Regional Biologist

The Illinois/Indiana/ Kentucky Regional Biologist will be part of the Great Lakes/Atlantic Regional Office of Ducks Unlimited, Inc. The Individual will be highly motivated and be an experienced professional that will lead and advance DU’s conservation efforts in the Big Rivers Initiative States of Illinois, Indiana and Kentucky. 

Candidate must have at a minimum a Bachelor of Science degree in a natural resources field. An advanced degree is preferred. A waterfowl biology and wetland ecology emphasis are highly desirable. Knowledge of wetland restoration, freshwater wetland ecology, large floodplain restoration, climate resiliency, and wildlife habitat management are preferred. Applicants must have a basic knowledge of state and federal lands protection programs and applicable laws, and state and federal wetland conservation programs, policies, and laws. Excellent written and oral communication skills, as well as inter-personal skills, are required. Proven grant writing and administrative skills are desired, as is a track record of successfully leading a landscape level program with diverse partnerships. Knowledge of regional conservation issues and experience managing and delivering large scale, complex conservation programs are important, as is experience with project management.

Candidate must be able and willing to travel frequently, including overnight travel. This position will require occasional outside work, possibly in inclement weather, and may require physical exertion or lifting as needed.

Duty location to be located out of the Big Rivers Initiative, Big Rivers Field Office in O’Fallon, IL.

This position will report directly to the Manager of Conservation Programs (MCP) in the Big Rivers Initiative Region of the GLAR. 

The candidate will be responsible for the management of program operations including project identification, development, and delivery, preparation of agreements and management plans, coordination with private landowners and public agency partners, securing public and philanthropic grants, and fiscal budget management of the program. 

• →Develop, coordinate, and guide field-level implementation of DU conservation projects primarily in Illinois, Indiana and Kentucky, and elsewhere in DU’s Big Rivers Initiative region as needed, with agency and NGO partners, including large floodplain wetland engineering enhancements, and small wetland restoration projects on both public and private lands. 
• →Build and implement an effective, sustainable conservation program while cooperating with other Regional staff on new growth opportunities, including water quality, climate resiliency, and ecosystem services. 
• →Identify and help deliver cost-share partnerships with fee-title land acquisition and wetland enhancement and restoration projects.
• →Assist with annual monitoring on DU conservation easements.
• →Assist with grant proposal solicitation, writing, and reporting, including developing project cost estimates for future budgets and grant proposals, such as: 
  • →Conservation partner agreements
  • →NAWCA, NFWF, RCPP grants & proposals
  • →Other public and private funding opportunities & proposals
• →Support public policy objectives in coordination with Big Rivers Initiative Regional Biologists, Manager of Conservation Programs, Director of Conservation Programs and Public Policy staff, and DU volunteers.
• →Support state and regional efforts as needed, including:
  • →Help develop and manage the Big Rivers Initiative States conservation budgets 
  • →Look for non-traditional or new entities to broaden our funding base
  • →Promoting the Big Rivers Initiative and other regional and national fundraising priorities
  • →Assist fundraising staff with foundation, corporate, and individual major donor philanthropy cultivation and stewardship
  • →Assist in developing communication resources
  • →Participate in staff meetings and partner meetings as necessary
  • →Other duties as assigned

Salary: Negotiable with qualifications and experience.

Application: Please fill out all application materials and attach a resume with three professional references and cover letter indicating your qualifications and why you are interested in the position. The position will be open until filled.