Title: Researcher and Manager of Ecology and Nature Tech Solutions
Location: Duke Farms, Hillsborough, N.J.
Reports to: Deputy Executive Director of Science and Conservation
Status: Full time, exempt
How to Apply: Click here to apply. Please include a cover letter and a curriculum vitae in academic format. The CV should include relevant sections such as publications, grants, presentations, teaching experience and other professional accomplishments. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Duke Farms is a living lab where model strategies for nature restoration, wildlife conservation and clean energy transition are developed. Located on 2,700 acres in Hillsborough, New Jersey, the campus serves as a gathering place for global decision-makers and local neighbors to ignite change.
As a center of the Doris Duke Foundation (DDF), Duke Farms advances the foundation’s mission to build a more creative, equitable and sustainable future. We work across three areas: arts & culture, nature, and health & well-being. In addition to Duke Farms, DDF operates five national grantmaking programs as well as Shangri La, a global center for transformation located in Honolulu, Hawai‘i. DDF’s activities are guided by the will of Doris Duke, who endowed the foundation with financial assets that currently total over $2 billion. (To learn more about the foundation, visit dorisduke.org.)
POSITION
The Researcher and Manager of Ecology and Nature Tech Solutions leads habitat restoration and wildlife management initiatives across the Duke Farms landscape and collaborates on research beyond its borders. This role is responsible for managing ecological restoration projects, conducting long-term ecological surveys in forested and peri-urban habitats, and assessing anthropogenic impacts on wildlife populations and plant communities. The Manager works closely with internal science teams and external collaborators, including contractors, research institutions, government agencies and local communities.
In addition, the Manager oversees the testing and demonstration of nature-based technological solutions by developing partnerships with leading organizations in the field. This role plays a critical part in advancing Duke Farms’ commitment to biodiversity, ecosystem health and innovative approaches to conservation.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Advance Ecological Restoration to Promote Biodiversity and Ecosystem Health: Lead the planning and implementation of restoration projects that improve ecological integrity and support native species across Duke Farms’ diverse habitats.
• Plan, implement and oversee ecological restoration projects to enhance biodiversity and ecosystem health within Duke Farms’ habitats, with a particular focus on forested ecosystems.
• Work closely with contractors and internal staff to execute and monitor restoration outcomes.
Strengthen Wildlife Monitoring to Inform Conservation Decision-Making: Develop and manage long-term ecological surveys to assess wildlife populations, habitat conditions and the effectiveness of restoration initiatives.
• Develop and manage wildlife monitoring programs, focusing on vertebrate species affected by anthropogenic factors, habitat changes and restoration efforts.
• Establish and oversee long-term ecological surveys in forested habitats to monitor ecological changes and inform management decisions.
• Oversee data collection, analysis and reporting of wildlife population trends and ecological health indicators.
• Ensure scientific rigor and quality control in data collection and analysis processes.
Lead a High-Performing Conservation Team: Supervise and mentor staff to ensure effective program execution and collaboration across internal and external teams.
• Supervise a team of experts to carry out the program’s objectives.
• Manage staff activities and coordinate communication with internal science and conservation teams, external scientific advisers, contractors and community volunteer groups.
Integrate Nature-Based Technologies to Enhance Conservation Impact: Identify, test and implement innovative technologies that improve the efficiency and effectiveness of ecological research and restoration efforts.
• Identify, test and demonstrate innovative technological solutions that enhance ecological research, monitoring and conservation outcomes.
• Collaborate with technology providers, academic institutions and research organizations to evaluate and pilot new technologies.
Resource Development for Conservation Impact: Drive strategic resource development to sustain and expand Duke Farms’ applied research and conservation programs.
• Secure and manage external resources—including grants and mission-aligned partnerships—to support Duke Farms’ long-term research priorities, restoration efforts and operational capacity.
• Lead the development of competitive proposals that reflect the organization’s applied science and sustainability goals.
• Oversee research budgets, track expenditures and ensure compliance with reporting requirements to maintain strong relationships and program integrity.
Disseminate Research to Expand Impact and Foster Public Engagement: Communicate research findings, program outcomes and conservation messages to scientific, professional and public audiences.
• Present research findings and project outcomes through internal and external presentations, written reports, peer-reviewed publications and public outreach events.
• Contribute to educational initiatives to communicate conservation objectives, methodologies and successes to wide-ranging audiences.
Other responsibilities as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
• Master’s degree in ecology, wildlife management, conservation biology or a related field. Ph.D. preferred in a relevant discipline.
• Demonstrated experience managing ecological restoration and wildlife monitoring projects.
• Proven ability to lead teams, delegate responsibilities and mentor staff to achieve high-performance outcomes. Proven track record in securing and managing competitive research grants.
• Strong publication record, public speaking skills and stakeholder engagement experience.
• Expertise in leading research projects related to habitat restoration, wildlife management, wildlife, ecology and/or assessing anthropogenic impacts on wildlife and ecosystems.
• Demonstrated experience collaborating with contractors, scientists and community volunteers.
• Strong interpersonal, communication and leadership skills, with the ability to engage both technical and nontechnical stakeholders.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and deliver timely results.
• Deep commitment to conservation and ecological restoration.
• Ability to navigate the 2,700-plus-acre Duke Farms property as well as travel to other locations, both indoors and outdoors, in various weather conditions.
• Ability to repeatedly lift and carry up to 50 pounds to a height of 12 inches.
• Ability to work in various outdoor conditions including but not limited to heat, cold, sun exposure and wet weather with potential exposure to environmental factors such as poison ivy, ticks and mosquitoes.
• Available to work flexible hours, including weekends, evenings and holidays.
• A valid driver’s license.
We recognize that not every candidate will meet every qualification listed. If you are passionate about our mission and believe you have the skills and experience to perform the essential functions of this role, we encourage you to apply.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
• Anticipated salary range is $88,800-$133,200, and the final offer will depend on experience.
• Industry-leading benefits, including a 15% employer contribution to your 401(k), comprehensive health insurance, four weeks of paid vacation with additional paid time off and matching gift benefits of up to $20,000 per year—all designed to support employees’ well-being, productivity and engagement.
OUR VALUES
The following values underpin everything we do in pursuit of our mission across the Doris Duke Foundation:
Integrity: We must be honest and ethical in all that we undertake. As a private foundation, we are accountable to the many stakeholders affected by our work.
Excellence: We will insist on the highest standards of performance in fulfilling our mission, will ground our work in best practices and will make decisions based on the best available information.
Openness and Imagination: We will be a listening and learning organization that is responsive to ideas and opinions from a variety of sources. We value imagination and creativity, the ability to think in new ways about the work we do and how we do it.
Collaboration: We value a collaborative and supportive environment in which to advance our mission and objectives. Creating a working environment that promotes trust, honesty and respect within our organizations is as important as earning the trust and respect of our colleagues and peers in the fields in which we work.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: We believe in the essential value that a diverse set of perspectives, experiences and abilities brings to the table. Our commitment to the values of diversity, equity, inclusion and social justice is an ongoing, active engagement reflected in our funding areas, grantees, museums, centers, board and staff. At the core of our work is a dedication to serving and learning from organizations and individuals addressing inequities and working toward a more just, healthy and inclusive society. (Learn more about our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, and how we incorporate this value into our work.)
The Doris Duke Foundation is committed to inclusive hiring and equal employment opportunity. We strongly encourage candidates of all identities, experiences, orientations and communities to apply. Our recruiting and employment practices adhere to all applicable federal, state and local laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act. We provide reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. If a reasonable accommodation in the job application process is needed, please contact us here.