Research Biologist, Waterfowl and Conservation Science

Who We Are

Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC), one of the nation’s leading conservation organizations, is a passionate community of people who believe that nature is the foundation of strong communities, a prosperous economy and a sustainable future that supports the hopes and dreams of the next generation. Together, we conserve and restore some of the most valuable and threatened landscapes on the planet.

What You Will Do

Reporting to a Research Scientist, the Research Biologist will conduct applied conservation research in waterfowl ecology and related fields aligned with the conservation mission of DUC and the objectives of the Institute for Wetland and Waterfowl Research (IWWR). The Research Biologist will lead in the analysis, publication, and communication of research results and contribute scientific support to DUC’s Conservation, Education, Fundraising, Policy, and Marketing and Communications teams. The position offers the opportunity to contribute to research that informs habitat conservation, restoration, and conservation planning across Canada.

Key responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Conducts research, normally overseen by a Research Scientist, on projects that mainly involve analytical, modelling, and/or geospatial components, but may involve field or laboratory components.
• Manages, analyzes, interprets, and archives ecological, geospatial, and other research data.
• Leads production of scientific manuscripts and research reports. Presents results to appropriate scientific forums and to DUC staff.
• Engages DUC conservation staff and external conservation partners in the development, interpretation, and application of research.
• Assists or leads research activities, including proposal development, fundraising, project coordination, budget administration, reporting to funders, collaboration with partners, and publication development.
• Develops and delivers science communication and outreach content, including presentations, popular articles, videos, educational materials, and other products that communicate research findings and support DUC's conservation objectives.

Requirements

• At least two years of experience designing, conducting, and publishing results of research, including demonstrated experience as a lead author on publications in peer-reviewed journals. Research experience can be in field or laboratory settings.
• M.Sc. degree in ecology, wildlife biology, environmental science, or a closely related discipline.
• Expertise in waterfowl and/or avian ecology.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, including the ability to communicate complex scientific information to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Excellent relationship-building skills and a collaborative attitude.
• Strong statistical analysis skills, with proficiency with R.
• Proficiency in spatial analysis using ESRI software (e.g., ArcGIS Pro) or open-source platforms (e.g., R) for geospatial data management, visualization, and modeling.
• Ability to effectively work on complex and large projects with a high degree of independence and initiative, both as a project leader and as a collaborative team member.
• Agreeable to occasional day/overnight travel.

Assets

• Expertise in conservation biology, wetland ecology, grassland ecology, or boreal ecology.
• Experience working on conservation issues and with multi-investigator teams.
• Adaptability to work on a variety of topics.
• Ph.D. degree in ecology, wildlife biology, environmental science, or a closely related discipline.
• Bilingualism (English and French).

What We Offer

• 2 weeks’ vacation with paid personal and sick days
• Comprehensive compensation & benefits package
• Hybrid work arrangement

How to Apply 

Working for DUC is a career highlight for many staff. Let us know if making a difference is important to you.

If you are qualified and interested in this opportunity, please visit our online career center to submit your application for confidential consideration.

Ducks Unlimited Canada is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment. If you require accommodations during the recruitment and selection process, please email us at [email protected]. All requests for accommodation will be handled in a confidential manner.

While DUC would like to thank all applicants, only candidates considered for an interview will be contacted.