Job Description

Manager of Conservation Programs

Great Plains Region – Montana

 

Ducks Unlimited, Inc., the world’s leading wetland and waterfowl conservation organization, is seeking qualified candidates for a Manager of Conservation Programs for its efforts in Montana.  

Because of its importance to North America’s duck populations, Montana is a top priority in Ducks Unlimited’s international conservation plan. The Montana conservation program is focused on restoring, enhancing, and conserving prairie wetlands and associated upland habitats. The Manager of Conservation Programs will supervise field staff and coordinate with regional staff and external conservation partners to secure funding and deliver conservation projects on private and public lands across Montana.

This position will be a full-time salaried position as part of the Great Plains Regional Office in Bismarck, North Dakota. Preferred location of the position is eastern Montana. The position reports to the Director of Conservation Programs for the Dakotas and Montana. 

Primary duties

• Coordinate with partners at the Natural Resources Conservation Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, and other public agencies and non-governmental conservation organizations to plan and deliver waterfowl habitat conservation.
• Write proposals and secure public funding for Ducks Unlimited’s conservation projects in Montana.
• Assist regional management team to develop and implement regional strategic and business plans.
• Manage Montana conservation budget.
• Manage technical field staff to maximize conservation opportunities.
• Work with regional conservation planning staff to ensure investment of public and private funds is well-aligned with current scientific knowledge.
• Work with regional engineering staff to identify and deliver wetland and grassland enhancement and restoration projects.
• Work with regional volunteers and fundraising staff to secure philanthropic revenue for Ducks Unlimited’s conservation efforts in the prairie pothole region.
• Work with regional communications staff to tell success stories and publicize needs and milestones.
• Work with regional public policy staff to promote state and federal public policy that facilitates conservation of wetlands and waterfowl habitat.

Minimum qualifications

Bachelor of Science degree or equivalent required. Master of Science degree in wildlife management, ecology or a closely related natural resources field preferred. At least five years of related experience required. A qualifying advanced degree will substitute for one (M.S.) or two (Ph.D.) years of the required experience. Must possess a valid driver’s license and pass a background check and pre-employment drug screen.

 

Knowledge, skills, and abilities

• Knowledge of waterfowl and wetland conservation and management
• Knowledge of federal and state conservation programs (CRP, EQIP, etc.) and funding mechanisms (NAWCA etc.)
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office software and common GIS packages
• Self-motivated and strongly driven to make a conservation impact on the Montana landscape
• Ability to work effectively—both independently and as a member of a team
• Ability to effectively plan, organize, and prioritize work activities and complete tasks to meet deadlines
• Ability to prepare and present information on conservation programs to peers and the public
• Strong personal skills in order to effectively communicate with partners, private landowners, other professionals, and the general public
• Strong writing skills for preparation of technical reports, strategic plans, and funding proposals

 

To apply: Complete the online application at www.ducks.org/jobs and attach letter of interest, resume and daytime contact information (email & phone numbers) for three professional references. For more information regarding this position or to request application materials, contact Candace Miller at 701.355.3511. Deadline for submission of application is June 27, 2025. 

 

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.