Ducks Unlimited is seeking a natural resources and/or public policy professional to work closely with our conservation team on a variety of public policy issues that affect wetland and waterfowl conservation. DU’s Great Lakes/Atlantic Region encompasses 21 states within in the Northeast and Midwest portions of the United States and includes many high priority areas for waterfowl habitat conservation. Examples of Great Lakes/Atlantic Region conservation policy issues include aspects of large scale restoration of Great Lakes, Chesapeake Bay and Upper Mississippi River wetlands and riparian corridors, Farm Bill conservation programs, invasive plants and animals, and wetland protection. Within the Great Lakes/Atlantic Region, our highest conservation priorities include conservation of wetlands in the Great Lakes, Chesapeake Bay and Upper Mississippi River watersheds.

The successful candidate will report to the Director of Public Policy and work closely with regional conservation staff, Governmental Affairs Office staff in Washington DC, and staff from other business departments in Ducks Unlimited. The Governmental Affairs Representative will also assist with coordination and engagement of our highly motivated volunteers to assist with our conservation policy goals and objectives at the state, regional, and national levels.

Specific Duties:

• Work with the regional Director of Public Policy, Director of Operations, Government Affairs staff in Washington DC, and other staff as appropriate to develop and maintain staff relationships with members of Congress and federal and state agencies;
• Assist with identification and prioritization of regional and state policy issues, goals and objectives that are consistent with the DU Strategic Plan and Regional Action Plan;
• Assist the Director of Public Policy to steward, coordinate, and engage State Public Policy Chairs, Government Affairs Team members, and other DU volunteers in efforts to achieve national, regional and state level policy goals and objectives;
• Research, review and understand existing and proposed legislation and advise the Director of Public Policy and Director of Operations on issues that impact DU conservation priorities, especially related to regional habitat restoration programs, water policy, and agricultural policy;
• Work closely with regional communications staff to develop communications materials and talking points for federal, regional and state policy issues as needed;
• Participate in advocacy and lobbying on key national, regional and state public policy priorities;
• Work with communications staff to submit articles to the Waterfowl Advocate, DU magazine, and other appropriate media outlets to amplify and broadcast DU positions and inform our membership, key Congressional and Executive Branch staff, and constituents;
• Promote DU’s public policy goals and objectives via attendance and presentations at state and national conventions, leadership conferences and other DU and partner venues.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Working knowledge of various aspects of conservation policy and/or law;
• General knowledge of waterfowl ecology and habitat management;
• General knowledge of agriculture/agribusiness, and especially Midwestern agriculture;
• General Microsoft Office Suite and social media proficiencies;
• Self-starting with ability to effectively plan, organize and prioritize work activities and complete tasks to meet deadlines; skills to work independently and with a team;
• Excellent communications skills, including strong written and oral skills, and the ability to prepare and present technical information to nontechnical audiences;
• Possess strong interpersonal skills to effectively communicate with policy makers, agency leaders, DU staff, DU volunteers and general membership;
• Willing to travel frequently and work effectively away from home/office; spend multiple evenings away from home.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:

The successful candidate, in addition to the education requirements listed below, should have experience that demonstrates their strong interest in conservation policy.

• M.S or B.S. in natural resource conservation, agriculture, or wildlife management, or a closely related natural resources field and at least 5 years of experience;
• M.S. / M.A. or B.S. / B.A. in public affairs, political science or public policy and at least 5 years of experience.

Duty Location

This position will be located at our Great Lakes/Atlantic Regional Office in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

To apply: Fill out the application forms provided at www.ducks.org/jobs; attach cover letter detailing general professional interest in conservation policy and specific interests in this position, provide three references with daytime telephone numbers. Position to be filled ASAP, but will remain open until suitable candidate is hired.

Send application by mail or e-mail (e-mail preferred) to:

Tracie Chapin

Executive Assistant

Ducks Unlimited, Inc.

1220 Eisenhower Place

Ann Arbor, Michigan 48108

Email: tchapin@ducks.org

For more information regarding this position, contact Gildo Tori at Ducks Unlimited at (734) 623-2000 or gtori@ducks.org.