Biologist II – Wisconsin

About the role

Wisconsin Ducks Unlimited, Inc., the world’s leading wetland and waterfowl conservation organization, seeks a highly motivated biologist to join our Great Lakes Initiative Team. As a DU Biologist, you will work with a team of biologists, engineers, and land protection professionals to identify, develop, fund, and implement coastal and inland wetland restoration, enhancement, and protection projects in Northeast Wisconsin to support DU’s waterfowl and wetlands conservation mission.

Responsibilities

• Develop, coordinate, and implement wetland projects on both public and private lands.
• Lead all aspects of wetland restoration planning, project development, and implementation, including identification and coordination with partners and landowners, identifying/applying for funding, mapping, site assessment, assisting the engineering team with restoration design, permitting, implementation oversight, contract management, project accounting, partner coordination, and reporting.
• Collaborate and coordinate with agency partners, stakeholder groups, DU biological and engineering staff, consultants, and regulatory agencies to ensure timely and on-budget delivery of projects.
• Develop and maintain relationships with conservation partners including municipalities, state and federal agencies, NGOs, and private landowners to promote and implement wetland conservation efforts.
• Write, submit, and administer grants and funding proposals to secure project funds for habitat conservation work, including development of project cost estimates.
• Collaborate with DU’s science and development teams and conservation partners to develop and manage habitat conservation programs, including strategic conservation plans, landowner outreach and education, conservation easement projects, facilitated land acquisitions, and additional conservation strategies.
• Work with relevant staff to build and implement an effective, sustainable conservation program and develop a coordinated conservation strategy that supports the mission of Ducks Unlimited.
• Collaborate with DU’s Ecosystem Services team to identify and advance nature-based solutions for wetland and community resilience.
• Represent DU on various working groups, committees, partnerships, and task forces.
• Support state and regional public policy objectives.
• Coordinate with DU Communications staff regarding public outreach and media needs, Administrative staff for program and budget management, and Development staff to incorporate fundraising strategies into the Wisconsin conservation program.
• Other duties as assigned that advance the mission of Ducks Unlimited.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in Wildlife Biology, Ecology, Environmental Sciences, or related natural resources field with 3-5+ years of directly related experience developing and managing wetland protection, restoration, and enhancement projects.
• Experience writing funding proposals and managing grants.
• Strong background in wetland ecology and management with an emphasis on restoration, waterfowl, and other wetland-dependent birds, including knowledge of restoration techniques, modeling, hydrology, and restoration monitoring.
• Detail-oriented and well-organized with the ability to manage multiple projects and budgets.
• Excellent collaboration and leadership skills, grounded in a commitment to teamwork.
• Strong relationship-building skills with staff, volunteers, and community members, along with effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in GIS (ArcGIS Online, ArcPro, and Field Maps) and familiarity with state and federal wetland conservation programs, policies, and laws is preferred.

Schedule

This is a full-time, salaried position. Working hours will be a balance of office and field work, with allocation dependent on scheduling, seasonal priorities, and other factors. The position is predominantly office-based but requires periods of travel, including overnight and out-of-state trips. This position is remote work eligible with a preferred co-location in a partner office (TBD). As a remote employee, you may be required to come into a DU office (or other designated location) for meetings and other business needs with reasonable notice. Preferred start date on or before November 1, 2026.

Benefits

• 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 with partial employer match.
• Tuition reimbursement.

Salary will be based on experience and education.