Great Plains Region
A unique opportunity is available with Ducks Unlimited (DU), the world leader in wetlands conservation. We are seeking a mid-level biologist to help deliver and expand DU's Environmental Compliance Mitigation (ECM) Program in the Great Plains Region. This role provides the opportunity to develop innovative mitigation projects focused on wetlands, streams, species, and habitat restoration while contributing to DU's growing ecosystem services portfolio.
The successful candidate will help develop mitigation solutions that support compliance with regulatory requirements, including the Endangered Species Act (ESA), NEPA, Executive Order 11990, state-listed species programs, and other environmental regulations. Responsibilities include developing habitat mitigation projects through conservation easements, wetland and grassland restoration, stream and riparian corridor enhancement, and strategic investment of mitigation funds into DU conservation programs. This work requires collaboration with DU staff, clients, regulatory agencies, conservation partners, and landowners. The position will also support DU's wetland mitigation banking and In-Lieu Fee (ILF) programs across multiple states.
Unlike many consulting firms, DU offers both the independence to develop creative solutions and the resources needed to see projects through from planning to implementation. Ducks Unlimited is the world's largest nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving North America's wetlands and associated habitats, having conserved more than 15 million acres since 1937. DU also manages extensive conservation easements through Wetlands America Trust and maintains in-house engineering, land protection, and restoration expertise.
DU's Great Plains Region mitigation team operates across North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Colorado, Wyoming, and Montana. Preference on work location is one of two regional offices in Fort Collins, CO or Grand Island, NE. We are seeking candidates with approximately 2–10 years of relevant experience. Pay grade will be based on qualifications and experience.
Basic Duties/Responsibilities:
This position requires occasional overnight travel (approximately 10–20 days annually). Responsibilities may include:
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Identifying and evaluating mitigation and restoration opportunities
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Conducting field investigations, wetland delineations, and monitoring
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Developing mitigation, restoration, and management plans
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Managing mitigation sites, conservation easements, and restoration projects
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Coordinating with clients, agencies, consultants, landowners, and DU staff
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Preparing reports, agreements, funding requests, and project documentation
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Supporting business development, credit sales, outreach, and stakeholder engagement
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Performing GIS analysis and map production
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Assisting with project implementation
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Conducting data management, technical analysis, and public presentations
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Other duties as assigned
Minimum Qualifications:
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Bachelor's degree in biology, environmental science, natural resources, ecology, or a related field
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2–10 years of relevant professional experience
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Valid driver's license and ability to maintain company vehicle driving privileges
Preferred or Optional Qualifications, Experience, and Skills:
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Strong communication, organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills
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Experience working with regulatory agencies and environmental compliance/permitting
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Familiarity with NEPA, Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, and state law requirements
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Experience developing mitigation plans and working with agencies such as USACE and USFWS
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Knowledge of wetlands, streams, wildlife, threatened and endangered species habitat restoration practices
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Wetland delineation experience using the Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual and Regional Supplements
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Experience with GIS, GPS, mobile field technologies, and Microsoft Office applications
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Experience managing projects, consultants, budgets, and stakeholder relationships
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Experience operating in remote field environments
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Experience with drone operation and data processing
We are seeking a motivated, detail-oriented team player who is eager to learn and grow. Depending on experience, the successful candidate may assume additional leadership responsibilities and independently manage multiple mitigation projects.
Benefits:
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Comprehensive group medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance, including spouse and dependent coverage
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401(k) plan (including partial employer match)
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Three weeks paid vacation, paid sick leave, and 10 paid holidays
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Annual performance incentive compensation
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Professional training and development opportunities
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DU culture, events, and networking opportunities
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Dog-friendly workplace
To Apply: Please complete all application materials and attach your cover letter, resume, and three professional references.The position will be open until filled.
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.
