Biodiversity Research Scientist- NHQ - Ducks Unlimited : Job Details

Biodiversity Research Scientist- NHQDucks Unlimited, Inc. (DU), the world's leading waterfowl and wetland conservation organization, is seeking a Research Scientist to conduct original research biodiversity and biodiversity related ecosystem services and their application to DU's conservation programs. The successful candidate will join a talented and enthusiastic team of professionals to support our voluntary conservation programs across the United States. This position will be a critical component of a growing team that supports DU's ecosystem service and ecosystem markets programs that seek to demonstrate the value of DU's conservation work beyond benefits to waterfowl.The successful candidate will serve as the technical lead for DU's efforts to monitor and model the role that our conservation programs play in increasing habitat for diverse forms of life. Initially, this role will be focused on supporting a recently secured US Forest Service grant in one of DU's highest priority landscapes to lead the buildout of a biodiversity tool in the Mississippi Valley that will predict species occurrence based on existing geospatial data layers and validate these data though the development of an on-the-ground monitoring program. The successful candidate will also be expected to work with DU's National Science Team and our Sustainability programs to help identify additional opportunities to incorporate biodiversity research into conservation programs in the United States. The successful candidate will be given ample opportunity for professional growth and support to grow both their technical and leadership skills.Duties and Responsibilities:

• The first three years of this position will be devoted (75% time for 3 years) to supporting a recently secured US Forest service grant in the Mississippi Valley by:
• Working with GIS and conservation program staff to develop a geospatial tool that will enable us to predict the biodiversity uplift associated with our forest and wetland restoration work using existing species occurrence data.
• Designing and implementing field surveys for species occurrence of vegetation, invertebrate, and vertebrate communities in pre- and post-restoration conditions for DU's Flyway Forests carbon program
• Being the primary point of contact for a biodiversity advisory group of industry experts.
• Supporting project partners in interpreting, communicating and marketing biodiversity data.

• Additional duties include
• Designing, conducting, supervising and facilitating research to advance DU's conservation objectives in conjunction with conservation delivery staff, other DU researchers and external partners
• Quantifying ecosystem services related to biodiversity arising from DU conservation programs;
• Publishing research results in peer-reviewed journals and presenting research findings to appropriate scientific forums and to DUC staff;
• Secure funds to help support research and conservation programs;
• Assisting with knowledge translation, marketing strategies and continuing education;
• Supervising and developing skills of full-time and seasonal research staff;
• Serving as an adjunct university professor and supervising graduate students;
• Participating in other professional activities (e.g., manuscript reviews, scientific consultation, professional society activities, grant reviews, etc.).

Qualifications: Required:

• PhD in Ecology or a closely related field with a focus on geospatial science and biodiversity; candidates must demonstrate competence outside of waterfowl.
• Proven ability to design, conduct and publish scientific research on biodiversity related topics;
• Proven ability to secure research funding from public or private sources (grant writing);
• Strong quantitative skills including competency in R programming or similar coding language;
• Familiarity with geospatial data sets and the use of geospatial tools;
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Teams and Office.
• Professional interests that align with DU's conservation mission and vision.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills with a demonstrated experience writing and communicating both with technical audiences and communicating complex scientific results to non-technical audiences.
• Solid organizational skills;
• Adaptability to work on a variety of topics and a strong attention to detail;
• Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities and complete projects independently with a high degree of quality and rigor.
• Strong interest in teamwork and creative problem solving with colleagues and collaborators
• 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.

Preferred:

• Specific experience working with wetlands and/or their associated uplands;
• Knowledge of national and/or international biodiversity assessment and reporting metrics;
• Familiarity with corporate disclosure frameworks around nature and biodiversity;
• Advanced GIS skills in the ESRI environment;

Reporting and Location: The successful candidate will report DU's Senior Scientist at DU's National Headquarters Office in Memphis, TN. Highly qualified candidates may negotiate alternative work arrangements in one of DU's regional or field offices at the discretion of the hiring manager.Application Instructions: To apply, submit (1) a cover letter indicating why you are interested in the position (2) a resume highlighting your qualifications and (3) The names, daytime phone numbers and email addresses for 3 professional references. For internal candidates, log into with your employee credentials, click MYSELF, TALENT, CAREER CENTER and follow the prompts to APPLY. For external candidates, visit www.ducks.org/jobs, select the job title and follow the prompts to APPLY.Applications will be accepted until November 15th, 2024. For more information regarding the application process, please contact Human Resources at [email protected]. Questions regarding the technical aspects of this position, please contact Dr. Ellen Herbert ([email protected]).SALARY AND BENEFITS PACKAGE: Salary commensurate with experience. We work hard to encourage everyone at Ducks Unlimited to bring their authentic selves to work every day. DU offers an exceptional benefit package that includes comprehensive group medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance, including spouse and dependent coverage; paid vacation; paid sick leave and 10 paid holidays; 401(k) plan (including partial employer match); and tuition reimbursement.DUCKS UNLIMITED, INC. IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERIt 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 opportunity 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