Biologist - Mississippi

Ducks Unlimited is seeking a Mississippi Biologist in Ridgeland, MS, to deliver conservation programs focused on wetland restoration in the Mississippi Alluvial Valley. The role involves collaborating with partners, managing projects, conducting field data collection, and implementing conservation strategies. Candidates should have a relevant degree and experience in land use planning or project management. The position requires working in variable weather and challenging terrains.
About the position

Ducks Unlimited, Inc. (DU), the world's leading waterfowl and wetland conservation organization, is seeking qualified candidates for a Mississippi Biologist to join a great team of professionals and deliver conservation programs in Mississippi. The Mississippi Biologist position will offer excellent opportunity to gain valuable field experience with DU and will also work closely with our Conservation Partners as well as private landowners. This position will be responsible for contributing to the restoration and enhancement of priority wetlands in the Mississippi Alluvial Valley of Mississippi, specifically within the Yazoo Basin. Technical and personal skills are needed to identify and develop wetland projects that improve water quality, provide important wintering waterfowl habitat, and improve floodplain capacity within an agriculturally dominated landscape. DU is focused on enhancing shallow water wetlands, reducing siltation and erosion into area streams, reforesting key blocks of bottomland hardwood forest and reconnecting floodplain pathways into managed areas that provide a sustainable mix of significant agricultural and environmental landscapes. These strategies are pursued by working with private, state, and federal stakeholders to implement projects that demonstrate effective techniques, collect quantifiable data, and collaborate with partners to provide conservation solutions for wildlife and people at a landscape level.

Responsibilities
• Use existing network of Wetland Reserve Easement (WRE) projects to identify opportunities to restore altered hydrology and enhance shallow water areas.
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• Work with DU/ MDWFP/ NRCS/ USFWS staff and partners including landowners, private organizations, state and federal agencies to develop restoration plans that may include surveying, tree planting, wetland construction or implementation of on-farm conservation practices.
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• Manage projects to include budgets, contracts and/or partners to implement restoration designs and achieve desired goals.
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• Collect project field data which may include biological inventories, habitat surveys, or others.
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• Coordinate with Lower Mississippi Valley Joint Venture, MDWFP, NRCS, and USFWS Refuge staff to determine focus area and select projects.
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• Evaluate shallow water areas for enhancement opportunities.
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• Work with MDWFP, NRCS, USFWS and other DU staff to identify water quality enhancement projects, focusing on connectivity, with existing WRE easements.
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• Assist with forest management recommendations on existing WRE tracts.
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• Coordinate project design and provide appropriate oversight of project construction through communication with landowners, MDWFP, NRCS and USFWS.
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• Produce annual report to document progress, lessons learned and recommendations.
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• Perform responsibly in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.

Requirements
• Minimum of a bachelor's degree in natural resource management, biology, environmental science, agricultural economics, land use planning or other specialized vocations in real estate.
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• Minimum of three years of professional experience related to land use planning or project management is strongly preferred.
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• Experience working with diverse public and private interests.
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• Outstanding verbal and interpersonal communication skills; exceptional written communication skills and the ability to work both independently and as a member of a diverse conservation team.
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• Professional interests that align strongly with DU's conservation mission and vision.
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• Desire and demonstrated ability to identify and address personal knowledge gaps; to learn on the job; and to cultivate sources of knowledge, expertise, and skill.
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• Able and willing to travel frequently within the region of responsibility and occasionally beyond the service area.

Nice-to-haves
• Advanced degree (e.g., JD, MBA, M.S., etc.) or training in a related field preferred but not required.
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• Farming and forestry background beneficial.

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