National Director of Wild Turkey Research

Description Title: National Director of Wild Turkey Research Full-Time or Part-time: Full-Time Reports To: Co-CEO (Conservation and Business Support) Employment Category: Exempt, salary

About Us

The National Wild Turkey Federation is a mission-driven, membership-based, non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of the wild turkey and preservation of our hunting heritage. Our programs are rooted in rigorous science, innovative partnerships, and a deep commitment to our mission and vision. We are currently expanding our efforts to address declining wild turkey populations and seek a visionary leader to guide this work. Job Summary: The National Director of Wild Turkey Research will lead the organization’s scientific strategy and research initiatives focused on wild turkey ecology, management, and conservation. This senior role is responsible for identifying and helping to drive needed field research, securing funding, developing collaborations, managing our endowed university programs focused on the wild turkey, overseeing our Tech Committee (collaboration with state agency wild turkey biologists) and translating science into actionable conservation strategies and policy recommendations. The ideal candidate is a respected expert in avian ecology or wildlife biology, with a proven track record of leading research projects, publishing in peer-reviewed journals, and mentoring early-career scientists. This position offers the opportunity to influence national conservation priorities and improve outcomes for one of North America’s most iconic game birds. Duties and Responsibilities: Research Leadership

• Catalyst for meaningful, multi-year research projects on wild turkey population dynamics, behavior, habitat use, disease ecology, genetics, and/or harvest management.
• Oversee and manage the NWTF’s national wild turkey Request for Proposal program.
• Serve as liaison and primary point of contact providing guidance and input on research conducted through the NWTF’s endowed professorships and programs at various universities.

Strategic Vision

• Serve as one of the organization’s top subject matter experts on wild turkeys.
• Identify and prioritize emerging threats and research gaps affecting wild turkey populations across their range.
• Develop science-based conservation strategies and recommend best practices for habitat management and policy initiatives.

Collaboration & Outreach

• Build and maintain partnerships with state and federal agencies, universities, tribal nations, NGOs, and private landowners.
• Represent the organization at conferences, scientific panels, stakeholder meetings, and media engagements.
• Communicate findings to both scientific and lay audiences through reports, publications, magazine articles, presentations, and social media.

Funding & Development

• Pursue grant opportunities, donor support, and institutional funding to sustain and expand research initiatives.
• Assist development staff in crafting compelling scientific narratives for fundraising materials.
• Attend annual NWTF Convention, regional meetings and training opportunities, as necessary.

Requirements

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Proven track record of leading research projects, publishing in peer-reviewed journals, and mentoring early-career scientists.
• Proven ability to secure research funding through grants or contracts.
• Strong publication record associated with habitat management or applied research in peer-reviewed journals.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, with the ability to engage diverse audiences.
• Familiarity with GPS/GIS technologies, statistical software, artificial intelligence platforms, and wildlife monitoring tools.
• Willingness to travel for fieldwork, conferences, and partner engagement.
• Excellent interpersonal and public speaking skills and the ability to communicate with both professional and general audiences
• Respected expert in avian ecology or wildlife biology
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong partnership and relationship building willingness, abilities and skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and to delegate them when appropriate.
• Ability to function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environment.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.

Education and Experience:

• Ph.D. in Wildlife Biology, Ecology, Zoology, or a related field (Master’s degree with exceptional experience will also be considered).
• Minimum of 7–10 years of experience in wildlife or avian research and/or management, with direct experience studying/managing wild turkeys strongly preferred.
• Experience working with wildlife management agencies and nonprofit conservation groups.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of hunting regulations, game bird management, and North American conservation frameworks.
• Experience leading field-based research teams and mentoring junior scientists.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.

Remote or Telecomm Status (select one):

• Position can work remotely.

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