Ducks Unlimited's Chief Scientist
serves as the organization's leader on waterfowl and habitat science,
provides continental vision and direction in addressing DU's science
needs and ensuring that DU maintains its standing and credibility as a
top notch science-based organization, and is a key spokesperson for DU
on matters related to waterfowl biology and management at the national
and international levels.
Primary Responsibilities
The Chief Scientist will assume a leadership role in contributing to
DU's national and continental conservation objectives through the
advancement and application of waterfowl science, and by exercising a
leadership role in addressing responsibilities such as:
- Providing leadership, guidance, and cohesiveness to DU's Science Team (a team of primarily waterfowl scientists and researchers located in NHQ and the four regional offices) to address science priorities, coordinating other internal ad hoc science-based teams created to address specific needs, and serving as the primary liaison to the board-level Conservation Programs Committee's Science Subcommittee. Supervising any potential future science staff hired and stationed in NHQ Conservation.
- Serving as a principal liaison to DU Canada (DUC) relative to waterfowl science and habitat management, and serving a similar science-focused capacity relative to DU de Mexico (DUMAC). This science-based linkage and active collaboration among the three organizations is key to promoting and maintaining the use of a science-based, continental perspective in guiding DU's allocation of resources and continental conservation programs.
- Leading (with science leadership in DUC and DUMAC) the revision and updating of DU's tri-national International Conservation Plan, and stepping that down to develop and implement the first-ever National Science Plan for DU.
- Leading development and implementation of a landscape assessment and prioritization process, incorporating biological and business considerations, to help guide DU's allocation of resources.
- Serving as a primary spokesperson for DU with respect to the diverse array of biological and scientific issues related to waterfowl and habitat conservation.
- Conducting and coordinating scientific analysis, research, and synthesis of information as necessary to support expanded and strengthened work in policy, and providing scientific support to the Public Policy Steering Committee and Executive Team as needed.
- Representing DU in activities related to the North American Waterfowl Management Plan (NAWMP), and serving as DU's representative on important national committees and interagency teams such as species joint ventures or action teams, committees/working groups of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, the North American Bird Conservation Initiative, the Association of State Wetland Managers, and similar groups.
- Seeking and expanding funding to support the scientific work necessary to advance DU's conservation vision.
- Serving as the Science Editor for the Ducks Unlimited Magazine, developing and reviewing other publications and printed materials, and contributing significantly to DU's conservation communications efforts in cooperation with staff from Communications, Development, and other organizational units.
Qualifications
- Demonstrated passion for waterfowl and habitat conservation.
- Extensive knowledge of waterfowl biology and ecology, and a broad understanding of North America's waterfowl and their habitat conservation issues and needs at the continental level.
- Knowledge of state and federal agencies, NGOs, quasi-governmental organizations (e.g., flyway councils) and other wildlife conservation entities and their conservation programs that affect waterfowl populations and habitats.
- Knowledge of and experience with the NAWMP and Joint Ventures and having an extensive network among the Plan and wildlife conservation community.
- Demonstrated ability to lead teams of conservation partners, both internal and external, towards shared strategic goals.
- Ability to successfully work and interact personally and professionally with a broad range of partners including academic and agency scientists, state/federal/NGO waterfowl and habitat managers, and DU volunteers and major donors.
- Ability to quickly review and assimilate scientific and policy information in disciplines outside specific areas of existing expertise.
- Knowledge of Ducks Unlimited's continental conservation activities as well as other aspects of the organization is desirable.
- Strong written and verbal communications skills.
Education and Experience
- Ph.D. in natural resource conservation, wildlife or waterfowl biology, or a related discipline.
- Minimum of 10 years of related experience and evidence of progressive advancement in previous jobs.
- Previous significant experience in waterfowl biology/ecology and conservation and management of waterfowl populations and habitats, preferably with a conservation agency or large NGO.
Reporting Relationship
The Chief Scientist will be a part of
Ducks Unlimited's Conservation Leadership Team and will report to the
Chief Conservation Officer.
Application
For further information regarding
this position, please contact Paul Schmidt. To apply, please send a
letter of interest and resume by Friday, September 23, 2016 to:
Paul Schmidt, Chief Conservation Officer
Ducks Unlimited, Inc.
One Waterfowl Way
Memphis, TN 38120
901.758.3874
pschmidt@ducks.org
Ducks Unlimited, Inc.
One Waterfowl Way
Memphis, TN 38120
901.758.3874
pschmidt@ducks.org
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