Regional Biologist
Lafayette, Louisiana
The Southern Region of Ducks Unlimited, Inc. (DU) is seeking an experienced Regional Biologist for South Louisiana. The biologist will work under the direction of the Manager of Conservation Programs for South Louisiana and become part of a team of biologists, engineers, and other professionals that are based out of Lafayette, Louisiana. The focus of this position will primarily be the enhancement and restoration of wetlands and associated habitats important to migrating waterfowl and other wetland dependent fish and wildlife species. This position will assist with implementing conservation projects on private and public lands in South Louisiana.
Qualifications:
- Candidates must have a minimum of a Bachelor of Science degree in a natural resources field-an advanced degree is desired.
- Applicants must also have at least five years of relevant experience and be knowledgeable about wetland and waterfowl ecology and management.
- A strong background in ornithology with an emphasis on waterfowl and other wetland dependent birds is desired.
- Experience in providing technical assistance to landowners on how to better manage wetlands for waterfowl is also desired.
- Related experience in soil and water conservation as it pertains to rice agriculture is preferred but not necessary.
- An FAA Remote Pilot Certificate for commercial drone operation is beneficial but not required.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills are essential.
- Proven proposal/grant writing skills, project management capabilities, and wetland restoration and enhancement experience are necessary.
- Familiarity with the region's biological resources, local and regional environmental issues, and private and public stakeholders is beneficial.
- Applicants should be knowledgeable about state and federal wetland conservation programs, policies, and laws/regulations.
- Examples include (but are not limited to) the North American Wetlands Conservation Act, Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection, and Restoration Act, RESTORE Act, National Environmental Policy Act, National Historic Preservation Act, Clean Water Act, Rivers and Harbors Act, and Louisiana Coastal Zone Management Program.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- The ideal candidate will be a self-starter adept at managing and delivering wetland enhancement and restoration projects with a focus on DU priority areas in South Louisiana.
- Successful candidate will be responsible for administering and managing the Louisiana Waterfowl Project and Louisiana Mottled Duck Project. Two well-funded programs focused on restoring and enhancing waterfowl and wetlands habitat on private lands.
- Duties for these programs include identifying potential projects, working closely with private landowners, providing technical assistance, coordinating with DU engineers, negotiating and executing agreements, managing project and program budgets, ensuring regulatory compliance, drafting reports, working with construction contractors, site monitoring, maintaining relationships with public and private partners, and obtaining funding from a wide variety of sources for project work.
- This also includes writing and submitting proposals to various agencies, foundations, and other funding sources to secure project funds.
- Successful candidate must also assist with fundraising and outreach events, represent DU at wetland conservation venues/events, and help with other conservation activities.
- Candidate would be required to establish and maintain relationships with key DU volunteers and development staff and provide DU management with timely communication on project work/issues.
- Finally, this role will assist communication staff with developing articles to promote and describe DU projects.
- This position is a combination of office and field work. Types of duties vary depending on scheduling, seasonal priorities, and other factors.
This position will be based out of the Ducks Unlimited Louisiana Field Office in Lafayette, Louisiana.
To Apply: Complete the online application materials for Regional Biologist - Lafayette, LA and include a cover letter, resume, and daytime contact information (email & phone numbers) for three professional references.
Application Deadline: Applications will be accepted through February 13, 2026, oruntil a qualified applicant is identified
DUCKS UNLIMITED, INC. IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
It is the policy of Ducks Unlimited, Inc. to afford equal employment opportunity to all qualified persons regardless of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, military status, disability, age, or genetic information, except where age or gender is a bona fide occupational qualification as allowed by the Civil Rights Act of 1964. It is the policy of Ducks Unlimited, Inc. to afford equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons regardless of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age (40 or over), disability (physical, mental or visual), genetic information, marital status (including registered domestic partnership status), military and veteran status, immigration status, or any other category protected by federal, state or local law.
