Conservation Biologist

Position Overview

Hudsonia seeks a highly motivated Conservation Biologist to support biological surveys and research, GIS-based conservation planning, and outreach to other conservation professionals, municipalities and landowners. This role bridges science and decision-making by translating ecological data and principles into practical conservation strategies.

Primary Responsibilities

Field Research & Technical Support (50%)

• Conduct and assist with biological field surveys, including plants, fungi, mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates and habitats
• Collect, manage, and analyze data
• Contribute to research design, literature reviews, technical reports, and scientific publications
• Support specimen curation, data archiving, and project documentation

Municipal Liaison & Conservation Planning (25%)

• Serve as liaison to municipalities, planning boards, conservation advisory councils, and partner organizations
• Lead or contribute to Natural Resource Inventories (NRIs), open space plans, and biodiversity assessments
• Develop and interpret GIS-based maps and technical planning materials to support land-use decisions
• Provide science-based guidance on conservation, habitat management, and ecological planning

Outreach & Education (15%)

• Design and deliver outreach and education programs for municipal leaders, landowners, land trusts, and community groups
• Translate scientific findings into accessible presentations, workshops, and educational materials
• Represent Hudsonia at public meetings, trainings, and regional forums

Administration & Proposal Writing (10%)

• Assist with grant proposal development and fundraising efforts
• Support organizational planning and program growth

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree (graduate degree preferred) in wildlife ecology, botany, natural resource management, environmental science, or a related field
• Minimum three years of professional conservation experience with strong field skills
• Knowledge of northeastern U.S. ecology and plant identification, with expertise in at least one additional taxonomic group
• Experience with GIS and spatial analysis
• Strong technical or scientific writing skills
• Project management experience and ability to supervise staff, interns, or volunteers
• Strong communication skills with technical and non-technical audiences
• Experience working with municipalities, landowners, or community stakeholders
• Valid driver’s license and access to a personal vehicle

Preferred

• Experience developing NRIs, open space plans, or similar conservation planning documents
• Familiarity with Hudson Valley ecosystems and regional conservation issues
• Field experience across multiple taxa and radiotelemetry experience
• Knowledge of R or other data analysis tools
• Teaching, facilitation, or public outreach experience

Physical & Work Requirements

• Ability to conduct fieldwork year-round in varied weather and terrain
• Ability to carry field equipment and work in rugged or wet environments
• Hybrid schedule (3 in-office days and 2 remote days)
• Occasional evening and weekend work; some long-distance travel to field sites

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: $50,000–$60,000, commensurate with experience
• Generous benefits package
• Flexible, collegial work environment
• Professional development opportunities

Reports to: Executive Director / Science Director

Full medical benefits

Retirement plan

Paid holidays

3 weeks PTO; 5 sick days

Hybrid schedule: 3 days in office and 2 days remote

Collegial work environment

Professional development opportunities