Foothills Aquatic Wildlife Diversity Coordinator (Conservation Biologist II)

State of North Carolina; North Carolina; Remote; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission seeks a Foothills Aquatic Wildlife Diversity Coordinator to conserve aquatic species and their habitats. This home-based position requires a blend of fieldwork and office responsibilities, including conducting research, managing data, and interfacing with various stakeholders. Applicants should have a robust background in aquatic biology and communication to effectively engage with government and conservation entities.

Qualifications

• Extensive knowledge of freshwater fish, mussels, snails, and/or crayfish.
• Experience designing and conducting wildlife or fisheries research.
• Ability to work independently on assignments.

Responsibilities

• Conduct habitat assessments and identify organisms.
• Provide technical guidance to agencies and organizations.
• Manage grant funding for projects.

Skills

Knowledge of freshwater fish

Field research experience

Data management skills

Technical guidance

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in wildlife or fisheries management

Job description

The NC Wildlife Resources Commission Mission Statement is to conserve North Carolina’s wildlife resources and their habitats and provide programs and opportunities that allow hunters, anglers, boaters and other outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy wildlife-associated recreation. The Commission is the regulatory agency responsible for the enforcement of N.C. fishing, hunting, trapping and boating laws. The NCWRC employs 700 full-time staff across the state, including wildlife and fisheries biologists and technicians, wildlife law enforcement officers, wildlife educators, communication specialists, customer service, information technology, and administrative professionals.

The NC Wildlife Resources Commission’s Inland Fisheries Division manages, conserves, enhances, and restores the State’s freshwater fishes, mussels, crayfish and supporting aquatic habitats through fisheries research, fisheries management, hatchery operation, and habitat conservation.

The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission is accepting applications for a FoothillsAquatic Wildlife Diversity Coordinator (Conservation Biologist II)for ourInland FisheriesDivision.

The FoothillsAquatic Wildlife Diversity Coordinatorsupports the conservation and monitoring of aquatic nongame species in the Broad, Catawba, Upper Yadkin, and Dan River basins in North Carolina. The position will be responsible for habitat assessments, identification of organisms to species, data recording, database management, and analysis of population status for common, state and federally listed freshwater mussels, fish, crayfish, and snails. In addition, this position will be responsible for providing technical guidance to local, state, and federal governmental agencies, conservation organizations, educational institutions, and North Carolina’s landowners. This will include attending on-site meetings and providing written comments on federal, state, local, and private projects that may impact listed species. This position will be responsible for developing, securing, and partially managing grant funding for permanent and temporary employee salaries and project budgets.

This position is HOME-BASED. 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 WRC and State policies. The incumbent must reside within 30 miles of Marion, NC.

This position has statewide responsibilities andrequires frequent travel, including occasional overnight travel.Assignments and projects may be based across the state.

A Monday-Friday schedule is associated with this position which involves working 40 hours per week (specific times set by manager).

To receive credit for all of your work history and credentials, you must list the information on the application form. Any information listed under the text resume section or on an attachment will not be considered for qualifying credit.

Qualified applicants must document on the application that they possess all of the following:

• Extensive knowledge of freshwater fish, mussels, snails, and/or crayfish;
• Experience designing and conducting wildlife or fisheries research;
• Experience operating or maintaining field or laboratory equipment used in aquatic resource management;
• Ability to work independently on assignments.

Management Preferences:

• Strong communication skills (verbal and written) to prepare reports and to interact effectively with resource professionals and the public;
• Technical proficiency in GPS/GIS or statistical software;
• Experience coordinating wildlife or fisheries related projects.

Special Qualifications/Requirements:

• Possession of a valid North Carolina driver’s license is required within 60 days of hire. Candidate must present proof of a valid NC Driver’s License and proof of an acceptable driving record.

Physical Requirements:

• There will be moderate to intense physical effort required including backpack electrofishing, hiking, canoeing, and snorkeling.

Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See oshr.nc.gov/experience-guide for detail.

Bachelor’s degree in wildlife or fisheries management, fisheries science, zoology, or a biological science, from an appropriately accredited institution and three years of related experience;

OR

an equivalent combination of education and experience.

* PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION ON-LINE USING THE OSHR JOB SEEKERS WEBSITE *
All applicants must complete and submit a State application for employment using the NeoGov Online Job Application System located on the Office of State Human Resources “Work for NC” website (http://www.oshr.nc.gov/jobs/ ) for the State of North Carolina.

If you are having technical issues submitting your application, please call the NeoGov (governmentjobs.com) Help Line at 855-524-5627.

*TheNorth CarolinaWildlife Resources Commission is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer*
The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) is committed to maintaining a culture of equity, diversity and inclusion. NCWRC strives to ensure that all employment practices are implemented in a manner that is equitable to all applicants and employees.

Applicants requesting and receiving an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) are eligible to submit paper applications via mail or by fax reference the contact information below. All applicants should indicate the position number and job title in the section "Jobs Applied For".

Applicants seeking Veteran's Preference must attach a DD 214 Form, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty along with your application.

Applicants seeking National Guard Preference (to include North Carolina Army National Guard & North Carolina Air National Guard) must attach a copy of the NGB 23A (RPAS) or a copy of the DD256 or NGB 22 along with your application.

All Required Competencies, Work History, and Credentials must appear in the Education and Work Experience sections of the application form to receive consideration during the selection process. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing the State Application form. Applications stating "See Attached Resume" or including an embedded text resume will be considered incomplete and will not be processed.

*Degrees must be received from institutions appropriately accredited by the U.S. Department of Education*
If you have started a college degree program but have not completed it – please document the number of Semester CREDIT HOURS you have completed in the Education section of your application.

*State Employee Benefits*
We value our employees and offer a wide variety of competitive and family-friendly benefits. Learn more about employee resources, safety, health and wellness information, leave options, employee discounts and more by visiting the NC OSHR website... https://oshr.nc.gov/state-employee-resources/benefits

*Employment Eligibility*
It is the policy of the State of North Carolina and the Office of State Human Resources (OSHR) that all employees provide proof of employment eligibility (immigration and naturalization) on the first day of employment. We participate in E-Verify (Employment Eligibility Verification System).

*For More Information*
For more information about the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, visit the WRC website… https://www.ncwildlife.org/

For more information about this posting, contact the Wildlife Resources Commission Human Resources Office. Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information regarding the status of your application. To check the status of your application, log in to your NeoGov account and click “Application Status”. Normal processing time for applications is 30-45 days from the closing date of the posting.

CONTACT INFORMATION:
NC Wildlife Resources Commission
Human Resources Office
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]