Private Lands Biologist

Ducks Unlimited Website; Richmond (TX); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits: medical,Dental

Three weeks paid vacation

401(k) plan with employer match

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Ducks Unlimited, Inc. seeks a Private Lands Biologist to deliver wetland habitat projects on private lands along the Texas Coast, based in Richmond, TX. Field and office work split about 50/50, with travel and a field truck provided.

You will develop proposals, manage budgets, and coordinate with landowners, engineers, and agency partners to meet DU goals. Required are a relevant bachelor's degree and 2+ years of experience; a valid driver’s license is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in wildlife biology or related field.
• Two+ years of experience planning and delivering wetland habitat projects.
• Must hold a valid driver’s license.
• Preferred: Master’s in waterfowl and wetlands.
• Experience with private landowners to restore habitat.

Responsibilities

• Lead delivery of the Texas Prairie Wetlands Project and Texas Coastal Wetlands Program on private lands along the Texas Coast.
• Work directly with private landowners to guide project development and implementation.
• Coordinate with DU engineering staff to complete design tasks and final inspections.
• Monitor projects, track budgets, and maintain documentation and schedules.
• Collaborate with agency partners on proposals and annual reporting.

Skills

Driver's license

Waterfowl ecology

Wetland restoration

Texas Coast knowledge

Organizational skills

Project coordination

Communication skills

Team player

Education

Bachelor’s degree in wildlife biology, natural resources, ecology, environmental science, or related field

Two+ years of experience delivering wetland habitat projects

Job description

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 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.