Job Description

Manager of Conservation Programs

Louisiana Gulf Coast

Ducks Unlimited, Inc. (DU), the world’s leading wetland and waterfowl conservation organization, is seeking qualified candidates for a Manager of Conservation Programs position to help lead our conservation efforts in south Louisiana.  The position will be based out of the Southern Region’s Lafayette Field Office in Lafayette, LA.  This office is made up of “South Louisiana Unit” conservation staff who are focused on restoring, enhancing, and protecting critical wetlands and wildlife habitat.  The South Louisiana Unit has helped conserve approximately 650,000 acres in Louisiana to date. 

We are seeking an individual to fill our manager position that has proven abilities in team leadership, project development and implementation, land enhancement and protection, strategic and business plan implementation, budget and personnel administration, programmatic fundraising, and partnership development and stewardship to help grow our conservation footprint.   This position will be based out of Lafayette, LA but travel will be routinely required in south Louisiana and may also be required throughout the Gulf Coast region.  Job duties for this position will be varied and include office and field work.  Workload and level of responsibility for this position can be demanding.  Additionally, field work can be physically challenging and can take place under arduous conditions at times.  Therefore, only hardworking, enthusiastic, adaptable, and dedicated individuals should apply.  Candidates should possess a strong background in waterfowl management, wetlands ecology, conservation practices in rice lands, coastal restoration techniques, and have an in-depth understanding of the natural resource needs of Louisiana.  Grant writing, budget management, and project management/coordination skills are a must.  Additionally, candidates should have prior experience supervising employees and managing people and programs.  Inquisitive, detail-oriented, and self-motivated applicants who can follow explicit protocol are preferred.  A strong work ethic is a necessity.  Experience with GIS and Microsoft software programs, understanding coastal permitting and regulations, and proficiency in securing public and private dollars for conservation work are also preferred.  Strong communication skills (written and verbal) are a necessity, and candidates must be able to work both independently and as a member of a diverse team.  A valid driver’s license and clean driving record are required.  A minimum of 5 years of related experience and a M.S. or Ph.D. in biology, ecology, environmental science, or natural resource management is required (or an equivalent natural resource related degree).  

Specific Duties:

• Provide leadership to facilitate the growth and implementation of DU’s conservation initiatives in south Louisiana with a focus on coastal restoration, wetlands, grasslands, coastal resiliency, water quality, ecosystem services, and working lands.
• Supervise a staff of conservation professionals that total approximately 5-10 individuals.
• Prepare and manage annual budgets.  Conservation expenditures in south Louisiana range from 15-20 million dollars per year.
• Manage existing diverse and discrete program elements including the development and administration of grants and agreements with the National Fish & Wildlife Foundation, Natural Resources Conservation Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service via North American Wetlands Conservation Act and Partners for Fish and Wildlife Programs, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority, and other federal, state, and local government agencies.   This includes funded efforts and a vision to pursue new opportunities for program growth.
• Guide the development, selection, prioritization, funding, and delivery of conservation projects.
• Work with development and fundraising staff to secure funding for conservation work and programmatic growth.
• Build, strengthen, and maintain relationships with federal, state, local, private landowner, and corporate partners.
• Assist national, regional, and state specific communications and marketing efforts.  
• Work with DU Directors of Conservation Programs and other DU staff involved in planning, policy, engineering, and conservation services on regional strategic and business plans, fundraising, science, public policy, and budget and personnel administration.  
• Be available to provide technical assistance to landowners that desire to restore, enhance, and/or protect their wetlands.
• Operate various types of boats and navigate waters of coastal Louisiana on an as needed basis.
• Other duties as assigned.

Reporting Relationship:

The successful candidate will report to DU’s Director of Conservation Programs for south Louisiana who is based out of Lafayette, LA.

Salary and Benefits Package:

Salary commensurate with experience. We work hard to encourage everyone at Ducks Unlimited to bring their authentic selves to work every day. DU offers an exceptional benefits package that includes comprehensive group medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance, including spouse and dependent coverage.  Also offered is a minimum three weeks paid vacation to start, paid sick leave and approximately 10 paid holidays, 401(k) plan (including partial employer match) and potentially tuition reimbursement for further education opportunities.

Work Location:

This position will primarily cover the Gulf Coast of Louisiana. However, travel for work assignments could vary regionally.  Selected individual must be able to report to DU’s Lafayette Field Office daily. Teleworking (i.e., working from home or an isolated location) on a permanent or semi-permanent basis is not an option for this position.     

To Apply: Please fill out the application materials and submit a resume and cover letter. The application submission deadline is subject to change.  It will remain open until June 30, 2025, at a minimum but can close when determined appropriate after that date.  

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, 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.