Biologist I

Biologist

Great Salt Lake Initiative - Utah

 

The Western Region of Ducks Unlimited, Inc. (DU) has an opening for a Biologist to help deliver and promote DU’s on-the-ground conservation programs primarily in northern Utah, with strong focus on the Great Salt Lake watershed. Fulfillment of our mission to conserve and restore waterfowl habitat is reliant on a thriving Great Salt Lake watershed that includes a healthy lake elevation range. DU’s multi-decade history of delivering conservation projects in northern Utah began in 1987 resulting in the conservation of almost 43,000 acres of wetlands and associated habitats. In 2021, DU launched our Great Salt Lake Initiative to grow our conservation impact. The incumbent will become part of a team of biologists, engineers, and support staff responsible for implementing DU’s mission of conserving, enhancing, and restoring wetlands and associated habitats. This is a full-time, salaried position with a competitive benefits package. Salary will be commensurate with work experience. The work will be a Manager-scheduled hybrid environment located in Northern Utah with frequent time spent in the Salt Lake City area. Work will frequently involve being outside in harsh or demanding conditions where weather can be a factor. 

Duties and Responsibilities
The primary responsibility of this position will be to provide a technical role for current and new conservation projects. The Biologist will be expected to write and submit funding proposals to various agencies, foundations, and other sources to secure project funds. This position will coordinate and engage regularly with project team members, agency partners and other stakeholders to ensure that project deliverables are high quality and on schedule. Incumbent will provide DU management staff with timely communication on assignments and project work, and will assist DU communications staff with outreach to promote DU’s mission and programs. Tracking project agreements, report writing, budget management, biological technical assistance, and entering project tracking data in DU’s business information systems will also be required.

Other duties could include initiating and managing habitat enhancement, restoration and protection projects; representing DU at conservation venues; promoting conservation activities on public and private lands; developing new and participating in existing conservation initiatives that include land protection, water conservation activities and sustainability of working landscapes. Project initiation involves identifying potential projects; developing/maintaining relationships with public and private landowners and agencies; and identifying and securing funding for project activities. Project management/delivery involves coordinating with landowners, DU engineering and environmental compliance staff, consultants, regulatory and funding agencies to ensure timely and on-budget completion of projects. 

Qualifications
Candidates must have a Bachelor’s degree in a natural resources field. An advanced degree is desirable. Applicants must also have at least three years of relevant work experience incorporating biological principles and practices. Wetland ecology; waterfowl, shorebird, and waterbird biology; and state and federal wetland conservation programs, policies, and laws are preferable. 

Familiarity with current science, issues and conservation efforts within the Great Salt Lake Ecosystem and regional and state conservation funding sources is preferrable. Due to the primary focus of this position, direct experience with planning and implementing conservation projects in Great Basin landscapes and coordination of large scale, multidisciplinary environmental restoration projects are highly desirable. Knowledge of managed freshwater wetlands and saline lake ecology and related restoration and enhancement strategies are desirable. Experience with land protection, water efficiency projects, and sustainable agriculture is also beneficial.

Excellent written and oral communication skills, a collaborative approach and interest in working with a team are required. The proficient use of Microsoft programs such as Excel, Word, Teams and SharePoint is required. Experience and proficiency using GIS software is beneficial. Proven proposal/grant writing skills, grant and project management are highly desirable. Experience working with a broad range of partners and stakeholders including government agencies, NGOs, private landowners and tribal entities is critical.

To apply, please fill out the application materials and attach a resume with three professional references and cover letter indicating your qualifications and why you are interested in the position. The position will be open until filled. 

Conserves and restores habitats for North American waterfowl.