Public Service Professional - Asheville, NC

Posting Number: S14996P

Working Title: Public Service Professional - Asheville, NC

Department: Warnell-Outreach & Service

Posting Type: External

Retirement Plan: TRS or ORP

Employment Type: Employee

Benefits Eligibility: Benefits Eligible

Full/Part time: Full Time

Additional Schedule Information: This position is located in the NRCS Area 1 / Asheville, NC

Advertised Salary: 54,636

Posting Date: 04/15/2026

Open until filled: Yes

Proposed Starting Date: 05/01/2026

Location of Vacancy: Outside Georgia

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR hrweb.

Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent

The University of Georgia (UGA) is seeking applications for a Private Lands Biologist to support implementation of the Working Lands for Wildlife (WLFW) Aquatics Connectivity Framework. This position is located in North Carolina in NRCS Area
1. This project is a collaboration between UGA and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) WLFW program. Through the Farm Bill, NRCS provides technical and financial assistance to farmers, ranchers, and forestland owners/managers who voluntarily undertake conservation practices on working lands. WLFW systematically targets conservation efforts to enhance wildlife habitat on agricultural landscapes while improving agricultural and forest productivity. Hell benders face many threats from conventional agricultural practices that lead to loss of forested riparian habitat and degraded water quality from sedimentation and pollutants.

• Strong aquatic ecology background with ability to apply it in agricultural systems in Western NC; hell bender ecology preferred
• Familiarity with USDA NRCS conservation programs, processes, and/or software NRCS
• Experience conducting biological fieldwork (e.g., aquatic species surveys, riparian/habitat assessments) and supporting aquatic habitat restoration projects
• Knowledge of relevant federal and state conservation/wildlife programs (e.g., Farm Bill, Endangered Species Act, State Wildlife Agency private lands programs) and how they’re implemented in working lands
• Proficiency with GIS/geospatial tools, Microsoft Office, and field data collection platforms
• Strong project management skills (multiple projects, deadlines) and ability to work effectively in office/local NRCS field office schedule
• Demonstrated strong written/verbal communication and ability to build and maintain productive landowner relationships

Field work on site in North Carolina, as well as work for periods at a desk using a computer

Is driving a responsibility of this position? No

Is this a Position of Trust? No

Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources? No

Does this position require a P-Card? No

Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? No

Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care? No

Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications) No

Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable.

Please visit the UGA Background Check website.

• Work directly with landowners to identify NRCS program opportunities
• Guide landowners through application and contracting processes
• Develop hell bender-specific conservation plans aligned with NRCS standards
• Coordinate and support implementation of conservation practices
• Provide technical guidance during design and construction
• Ensure practices are installed according to NRCS standards and specifications

Percentage of time: 40

• Conduct targeted outreach within priority watersheds
• Educate landowners on aquatic conservation and WLFW opportunities
• Build and…