Private Lands Biologist

Ducks Unlimited; Richmond (TX); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

Ducks Unlimited in Richmond, Texas is seeking a Private Lands Biologist to lead delivery of wetland and waterfowl habitat conservation on private lands along the Texas Coast. The role partners with landowners, DU biologists, and agency staff to plan, implement, and monitor restoration projects within the Texas Prairie Wetlands and Coastal Wetlands programs.

Based in the field office with half field and half office time, you will develop proposals, track budgets, coordinate with engineers and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in wildlife biology, natural resources, ecology, environmental science, or related field.
• Two or more years of experience planning and delivering wetland habitat projects.
• Valid driver’s license required.

Responsibilities

• Lead delivery of the Texas Prairie Wetlands Project and Texas Coastal Wetlands Program for private lands along the Texas Coast.
• Work with private landowners to guide project development and implementation aligned with landowner goals and DU priorities.
• Coordinate with DU engineering staff to complete design development tasks and final construction inspections.
• Maintain project schedules, documentation, and budgets; ensure timely completion of projects.
• Collaborate with agency partners (e.g., USFWS, TPWD, NRCS) on proposals and annual accomplishments.
• Assist with developing grant proposals and reports.
• Conduct annual monitoring of conservation easements in Texas and Oklahoma.
• Represent DU professionally with landowners, partners, and the public.

Skills

Driver's license

Waterfowl ecology

Wetland restoration

Organizational skills

Written and verbal communication

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in wildlife biology

Two+ years experience in wetland habitat projects

Master's degree (preferred)

Job description

Ducks Unlimited (DU) seeks a Private Lands Biologist (PLB) to support delivery of wetland and waterfowl habitat conservation projects on private lands on the Texas Coast. This position works directly with private landowners to plan and implement habitat restoration and enhancement projects and habitat management actions while working closely with DU biologists, DU engineering staff, and agency partners. The successful candidate will lead delivery of DU’s private land programs on the Texas Coast – Texas Prairie Wetlands Project and Texas Coastal Wetlands Program. With guidance from senior DU team members, the PLB plays an essential role in ensuring projects are delivered timely, accurately, and in compliance with funding and partnership requirements. Other responsibilities include annual monitoring of a small portfolio of DU conservation easements.

The position will be based out of the DU Field Office in Richmond, Texas with approximately 50% time in the field and 50% time in the office. A work truck will be provided for position duties. Most travel will be day trips with some trips requiring overnight accommodation. Typical field activities consist of meeting with private landowners on-site to discuss potential or ongoing projects. Typical office activities include developing project proposals and agreements, tracking project expense, and closing out completed projects.

Private Lands Biologist

Richmond, Texas

Ducks Unlimited (DU) seeks a Private Lands Biologist (PLB) to support delivery of wetland and waterfowl habitat conservation projects on private lands on the Texas Coast. This position works directly with private landowners to plan and implement habitat restoration and enhancement projects and habitat management actions while working closely with DU biologists, DU engineering staff, and agency partners. The successful candidate will lead delivery of DU’s private land programs on the Texas Coast – Texas Prairie Wetlands Project and Texas Coastal Wetlands Program. With guidance from senior DU team members, the PLB plays an essential role in ensuring projects are delivered timely, accurately, and in compliance with funding and partnership requirements. Other responsibilities include annual monitoring of a small portfolio of DU conservation easements.

The position will be based out of the DU Field Office in Richmond, Texas with approximately 50% time in the field and 50% time in the office. A work truck will be provided for position duties. Most travel will be day trips with some trips requiring overnight accommodation. Typical field activities consist of meeting with private landowners on-site to discuss potential or ongoing projects. Typical office activities include developing project proposals and agreements, tracking project expense, and closing out completed projects.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Lead delivery of the Texas Prairie Wetlands Project and Texas Coastal Wetlands Program for wetland enhancement and management on private lands along the Texas Coast.
• Work directly with private landowners to help guide project development and implementation consistent with landowner goals and DU priorities.
• Coordinate regularly with DU engineering staff to complete design development tasks and final construction inspections.
• Work with DU staff and key partners to maintain project schedules and documentation and track budgets.
• Coordinate with agency partners (e.g., USFWS, TPWD, NRCS) on the review of project proposals and summary of annual accomplishments.
• Assist with developing grant proposals and reports.
• Works with DU field biologists to complete annual monitoring of DU conservation easements in Texas and Oklahoma.
• Represent DU in a professional manner when interacting with landowners, partners, and the public.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Required: Must hold a valid driver’s license.
• Knowledge of waterfowl and/or shorebird ecology (preferred).
• Working knowledge of wetland restoration, enhancement, and management for waterfowl and wetland birds (preferred).
• Knowledge of the Texas Coast and local agricultural practices (preferred).
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to coordinate planning for multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

Education & Experience: Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in wildlife biology, natural resources, ecology, environmental science, or a related field.
• Two or more years of experience with planning and delivering wetland habitat projects.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree with an emphasis in waterfowl and wetlands.
• Experience working with private landowners to restore and manage habitat.

Benefits/Pay: Salary will be based on experience and education. DU offers an exceptional benefit package, including comprehensive group medical, prescription, dental and vision insurance, including spouse and dependent coverage; three weeks paid vacation, paid sick leave, and ten paid holidays; 401(k) plan (including partial employer match); and tuition reimbursement.

DUCKS UNLIMITED, INC. IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERIt 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.