It’s well known that careers in wildlife, conservation, and the environment are incredibly competitive. In fact, it’s not uncommon for a job to have hundreds of applicants. So you might be surprised to hear that there are jobs that are difficult for employers to fill. Yes, difficult! To be honest, I was surprised too. This episode of the Fancy Scientist podcast is inspired by this recent insight, and it came about through a new connection on LinkedIn. Dr. Patrick Raney, the Director of Conservation Programs in the Great Lakes Atlantic region of Ducks Unlimited, and I were messaging each other about conservation jobs, and he mentioned that it had actually been difficult for him to find qualified applicants to fill certain positions Given that so many people are struggling to get jobs, I immediately thought that this was wonderful news and that I needed to have him on the podcast to learn more and help those in need. Patrick shares his journey from being a plant ecologist to his current role, emphasizing the diverse paths one can take within conservation. We delve into Ducks Unlimited's successful conservation strategies, the importance of thinking creatively about wildlife careers, and the crucial role of LinkedIn in job searching and networking. Additionally, Patrick offers invaluable advice on filling open positions, especially in engineering and other 'wildlife-adjacent' fields. If you're looking to break into or advance in the conservation field, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical tips.

00:00 Introduction to the Fancy Scientist Podcast
00:09 Meet Dr. Patrick Ranney: Director at Ducks Unlimited
01:01 Patrick's Journey into Conservation
02:07 The Role of LinkedIn in Wildlife Careers
03:44 Patrick's Early Career and Education
08:19 The Importance of Networking in Conservation
11:12 Ducks Unlimited: Mission and Impact
22:27 Challenges in Filling Conservation Positions
27:22 Exploring Career Opportunities in Wildlife Biology
28:23 Dream Jobs and Career Paths
28:46 Mitigation Banking and Conservation Finance
31:03 Impact of Federal and State Policies on Jobs
34:32 Leveraging LinkedIn for Career Growth
41:38 The Value of Volunteering in Wildlife Careers
44:07 Essential Skills for Wildlife Careers
45:18 Conservation Success Stories
49:35 Final Thoughts and Networking Tips

Dream of being a wildlife biologist, zoologist, conservation biologist, or ecologist? Ready to turn your love of animals into a thriving career?🌿🐘 Then…

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I’m Dr. Stephanie Manka (formerly Schuttler), a wildlife biologist of 20 yrs who is on a mission to empower wildlife professionals and break stereotypes of scientists so they can get jobs, live out their life’s purpose and make a difference in this world.

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