Regional Biologist - Western Washington

Ducks Unlimited, Inc. (DU) is seeking an experienced biologist, wetland ecologist, fisheries professional, or environmental sciences-based project manager to deliver conservation programs throughout western Washington. The preferred location for this remote position is Olympia, Washington, or the northern Puget Sound region. The role reports to the Manager of Conservation Programs in Vancouver, Washington.

About the role

The successful candidate will join a multidisciplinary Conservation Team focused on conserving, restoring, and managing wetlands and associated habitats for North America’s waterfowl, other wildlife, and people. Primary conservation focus areas include the Puget Sound, Lower Columbia River, Chehalis River Basin, Grays Harbor, and Willapa Bay, with an emphasis on freshwater and estuarine wetlands and working agricultural lands.

Responsibilities

• Lead project development and implementation efforts from concept through completion.
• Prepare, negotiate, and administer contracts, cooperative agreements, grant agreements, and other project-related partnership documents.
• Develop project budgets, cost estimates, and funding strategies; monitor expenditures; track financial performance; and support fiscal management to ensure responsible stewardship of grant and organizational resources.
• Identify, secure, and manage funding from federal, state, local, Tribal, and private conservation programs.
• Provide biological and technical expertise related to the conservation of wetlands, waterfowl, other wetland-dependent wildlife, and working lands.
• Identify and pursue opportunities for habitat protection, e.g., conservation easements, fee-title acquisitions, and other conservation investments.
• Assist with monitoring, stewardship, compliance, and reporting activities associated with Ducks Unlimited conservation easements and completed restoration projects.
• Represent Ducks Unlimited at watershed forums, technical advisory groups, recovery boards, conservation partnerships, stakeholder collaboratives, and other regional meetings.
• Support regional conservation planning and program growth efforts related to climate resiliency, ecosystem services, watershed restoration, salmon recovery, and fish and wildlife conservation.
• Collaborate with DU conservation, public policy, fundraising, communications, and volunteer leadership staff to advance organizational priorities and conservation outcomes.
• Assist fundraising and development staff with donor cultivation, foundation outreach, project development, grant strategy, and conservation communications as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree in a natural resources-related field required; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of three years of professional experience as a restoration practitioner with demonstrated project management responsibilities.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to maintain company vehicle driving privileges.
• Willingness and ability to travel frequently throughout western Washington, including occasional overnight travel.
• Ability to conduct fieldwork in varying weather conditions and terrain, including occasional physical exertion and lifting.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of freshwater and estuarine wetland ecology, waterfowl, shorebird, and waterbird ecology.
• Familiarity with the biological significance of western Washington landscapes for migratory birds, salmon, and other native fish and wildlife, and regional conservation issues and stakeholder interests, including agricultural and working lands conservation practices in the Pacific Northwest.
• Experience with state and federal wetland conservation programs, policies, and regulations.
• Experience navigating state and federal permitting and regulatory requirements for wetland, estuarine, floodplain, fish passage, and habitat restoration projects.
• Experience securing and managing conservation funding, including proposal and grant writing, grant administration, and compliance.
• Ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with diverse public and private stakeholders.
• Experience developing and managing project budgets, tracking expenditures, and ensuring fiscal accountability for publicly and privately funded conservation projects.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with personal computers and standard business software.

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 (including partial employer match).
• Tuition reimbursement.

Pay

Salary Range: $66,000 - $82,500. Salary will be based on experience and education.