Job Description

Ducks Unlimited, Inc. Conservation Science Assistant

12-Month Paid Position(s)

Memphis, TN

Ducks Unlimited, Inc., (DU) is hiring two 12-month, full-time Conservation Science Assistants. The positions will be based at DU’s National Headquarters (NHQ) in Memphis, TN, and will be provided a range of opportunities to contribute to the science behind DU’s waterfowl and wetlands conservation mission. The positions require experience or academic training in natural resources conservation and management, environmental science, or related fields. The positions will report to and work collaboratively with Dr. Mike Brasher, Senior Waterfowl Scientist, to identify opportunities that address DU’s needs while contributing to the professional development of the Conservation Science Assistant(s).

Ducks Unlimited, Inc., is North America’s leader in waterfowl and wetlands conservation. Since 1937, DU has conserved more than 18 million acres of wetlands and associated waterfowl habitats across the continent.

Responsibilities: The successful applicants will assist a nationwide team of conservation, science, and communication professionals in the development and application of DU’s science and conservation priorities. These efforts will enhance DU’s ability to protect and restore wetlands and other waterfowl habitats for the benefit of waterfowl, other wildlife, and people.

• Depending on the skills and aspirations of the successful applicant, duties may include:
  • Serve as project lead for a collaborative study evaluating the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Harvest Information Program (HIP), including assessments of response bias, memory bias, and comparisons of state-level hunter estimates between HIP and state licensing databases
  • Assist in the development or application of image-recognition software to duck sex ratios from trail camera images
  • Assist in the management of duckDNA ( DU’s participatory science project that is engaging waterfowl hunters in the study of waterfowl genetics
  • Lead the development of grant proposals to support DU research priorities
  • Synthesize peer-reviewed literature on emerging issues affecting waterfowl and wetlands conservation
  • Assist the DU Science Team with a revision to the International Conservation Plan, potentially including refinement of GIS-based decision support tools
  • Assist with communication and outreach for DU’s science and conservation activities through print, web, social media, audio, and video platforms
  • Support external partners (e.g., universities, NGO partners, state and federal agencies) in addressing DU’s highest priority science needs
• WORK CONDITIONS: Primarily office setting, but with opportunities for interdepartmental collaboration, local field outings, and national or international travel (4–5 weeks travel/yr).
• REMOTE WORK: Remote work is not available for this position. The successful candidates will be based at DU’s NHQ in Memphis, TN, where they will work alongside fellow staff.

Qualifications : Given the variety of work opportunities for this position, applicants from diverse experiential and academic backgrounds are encouraged, although those with training in natural resources conservation and management will be most competitive.

Experience and Education

• Background in Natural Resources Conservation and Management, Environmental Science, Avian Ecology, Wetland Ecology, or related field
• Minimum Bachelor’s degree, but high achieving undergraduates may be considered
• Interest in a career in natural resources conservation and management; waterfowl, wetlands, or ornithology interests is preferred
• Experience or training in science communication is a plus

Technological Proficiencies:

• Experience with Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, and Power Point required
• Experience with other software (e.g., ArcGIS, R, Adobe Illustrator) or programming languages (HTML, Python) is a plus

Interpersonal Skills

• Self-motivated and capable of working independently with minimal supervision
• Ability to work collaboratively in interdepartmental teams among conservation, science, communications, and fundraising staff
• Detail oriented with an appreciation for critical thinking and a willingness to learn

Communication Skills

• Ability to research and synthesize scientific materials for communication to technical or layperson audiences
• Ability to communicate effectively through oral, written, and other forms of media

PAY: This is a paid position. The pay rate begins at $19.00/hr, but is negotiable based on qualifications.

HOUSING: Successful applicants will be expected to secure their own housing.

DESIRED START DATE: December 2024 – January 2025

APPLICATION: Apply via ADP – – and attach a resume and cover letter by November 22, 2024. For questions about the position, please contact:

Dr. Mike Brasher; Senior Waterfowl Scientist

[email protected]

DEADLINE: November 22, 2024

For additional questions about DU careers you may also contact [email protected].

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 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

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