Regional Biologist - Mitigation (Rutland, VT)

Ducks Unlimited is hiring a full-time Regional Biologist for a position based in Rutland, VT. The role involves managing wetland mitigation projects, collaborating with state agencies and various organizations, and conducting fieldwork in challenging conditions. Key responsibilities include project delivery, monitoring, and developing mitigation plans. Candidates need a relevant degree, experience in wetland restoration, and strong communication skills. The position requires travel within Vermont and occasionally out of state.
About the position

The Ducks Unlimited Mitigation Regional Biologist position is a full-time, on-site role based in Rutland, VT, within the Great Lakes/Atlantic Regional Office. The successful candidate will be part of a dedicated and interdisciplinary conservation team focused on managing and delivering a robust wetland mitigation program. This position involves collaboration with various state agencies, the Army Corps of Engineers, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and consulting firms to advance wetland mitigation projects primarily in Vermont and eastern New York. The role encompasses all phases of mitigation project delivery, including site identification, vetting for restoration potential, acquisition, permitting, construction oversight, monitoring, and adaptive management. The candidate will also provide technical and strategic assistance to other mitigation programs operated by Ducks Unlimited. The responsibilities include identifying and securing wetland restoration projects, performing annual monitoring and reporting, and implementing adaptive management plans. The biologist will develop mitigation plans for wetland restoration projects and foster collaborative relationships with state agencies, partnering organizations, and land trusts. Fieldwork may involve strenuous outdoor activities in challenging environmental conditions, and the position requires travel throughout Vermont and occasionally out of state for conferences and meetings. A valid driver's license is necessary, and the candidate must be comfortable driving in adverse terrain. The role demands a willingness to work outside of normal business hours, travel overnight, and operate independently in remote environments while consistently representing Ducks Unlimited in a professional manner.

Responsibilities
• Work with state agencies, Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and consulting firms on wetland mitigation projects.
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• Advance mitigation projects through all phases of project delivery from site identification to adaptive management.
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• Identify and secure wetland restoration projects collaboratively.
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• Perform annual monitoring and reporting on wetland projects.
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• Identify adaptive management needs and implement adaptive management plans.
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• Develop mitigation plans for wetland restoration projects.
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• Steward collaborative relationships with state agencies, partnering organizations, and land trusts.
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• Conduct fieldwork that may require strenuous outdoor activity in difficult environmental conditions.
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• Travel throughout Vermont and occasionally out of state for conferences and meetings.

Requirements
• Bachelor's degree in Ecology, Conservation Biology, Natural Resources Management, Wildlife Management, Environmental Studies, or a related field; a master's degree is preferred.
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• Experience in wetland restoration opportunities, wetland mitigation implementation, vegetative sampling protocol, invasive species control, hydrology monitoring, and wetland delineation.
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• Knowledge of state and federal wetland regulations, policies, and laws.
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• Excellent project management, written and oral communication, and interpersonal skills.
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• Ability to write mitigation plans and monitoring reports.
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• Self-motivated, goal-oriented, and a self-starter.

Nice-to-haves
• Experience with wetland permitting through state level permitting agencies and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
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• Familiarity with project budget management.

Benefits
• Comprehensive group medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance, including spouse and dependent coverage.
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• Three weeks paid vacation.
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• Paid sick leave and 10 paid holidays.
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• 401(k) plan with partial employer match.
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• Tuition reimbursement.