Biological Field Tech

Catawba Indian Nation; Rock Hill (SC); On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

The Catawba Nation’s Department of Natural Resources is seeking a Biological Field Technician to support field-based conservation and restoration across Tribal lands, focusing on invasive species management and native plant restoration.

Responsibilities include vegetation monitoring, data collection, and accurate entry into databases and reporting systems, working under supervision to advance ecological restoration goals.

Qualifications

• At least 6 months of field ecological research or natural resource management.
• Hands-on work in invasive species removal and ecosystem restoration.
• Knowledge and practice of herbicide application for vegetation management.
• Operation and maintenance of power equipment such as mowers and chainsaws.
• Demonstrated responsible care and maintenance of field equipment.
• HS diploma and additional coursework in natural resources or ecology.
• Clean, valid state driver’s license; insurability under Tribe policy.

Responsibilities

• Identify target native invasive plant species and assess priority populations for management and restoration.
• Assist with habitat restoration projects including prairie and riparian restoration.
• Conduct invasive plant management using chemical, mechanical, and manual methods.
• Assist with vegetation removal, site prep, planting, GPS data collection, and monitoring.
• Operate and maintain field equipment such as mowers, chainsaws, and tools.
• Collect, compile, and manage field data for analysis and reporting.
• Prepare technical reports to support project tracking and grant requirements.

Skills

Field ecology

Invasive species management

Data collection

Safety protocols

GPS data collection

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Training in natural resources, ecology, or environmental science

Tools

GPS/GIS mapping

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Rock Hill, SC 29730

Position Type: Full Time

Salary Range: $18.00 - $22.00 Hourly

Position Summary

The Catawba Nation’s Department of Natural Resources is seeking a qualified candidate to fill the position of Biological Field Technician. This is a full-time position funded through the America the Beautiful Challenge (ATBC).

The Biological Field Technician will work under the general supervision of the Department’s Wildlife & Habitat Stewardship Program Manager and will support field-based conservation and restoration activities across Tribal lands. Primary duties include the removal and management of invasive plant species, implementation of native plant restoration projects, and assistance with the development and application of invasive species management protocols. The Technician will conduct vegetation monitoring, collect and manage plant population data, and accurately enter field data into designated databases and reporting systems.

This position will play a key role in advancing the Department of Natural Resources’ efforts to restore and enhance native plant communities, particularly giant rivercane, while supporting broader conservation objectives, habitat resilience, and long-term ecological stewardship within the Catawba Nation.

Essential Functions

An individual in this role must be able to perform the following functions with or without reasonable accommodation:

• Identify target native invasive plant species and assess priority populations for management and restoration activities
• Assist with habitat restoration projects, including prairie restoration, riparian restoration, and the reestablishment of native species such as rocky mountain shoal spider lilies along the Catawba River
• Conduct invasive plant management using chemical, mechanical, and manual control methods in accordance with established protocols
• Assist with vegetation removal, site preparation, planting, GPS data collection, and vegetation monitoring
• Operate and maintain power equipment and hand tools, including mowers, weed-eaters, chainsaws, and related field equipment
• Collect, compile, and manage field data for analysis, reporting, and project evaluation
• Prepare clear, accurate, and detailed technical reports and documentation to support project tracking and grant requirements

This position description is not an exhaustive listing of the expectations associated with the role and additional tasks may be assigned as needed by management.

Changes to this document may only be made by a member of the Human Resources team. Catawba Indian Nation reserves the right to amend this job description.

INDIAN PREFERENCE

Catawba Indian Nation exercises INDIAN PREFERENCE:

Tribal Government Positions

Native American (Indian) preference applies to this position pursuant to the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act, 25 U.S.C. § 5301 et seq.; the Indian Reorganization Act, 25 U.S.C. § 5116; and other applicable federal and tribal laws, consistent with the sovereign authority of the Catawba Indian Nation.

Gaming Commission Positions

Native American (Indian) preference applies to this position pursuant to the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, 25 U.S.C. § 2701 et seq.; applicable regulations of the National Indian Gaming Commission at 25 CFR Chapter III; the Indian Reorganization Act, 25 U.S.C. § 5116; and other applicable federal and tribal laws, consistent with the sovereign authority of the Catawba Indian Nation.

Background checks and drug screening are requirements for employment.

Qualifications

Experience

• At least 6 months of field ecological research or natural resource management
• Hands-on work in invasive species removal and ecosystem restoration
• Knowledge and practice of herbicide application for vegetation management
• Operation and maintenance of power equipment such as mowers, chainsaws, and related tools
• Demonstrated responsible care and maintenance of field equipment

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Additional coursework or training in natural resources, ecology, or environmental science

Licenses & Certifications

• Possess a clean, valid state driver’s license and be insurable under the Tribe’s insurance policy
• Certifications in herbicide application, GIS/GPS mapping, or ecological restoration (desirable)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of basic ecological principles, wildlife biology, and habitat management practices
• Ability to identify common plant and wildlife species in the Southeast (or willingness to learn)
• Strong data collection and record-keeping skills
• Basic understanding of safety protocols and risk management in field environments
• Experience with field sampling techniques (vegetation surveys, wildlife monitoring, water quality sampling, etc.)
• Ability to work independently in remote settings as well as collaboratively within a team
• Willingness for occasional travel for trainings, meetings, workshops, and conferences

Work Environment & Physical Demands

The ability to work outdoors for extended periods in densely vegetated forests, stream environments, and riparian areas along the Catawba River, often in uneven terrain and off established trails.

Ability to lift, carry, and transport field equipment up to 75 pounds to and from survey and restoration sites, including locations that may not be accessible by established paths