Biodiversity Research Scientist NHQ

The Biodiversity Research Scientist at Ducks Unlimited in Memphis, TN, will conduct research on biodiversity and ecosystem services to support conservation programs. Responsibilities include developing a geospatial tool, conducting field surveys, publishing research, and supervising staff. A PhD in Ecology or related field is required. The position offers benefits such as health insurance and paid time off, with opportunities for professional growth.
About the position

The Biodiversity Research Scientist at Ducks Unlimited, Inc. will conduct original research on biodiversity and ecosystem services, contributing to the organization's conservation programs. This role is essential for monitoring and modeling the impact of conservation efforts on habitat diversity, particularly in the Mississippi Valley. The successful candidate will lead the development of a biodiversity tool and collaborate with various teams to integrate research into conservation strategies, while also having opportunities for professional growth and skill development.

Responsibilities
• Conduct original research on biodiversity and ecosystem services related to Ducks Unlimited's conservation programs.
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• Lead the development of a geospatial tool to predict biodiversity uplift from forest and wetland restoration efforts.
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• Design and implement field surveys for species occurrence in pre- and post-restoration conditions.
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• Serve as the primary contact for a biodiversity advisory group of industry experts.
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• Support project partners in interpreting and communicating biodiversity data.
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• Design, conduct, and supervise research to advance conservation objectives.
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• Quantify ecosystem services related to biodiversity from conservation programs.
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• Publish research results in peer-reviewed journals and present findings to scientific forums and DUC staff.
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• Secure funding to support research and conservation programs.
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• Assist with knowledge translation and marketing strategies.
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• Supervise and develop skills of full-time and seasonal research staff.
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• Serve as an adjunct university professor and supervise graduate students.

Requirements
• PhD in Ecology or a closely related field with a focus on geospatial science and biodiversity.
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• Proven ability to design, conduct, and publish scientific research on biodiversity topics.
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• Experience in securing research funding through grant writing.
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• Strong quantitative skills, including competency in R programming or similar coding language.
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• Familiarity with geospatial data sets and tools.
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• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Teams, and Office.
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• Excellent oral and written communication skills for both technical and non-technical audiences.
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• Solid organizational skills and attention to detail.
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• Ability to manage competing priorities and complete projects independently.

Nice-to-haves
• Experience working with wetlands and associated uplands.
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• Knowledge of biodiversity assessment and reporting metrics.
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• Familiarity with corporate disclosure frameworks around nature and biodiversity.
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• Advanced GIS skills in the ESRI environment.

Benefits
• Paid holidays
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• Health insurance
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• Dental insurance
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• 401(k)
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• Tuition reimbursement
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• Dependent health insurance coverage
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• Vision insurance
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• 401(k) matching
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• Paid sick time