Manager of Conservation Programs

Western Region - California, Nevada, Hawaii, and Arizona

Ducks Unlimited, Inc. (DU), the world’s leading wetland and waterfowl conservation organization, is seeking qualified candidates for a second Manager of Conservation Programs position for its California, Nevada, Hawaii, and Arizona conservation program. The position will be stationed in DU’s Western Regional Office in Rancho Cordova, California. This Manager will work closely with the other Manager of Conservation Programs to oversee the five geographically based Conservation Area Teams that develop and deliver DU’s conservation work in key landscapes within this four-state area. DU is seeking a highly motivated and experienced professional to become part of the Western Region’s team of biologists, engineers, fund-raisers, and other professionals, and to help lead, develop, grow, and implement DU’s conservation efforts in California, Nevada, Hawaii, and Arizona.

Qualifications:

DU is seeking well-organized individuals with proven abilities in leadership, program management, partnership development and stewardship, strategic and business planning, budget and personnel administration, and programmatic fundraising. Program and staff supervisory experience are highly desirable. A minimum of 5 years of related experience is required, and an advanced degree in ecology, biology, or environmental sciences is preferred. A waterfowl biology and wetland ecology background is highly desirable. Relevant experience in wetland restoration, working landscape conservation, and wildlife habitat management is required. Applicants must have knowledge of state and federal land conservation programs, grant opportunities, and relevant policies and regulations. Excellent written and oral communication skills, as well as interpersonal skills, are required. Proven grant writing, editing, and administration skills are required, as is a track record in successful partnership building. Experience working with volunteers, board members, and donors is beneficial.

Duties and Responsibilities:

The position will report to the Director of Conservation Programs (DCP). Specific duties include:

• Coordinate with other Manager of Conservation Programs to provide comprehensive management of the overall program and to collectively communicate activities, issues, opportunities, and program status to the DCP.
• Serve as member of the Western Region’s Conservation Management Team and regularly coordinate with other conservation managers (biological, engineering, environmental compliance, and conservation services). Work on strategic planning, budgeting, and staffing issues as requested by the Western Region’s Conservation Leadership Team.
• Directly supervise multiple biologists. Provide leadership, strategic vision, management oversight, and technical assistance.
• Provide guidance and support to biologists to assist them with building, growing, and implementing effective and sustainable conservation programs.
• Work closely with other Manager of Conservation Programs and Conservation Area Teams to identify staffing needs so the DCP and the Director of Engineering Services can adequately forecast and apply resources as needed.
• Coordinate with other Manager of Conservation Programs and Conservation Area Teams to ensure that quarterly revenue and workload projections are submitted on time and are accurate. Resolve any issues to ensure that reliable revenue and workload information is conveyed to the DCP.
• Regularly monitor budget projections and coordinate with other Manager of Conservation Programs and Conservation Area Teams to ensure projections are updated and reliable.
• Coordinate with other Manager of Conservation Programs and biologists to ensure that budgeted acreage and revenue projections are met for the fiscal year.
• Coordinate end of fiscal year habitat delivery reporting with biologists and GIS staff.
• Provide quality assurance and quality control for proposal submittals and grant administration.
• Manage contracts and coordinate with individual staff for programmatic agreements that cover multiple conservation areas.
• Work cooperatively with DU’s communications team to regularly produce outreach and marketing materials highlighting DU’s conservation work.
• Work closely with DU’s Development and Ecological Goods and Services staff to identify and develop appropriate funding opportunities that support DU’s conservation work.
• Secure funding and deliver direct, on-the-ground conservation projects as needed within the region, including wetland restoration/enhancement and land management practices.
• Attend professional meetings within the region and in other locations in the U.S. to represent DU and deliver presentations or support as needed.
• Conduct other duties as assigned that are deemed necessary to fulfill DU’s mission of wetland conservation.

Candidate must be willing and able to travel frequently, including overnight travel. The position/s will require occasional outside work, possibly in inclement weather, and may require physical exertion or lifting as needed.

The position will remain open until filled. Interviews to begin in June 2026. 

Salary Range: $115,000-$130,000 and will commensurate with experience.

To Apply: Please fill out all application materials and attach a cover letter and resume.