Ecosystem Services Project Developer-Southern Region

Job Description
ECOSYSTEM SERVICES PROJECT DEVELOPER - SOUTHERN REGION

The Southern Region of Ducks Unlimited, Inc. (DU) is seeking an experienced a wetland ecologist, hydrologist, wetland engineer, or natural resource professional to identify, plan and implement scientifically defensible wetland restoration programs to support improved water quality, flood reduction, wildlife habitat, and coastal resiliency goals throughout the 13-state Southern Region (SRO). We seek a highly motivated individual to become a team member with current staff of biologists, engineers, scientists, GIS technicians, and other professionals working with state and local agencies, private landowners, and agricultural partners to identify and develop opportunities to restore and protect wetlands in targeted landscapes. The successful candidate will be expected to synthesize existing scientific information and guide new research efforts to quantify and communicate the role wetland conservation and restoration plays in improving our water resources. The individual will assist in conservation planning and in the development of programs to deliver on the ground wetland habitat programs throughout the SRO. The successful applicant will focus initially on four higher order objectives: (1) active participation in the development and implementation of state, federal and municipal grants aimed at wetland conservation and water resource improvements; (2) development and/or synthesis of science-based information to assess effects of DU's conservation work on water quantity and quality; (3) synthesis of the science-based information into a form that can be easily communicated and conveyed to DU staff engaged in development of partnerships with industry and foundations, and to policy staff and others engaged in advocacy to secure favorable wetlands public policy outcomes; (4) active participation in Ducks Unlimited's international ecosystem services science team to increase collaboration and identify and advocate continental priorities.

Education, Experience, and Responsibilities:

The successful candidate will have a minimum of a B.S. in Wetland Ecology, Hydrology, Natural Resource Economics, or a related field, or equivalent Civil Engineering degree, a minimum of 3 years of related experience is desired (graduate degree can be substituted for experience) focused on water resources and/or wetland processes, and the ability to develop and/or synthesize scientific information, and communicate science-based information to fundraising, marketing and public policy staff. The ideal candidate will have experience with partnership building with public and private entities and the development, writing and securing of federal grants such as NAWCA, National Coastal Wetlands, Clean Water Act Section 319, FEMA BRIC, National Fish and Wildlife and other programs related to ecosystem restoration and natural infrastructure.

Additionally, the successful candidate will develop relationships with scientists in academia, industry, and government agencies to foster development of innovative conservation solutions that lead to significant advances in landscape scale wetland conservation. A detailed understanding of wetland and wildlife conservation programs, conservation related policy and legislation, and the ability to locate, review and synthesize technical information related to ecosystem services with emphasis on coastal wetlands and resiliency is essential. We seek a highly motivated, self-starter with a willingness to work with a team of dedicated conservation professionals to develop innovative conservation approaches to challenging landscape-scale conservation issues.

This position will report to the Director of Conservation Science & Planning for DU's Southern Region and will cooperate with DU staff across the U.S., Canada and Mexico. This position will be located at DU's Southern Regional Office located in Ridgeland, Mississippi or at one of the SRO Field Offices (Charleston, SC; Lafayette, LA; Monroe, LA; or Richmond, TX) or possibly work remotely.

To Apply: Please fill out the application materials online at http://www.ducks.org/About-Ducks-Unlimited/Jobs-at-Ducks-Unlimited, and attach resume, cover letter and three references. For questions regarding this position, please contact Aaron Pierce, SRO Director of Conservation Science & Planning at apierce@ducks.org .

SALARY AND BENEFITS PACKAGE: Salary commensurate with experience. We work hard to encourage everyone at Ducks Unlimited to bring their authentic selves to work every day. DU offers an exceptional benefit package that includes comprehensive group medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance, including spouse and dependent coverage; three weeks paid vacation; paid sick leave and 10 paid holidays; 401(k) plan (including partial employer match); and tuition reimbursement.

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.