Wildlife Biologist III

Job Responsibilities

This employee will serve as the Deer Program Leader within SCDNR's Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division (WFF) and will be responsible for assisting with the application of biological expertise and administrative leadership in statewide research and management efforts for deer as a member of the Big Game Program.

• Coordinate with Wildlife Section staff related to various survey and monitoring programs, Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP), Antler Records Program, and disease surveillance.
• Assist with administration of tagging programs for deer, including coordinating with fulfillment vendors, IT graphic artists, and Licensing Section to achieve consistent annual timing of procurement of supplies, execution of applications and renewals leading to the fulfillment of tags.
• Assist with planning, coordinating, and conducting deer research with universities and other entities.
• Provide assistance related to big game harvest reporting (SC Game Check) including coordinating with customer service vendor and IT. Conduct annual post season online hunter surveys to assess harvest reporting compliance, hunter effort, and other aspects of deer hunting.
• Provide support in developing draft regulations/legislation and assisting Law Enforcement and Legal Section with cases involving deer.
• Represent agency on regional and national committees related to deer.
• Respond to surveys and information requests from other states, the media, and other entities as well as responding to requests from SCDNR staff and the public on biology, management, hunting regulations, etc. related to deer.
• Create or collaborate on educational/outreach digital and print media to educate hunters and the public about deer hunting laws, regulations, biology and management.
• Maintaining all issued vehicles and equipment.

A master's degree in biology, chemistry or wildlife management and two (2) years of experience in fish, wildlife or marine management or research programs; or a bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, wildlife management or related technical area and four (4) years of experience in fish, wildlife or marine management or research programs.

Master's degree in wildlife management or related field and two (2) years of experience in wildlife management programs. Additional consideration may be given to factors such as education and deer management/research experience beyond the minimum . Knowledge of the principles and techniques of wildlife management, research, and survey with an emphasis on biology ecology, and management of deer. Proficiency with a variety of computer software applications including MS Windows (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Experience with statistical analysis software. Familiarity with wildlife survey, capture/trapping, GSP/telemetry. Ability to to work efficiently and effectively with others as well as independently and be able to prioritize a heavy and varied workload. Effective organizational skills, written and verbal communication skills, and a strong public speaking ability. TWS Certified Wildlife Biologist or ability to be certified. Ability to participate in overnight travel.

• The state of South Carolina offers eligible employees generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid vacation and sick leave. Plus, work-life balance programs such as telecommuting and flexible work schedules are available to employees of some state agencies.

• Eligible employees may enroll in health insurance, which includes prescription coverage and wellness benefits. Other available insurance benefits include dental, vision, term life insurance, long term disability and flexible spending accounts for health and child care expenses.

• State employees are also offered retirement plan options, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans. Additionally, eligible employees may elect to participate in the South Carolina Deferred Compensation Program, which is a voluntary, supplemental retirement savings plan offering 401(k) and 457 plan options.

• State employees may also be eligible for other benefits, including tuition assistance; holiday, annual and sick leave; and discounts on purchases, travel and more.

Note:

The benefits above are available to most state employees, with the exception of those in temporary positions. Employees in temporary grant and time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some or none of these benefits as benefits are associated with each position type. For these positions, contact the hiring agency to determine what benefits may be available.