Western Reptile Biologist

Conservation Biologist II (NS)

The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission is accepting applications for a Western Reptile Biologist (Conservation Biologist II) for our Wildlife Management Division Wildlife Diversity Program. The mission of the Wildlife Management Division is to conserve wildlife species and habitats and to develop, implement, and facilitate sound wildlife management policies and programs to ensure the wise use of wildlife resources by North Carolina citizens.

This position is critical to accomplishing the Commission's goals of conserving fish and wildlife habitats and protecting, managing and enhancing wildlife populations statewide.

The Western Reptile Biologist will identify the highest priority conservation actions needed for SGCN reptiles identified in the NC Wildlife Action Plan, then coordinate and carry out surveys, monitoring, research, and management with assistance from field staff in the Division of Wildlife Management and/or external partners. The Western Reptile Biologist will prioritize, inform, coordinate, and lead conservation activities in the western half of the state.

Although the primary focus is on reptiles, this position may also include work with amphibians. The Western Reptile Biologist will also:

• Manage and continue existing long-term monitoring and conservation programs as directed; develop and implement new projects to survey, monitor, research, and/or manage SGCN species.
• Participate, share information, and guide state, regional, and national collaborations towards improved knowledge and status of SGCN reptiles and their habitats.
• Manage and restore priority habitat, with a focus on wetlands; includes use of herbicides, chainsaws, brush cutters, and other handheld tools.
• Prepare proposals, narratives, reports and manuscripts containing plans, results, and analysis of data on those projects for agency reports, granting agencies, and peer-reviewed publications.
• Provide information, outreach, and communications including programs, materials, presentations, and products (print, web, databases, etc.) for NCWRC, other agencies and organizations, and the public.
• Provide technical guidance to various land managers to aid in habitat and ecosystem restoration, management, and protection to benefit SGCN reptiles.
• Review and prepare written comments on development projects, conservation plans, and other agency initiatives.

This is a Home-Based position. The workstation for this position is in the employee's home-based office using an agency-provided computer. The employee in this position is expected to provide home office space compliant with NCWRC and state policies. It is preferred that the incumbent resides in one of following counties:
Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, McDowell, or Watauga. Other counties in NC's western region may be considered. A Monday-Friday schedule (approximately 8am-5pm) with a 40-hour work week is expected. On occasion, evening work, weekend work and 40+ hour work weeks are necessary. This position also requires frequent daily travel to fieldwork locations and meetings, as well as occasional overnight travel to complete assignments and meetings.

RECRUITMENT RANGE: $63,927 - $80,000

Knowledge of reptile biology, with the ability to identify North Carolina's reptile species, and an understanding of the ecology of NC's Mountain and Piedmont regions.

Experience with project design, statistics, biological techniques, habitat restoration, herpetology, ecology, conservation biology, and wildlife management.

Effective communication skills, including experience with outreach activities, formal presentations, and leading small groups.

Ability to coordinate, collaborate, and build effective working relationships with in-state, out-of-state, national organizations, agencies, and/or individuals, including private landowners.