(A) The Chief of Wildlife shall establish a Statewide Waterfowl Program Manager within the Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division. The Waterfowl Program Manager shall:

(1) manage all aspects of the waterfowl and wetland management program where management is directed toward the requirements of native and migratory waterfowl and their allies;

(2) manage the conservation and management of waterfowl habitat that is titled or licensed to the department and ensure the successful utilization of this acreage for the benefit of waterfowl, waterfowl hunters, and other waterfowl enthusiasts;

(3) supervise all waterfowl management activities conducted by staff and contractors for such areas;

(4) coordinate with regional personnel on waterfowl management activities on regional wildlife management areas; and

(5) undertake all other duties as necessary to successfully conserve and manage waterfowl habitat.

(B) The Waterfowl Program Manager must have:

(1) a four-year bachelor’s degree from an accredited postsecondary institution;

(2) at least seven years of experience in waterfowl and wetlands management;

(3) a high level of knowledge of waterfowl and wetland management techniques in the Southeast or Atlantic Flyway;

(4) specialized knowledge and experience in coastal ecology, impoundment management, and the ecological principles of water control;

(5) experience in waterfowl resource and habitat data collection and assessment;

(6) a fundamental understanding of federal and state waterfowl hunting rules and regulations; and

(7) the ability to work with the general population and provide clear, concise, and technically accurate presentations and written reports to division leaders, agency executive level staff, the Department of Natural Resources Board, and members of the General Assembly when required.

(C) The department may contract with a qualified individual or entity to assist the Waterfowl Program Manager in providing the services and fulfilling the responsibilities required by the provisions of this section.