• Job Description

  Req#: 484962

  PLAYA LAKES REGIONAL BIOLOGIST – SOUTHERN REGION

  Ducks Unlimited, Inc. (DU) is seeking a motivated, accomplishment driven, self-starter with a passion for playa lake wetlands, waterfowl, and aquatic resources to fill a new position that will be aimed at growing DU’s conservation activities and partnerships in the playa lakes region of Texas, to also include western Oklahoma, and eastern New Mexico. The playa lakes region of Texas encompasses parts of 46 counties, with over 23,000 playa lakes in the High Plains and Rolling Plains of NW Texas. Healthy playa lakes are important for recharging the Ogallala Aquifer with clean water and they also provide vital habitat to an array of resident and migrating waterfowl, shorebirds, and other wildlife. The successful candidate will work with communities, resource agencies, private landowners, other NGO’s, and agricultural partners to identify and develop opportunities to restore and protect playa lake wetlands and associated habitats that provide groundwater recharge for the Ogallala Aquifer and associated community benefits, and that also provide habitat for migratory waterfowl and shorebirds.

  DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  The successful applicant will work with communities, private landowners, state and federal resource agency partners, and industry to develop and promote projects that provide for the restoration and protection of playa lakes for groundwater sustainability and wetland habitat.

  This position will have an emphasis on fostering new and innovative playa lake restoration projects and partnerships with communities and groundwater districts, while maintaining and strengthening existing partnerships with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, USDA, USFWS, the Playa Lakes Joint Venture, private landowners, and other NGO’s, with emphasis on aquifer recharge for community and resource sustainability in the region.

  Additionally this position will work with the successful and ongoing Texas Playa Conservation Initiative (Texas PCI) partnership with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, and also the Eastern New Mexico Playa Restoration Program partnership with New Mexico Department of Game and Fish to help expand and grow those important playa lake wetland conservation programs

  Some key duties will include:

  • Identify and develop playa lake wetlands restoration, enhancement, and protection projects that align with DU’s conservation mission.
  • Develop/maintain relationships with community, groundwater districts, industry, and other conservation partners including state and federal agencies, NGO’s, private landowners, etc. that promote and lead to the successful implantation of playa lake restoration efforts.
  • Seek partnerships and funding opportunities for the purpose of playa lake restoration, conservation easements, or other activities that promote playa lake restoration and groundwater recharge.
  • Assist communication staff with developing information to educate and promote DU’s wetland conservation efforts.

  QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Sciences, Hydrology, Wetland Ecology, or related natural resources field, with preference for advanced degree.
  • Knowledge of the Ogallala Aquifer and groundwater recharge
  • Knowledge of playa lake wetland ecology and importance to migratory waterfowl and shorebirds
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Ability to work independently and as a member of a diverse team
  • Knowledge of Microsoft Office and ArcGIS software.
  • Ability to prepare and present information on conservation programs to peers and the public.
  • Possess good writing skills for preparation of grants, reports, management plans, etc.

  This position will report to the Director of Conservation Programs for DU’s Southwest Unit (TX/OK/NM) located in Richmond, Texas. The successful applicant will have preference of duty location within the immediate vicinity of Lubbock or Amarillo, Texas.

  To Apply: Please fill out the application materials online at http://www.ducks.org/About-Ducks-Unlimited/Jobs-at-Ducks-Unlimited, and attach resume, cover letter and three references.

  DUCKS UNLIMITED, INC. IS AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

  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 category protected by federal, state or local law.

• About the company

  Ducks Unlimited is an American nonprofit organization 501 dedicated to the conservation of wetlands and associated upland habitats for waterfowl, other wildlife, and people.

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