned wildlife management areas, national wildlife refuges, and other publicly owned lands in the region.


This position will also work to understand and incorporate wetland assistance programs offered by the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) for private lands wetland restoration projects in eastern New Mexico, western Oklahoma, and the Texas Panhandle.


Some key duties will include:


· Work with public agencies and private landowners to identify, develop and implement wetlands restoration, enhancement, and protection projects that align with DU’s conservation mission, including playa lake restoration, grassland restoration, and conservation easements.


· Prepare and submit grants and funding proposals to various agencies, foundations, and other funding source to secure project funds for wetland restoration and enhancement projects.


· Develop/maintain relationships with conservation partners including state and federal agencies, NGO’s, private landowners, groundwater districts, and others that promote and lead to the successful implantation of wetland restoration efforts.



QUALIFICATIONS:


Bachelor of Science degree (M.S. preferred) in Wildlife Management, Wildlife Science, Wetland Ecology, Environmental Sciences or related natural resources field. At least 2 years of professional conservation work experience is preferred, with knowledge of wetland habitat restoration management and planning.


· Knowledge of wetland ecology and importance of the region to migratory waterfowl and shorebirds


· Knowledge of wetland management strategies and practices


· Strong verbal and written communication skills


· Ability to work independently and as a member of a diverse team


· Knowledge of Microsoft Office and ArcGIS software.


· Ability to prepare and present information on conservation programs to peers and the public.


· Ability to prepare grant proposals, reports, management plans, etc.


This position will report to the Director of Conservation Programs for DU’s Southwest Unit (TX/OK/NM) located in Richmond, Texas. The successful applicant will have preference of duty location within the geography of the Texas Panhandle, eastern New Mexico, and western Oklahoma.


This is a full-time, salaried position, commensurate with experience, with an assigned work vehicle. Working hours will be a balance of office and field work, with the approximate allocation dependent on scheduling, seasonal priorities, and other factors. The position will require frequent overnight travel within the geography of the Texas Panhandle, eastern / central New Mexico, and Oklahoma.


To Apply: Please fill out the application materials online at and attach resume, cover letter and three references. The position will remain open until filled. For questions regarding this position, please contact Dr. Todd Merendino, Director of Conservation Programs – SW Unit at [email protected]


DUCKS UNLIMITED, INC. IS AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER


It is the policy of Ducks Unlimited, Inc. to afford equal employment opportunity 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.

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