Manager, Conservation Programs

Manager of Conservation Programs
Western Region – North Pacific Flyway Unit 

Ducks Unlimited, Inc. (DU), the world’s leading wetland and waterfowl conservation organization, is seeking qualified candidates for a Manager of Conservation Programs (MCP) for its North Pacific Flyway area.  The MCP will assist and help lead the delivery of conservation projects in the Pacific Northwest US, with direct supervision of biological staff, coordination of project management tasks, and responsibilities of fiscal oversight and reporting.  This position will report directly to the area’s Director of Conservation Programs (DCP). The preferred location for this position is office-based in the Vancouver Field Office (Vancouver, Washington).   Remote location within the area of responsibility may be considered, dependent upon selected candidate’s location, yet significant travel would be required.

The North Pacific Flyway conservation program focuses on restoring, enhancing, and protecting critical wetland habitats in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Utah, and Washington. Since the late 1990s, DU has conserved more than 280,000 acres of freshwater and coastal wetlands and agricultural landscapes in these states. DU seeks a self-motivated, well-organized, detail-oriented individual with proven leadership abilities to help with program planning, project coordination, strategic and business plan implementation, budget and personnel administration, programmatic fundraising, and partnership development and stewardship.

Qualifications

Interested candidates must have 5+ years of experience with a conservation agency or organization with an advanced degree or training in conservation, ecology, engineering or another specialized area related to conservation.  Relevant experience in wetland restoration, working landscape conservation, and wildlife habitat management is required.  A background in avian biology and wetland ecology is highly desirable.  Applicants must have knowledge of state and federal land conservation programs, funding opportunities, and relevant policies and regulations.  Proven grant writing and administration skills are required, as is a track record in successful partnership building.  Experience working with public servants, landowners, volunteers, board members, and donors is beneficial, as well as previous non-profit organizational employment or engagement.  A background and passion for wildlife conservation and outdoor recreation is preferred.  Excellent written and oral communication skills, as well as interpersonal skills, are required.  

Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide direct supervision and leadership to multiple biologists in area of responsibility.  
• Provide program guidance to Conservation Area Teams that consist of biologists, professional engineers, environmental compliance, and accounting staff.   
• Inform the DCP and other DU senior leadership of Conservation Area Team activities, challenges, opportunities, and successes in area of responsibility.
• Work closely with Conservation Area Team members and other the Management Team members (Engineering, Environmental Compliance, and Conservation Services) to coordinate field activities and project timelines for successful and fiscally responsible delivery of grant and project commitments.  Coordination will help identify capacity needs and adequately forecast and apply resources, as needed.
• Coordinate with Conservation Area Teams to ensure that quarterly budget projections are accurate and submitted on time.  Resolve any issues to ensure that reliable financial information is conveyed to the DCP. 
• Coordinate with biologists and GIS staff to ensure that habitat deliveries are accurately reported into internal tracking portal.    
• Assist Conservation Area Team staff with budget development when preparing proposals and funding solicitations.  
• Provide quality assurance and quality control for proposal submittals and grant administration tasks for state and federal funding programs.
• Assist Conservation Area Team staff with agreement and contract development and execution.    
• Provide guidance and support to biologists to assist them with implementing effective and sustainable conservation actions that are mission-centric and fiscally responsible.  
• Work cooperatively with DU’s communications team to regularly produce outreach and marketing materials for area of responsibility.
• Secure funding and deliver direct, on-the-ground conservation projects as needed including wetland restoration/enhancement and land protection. 
• Attend professional meetings within the region and in other locations in the U.S. to represent DU and promote waterfowl and wetland conservation partnerships and programs.  
• Conduct other duties as assigned that are deemed necessary to fulfill DU’s mission of wetland conservation.

Candidate must be willing and able to travel frequently, including overnight travel. The position will require occasional outside work, possibly in inclement weather, drive long distances, and may require physical exertion or lifting as needed.  The position will remain open until filled.  Interviews to begin in April 2025.  

To apply: Attach a cover letter and resume with contact information.  Professional references may be requested for further consideration.  

For further information regarding this position, please contact:  
Linda McMahon, Executive Assistant
Ducks Unlimited, Inc.
Vancouver Field Office 
11805 NE 99^th Street, Suite 1300
Vancouver, WA 98682
Email: lmcmahon@ducks.org

DUCKS UNLIMITED, INC. IS AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
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.