Multiple Locations – NE, ND, CO

Position Title: Social Scientist

Organization: Ducks Unlimited

Location: Bismark, ND; Grand Island, NE; Fort Collins, CO

Organization Overview: Ducks Unlimited (DU) got its start in 1937 during the Dust Bowl when North America’s drought-plagued waterfowl populations had plunged to unprecedented lows. Determined not to sit idly by as the continent’s waterfowl dwindled beyond recovery, a small group of sportsmen joined together to form an organization that became known as Ducks Unlimited. DU conserves, restores, and manages wetlands and associated habitats for North America’s waterfowl. These habitats also benefit other wildlife and people.

Position Overview: Ducks Unlimited, the world’s leading wetland and waterfowl conservation organization, is seeking an experienced Social Scientist to join a highly motivated Great Plains Region Conservation Planning team. The Social Scientist will collaborate closely with other team research scientists and conservation program biologists to identify and address uncertainties surrounding the intersection of social and biological processes in the 7-state Great Plains Region. The successful candidate will also assist other Great Plains Region department staff when social science expertise is needed. 

Duties:

• Coordinating and conducting social science research through quantitative and qualitative methods that will lead to scientifically valid information to support conservation planning and program decision-makers.
• Assessing needs in collaboration with the conservation planning team and other appropriate groups for social science assessment and research.
• Publishing and presenting research results in diverse forums including peer-reviewed journals, professional conferences, and company meetings. 
• Developing grant proposals to fund research efforts. 
• Sharing research results via peer-reviewed publications, conferences, white papers, and presentations. 
• Additional opportunities within the organization as needed.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Masters in Conservation Social Science, Conservation Psychology, or related field. A PhD is preferred but not mandatory.  
• At least 2 years professional experience in human dimensions research or an occupational field related to the work in this position. 
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously. 
• Excellent writing and communication skills. 
• Ability to problem solve independently.
• Ability to collaborate successfully with a diverse group of individuals through a variety of mediums (e.g., email, phone, Zoom, Teams, and in-person). 
• Agreeable to occasional flexible daytime hours and occasional day/overnight and weekend travel. 
• A background check and an alcohol/drug screen are required. Must have a clean driving record, drug test, and a valid driver’s license. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Proficiency with quantitative and qualitative software programs such as Qualtrics, NVivo, SPSS, and Program R. 
• Knowledge of statistical procedures/analysis and experience coding qualitative data.
• Awareness of theoretical frameworks used in human dimensions of private landownership research.

Application Deadline: July 28

How to Apply: Normally, this will look like “Please use the online application to view the full job description as well as how to apply.”

Please use the online application, and attach resume, cover letter and three references.  For questions regarding this position, please contact Human Resources at careers@ducks.org.