Regional Biologist I at Ducks Unlimited, Inc.

United States

$65k - $74k

Regional Biologist I – North Atlantic coast  Ducks Unlimited, Inc., the world’s leading wetland and waterfowl conservation organization, seeks a highly motivated biologist to join our Coastal Conservation Team. As a Regional Biologist I you will work with a team of biologists, engineers, and land protection professionals to identify, develop, fund and implement coastal wetland restoration and enhancement projects across the Mid-Atlantic to support DU’s waterfowl and wetlands conservation mission.  If you have a passion for wetlands, and the waterfowl and wildlife species that they support, and want to actively contribute to conservation that makes a lasting impact on the environment, then this is the job for you! DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: This position will work closely with DU staff, partners, landowners, and agencies to advance the restoration and protection coastal habitats and will require coordinating with both internal and external stakeholders to establish priorities and identify new marsh conservation projects. The ideal candidate will be self-directed with a strong sense of initiative and adaptability that can work independently to identify opportunities focused on enhancement and restoration of wetlands and associated habitats to fulfill DU’s waterfowl habitat conservation objectives within the coastal zones. The Regional Biologist I will have a multi-program responsibility, including private and public land programs with primary focus on wetland restoration/enhancement. The successful candidate will be responsible for project development, funding, and management including the following duties: * Develop, coordinate, and implement coastal wetland projects on both public and private lands.  * Lead all aspects of marsh restoration planning, project development, and implementation including identification and coordination with partners and landowners, identifying/applying for funding, mapping, site assessment, assisting our engineering team with restoration design, permitting, implementation oversite, contract management, project accounting, partner coordination and reporting.  * Collaborate and coordinate with agency partners and other stakeholder groups as well as DU biological and engineering staff, consultants, and regulatory agencies to ensure timely and on-budget delivery of projects. * Develop/maintain relationships with conservation partners including municipalities, state and federal agencies, NGO’s, private landowners, etc. that promote and lead to the successful implementation of wetland conservation efforts.  * Write, submit and administer grants and funding proposals to various agencies, foundations, corporations, and other funding sources to secure project funds for habitat conservation work, including development of project cost estimates. * Collaborate with DU’s science and development teams and conservation partners on developing and managing coastal habitat conservation programs including, but not limited to, strategic conservation plans, landowner outreach and education, conservation easement projects, facilitated land acquisitions, and the development and implementation of additional conservation strategies and opportunities. * Work with the New England Conservation Team and other relevant staff to build and implement an effective, sustainable conservation program to develop a coordinated conservation strategy that supports the mission of Ducks Unlimited and regional priorities.  * Support DU’s Ecosystem Services team to identify and advance nature-based solutions for coastal wetland and community resilience * Represent DU on various working groups, committees, partnerships, and task forces, etc. to develop partnerships and guide the establishment of coastal restoration priorities and coordinate with partners on project tracking and grant funding opportunities. * Support public policy objectives in coordination with DU Regional Biologists, Manager of Conservation Programs, Director of Conservation Programs, Public Policy staff and DU volunteers.  * Coordinate with DU staff including Communications staff regarding public outreach and media needs; Administrative staff regarding the smooth operation of programs and budget management; and Development staff to continually incorporate development strategies and to help with fundraising. * Other duties as assigned that advance the mission of Ducks Unlimited and the regional program. SCHEDULE: This is a full-time, salaried position. 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 is predominantly office-based but does require periods of frequent travel, including overnight and out-of-state trips. This position will report to the New England Coastal Manager. This position is remote work eligible with a preferred location within the region of responsibility (mid-Atlantic) or at our field office in Easton MD.  To maintain project timelines, we have a preferred start date on or before June 11, 2026. QUALIFICATIONS:  * Bachelor of Science degree (M.S. preferred) in Wildlife Biology, Ecology, Environmental Sciences, or related natural resources field with 3-5+ years of directly related experience developing and managing wetlands restoration and enhancement projects, with a preference for coastal marsh restoration experience. * Strong background in coastal wetland ecology and management with an emphasis on restoration, waterfowl, and other wetland dependent birds with knowledge of and experience with coastal restoration techniques, modeling, hydrology and restoration monitoring. * Detail oriented and well organized with the ability to manage multiple projects and budgets. * Excellent management and leadership skills, grounded in a commitment to collaboration with and support of staff. * Confidence to create strong relationships with staff, private landowners, volunteers, and community members and the written and verbal communication skills to work with a wide range of people. Proficiency in GIS (ArcGIS Online, ArcPro, and Field Maps) and familiarity of state and wetland conservation programs, policies, and laws is preferred. To apply, please see our website at www.ducks.org/jobs [http://www.ducks.org/jobs] to submit a resume, cover letter and 3 professional references stating your interest and qualifications for the position. This application will remain open until June 11, 2026 or until filled. Applications will be reviewed upon receipt.  COMPENSATION/BENEFITS: Ducks Unlimited puts great value in the Regional Biologist position by offering a competitive salary commensurate with knowledge and experience, as well as an excellent benefits package including 401(k) with partial employer match, Health, Dental, Vision, PTO, & tuition reimbursement. DUCKS UNLIMITED, INC. IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER It is the policy of Ducks Unlimited, Inc. to afford equal employment opportunity to all qualified persons regardless of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, military status, disability, age, or genetic information, except where age or gender is a bona fide occupational qualification as allowed by the Civil Rights Act of 1964. It is the policy of Ducks Unlimited, Inc. to afford equal employment opportunities 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.