Private Land Biologist (Buena Vista, GA)

University of Georgia; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 49,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Georgia (UGA) invites applications for a Private Lands Biologist to support the WLFW Aquatics Connectivity Framework in partnership with NRCS. The role focuses on working with landowners to implement conservation practices on private lands and to guide NRCS program opportunities, with duties across planning, outreach, and coordination.

Ideal candidates will have a strong aquatic ecology background, GIS proficiency, and experience in project coordination and fieldwork across

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field of science.
• At least 2 years of experience working with landowners or agricultural producers on conservation projects.
• Familiarity with USDA NRCS conservation programs.

Responsibilities

• Conservation Planning, application & implementation with landowners.
• Landowner outreach and engagement within priority watersheds.
• Coordinate with NRCS offices and partners to support programs.

Skills

GIS tools

Microsoft Office

Field data collection

Project management

Landowner outreach

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in related science

MS in aquatic ecology or related field (preferred)

Tools

GIS

Microsoft Office

Field data collection platforms

Job description

Posting Details

Posting Number: S15789P

Working Title: Private Land Biologist (Buena Vista, GA)

Department: Warnell-Research

About the University of Georgia: Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state's flagship university (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University's main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University's enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.

Posting Type: External

Retirement Plan: TRS or ORP

Employment Type: Employee

Benefits Eligibility: Benefits Eligible

Full/Part time: Full Time

Additional Schedule Information: Monday-Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm

Advertised Salary: $54,636

Posting Date: 09/24/2026

Open until filled: Yes

Proposed Starting Date: 10/01/2026

Location of Vacancy: Outside Athens

EEO Policy Statement: 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, or 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 [e-mail].

USG Core Values Statement: The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning, as well the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 08.02.18.01.02. Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 06.05 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom.

Position Information

Classification Title: Res Associate-Life Science I

FLSA: Exempt

FTE: 1.00

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in a related field of science

Preferred Qualifications

• Educational Experience (PLB) A M.S. degree in aquatic ecology, hydrology, wildlife science, fisheries science, natural resource management, agricultural sciences or similar discipline; or a B.S. degree with demonstrated experience in private lands management and technical assistance.


• At least 2 years of experience working with landowners or agricultural producers on conservation or restoration projects


• Familiarity with USDA NRCS conservation programs


• Experience conducting biological eldwork, including aquatic species surveys or riparian assessments


• Manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, and manage a dynamic work schedule


• Prociency with GIS tools, Microsoft Oce Suite, and eld data collection platforms


• Travel frequently across the state and work in remote eld conditions Preferred Qualifications


• Experience conducting aquatic fauna/water quality monitoring experiments in freshwater systems


• Strong interpersonal and communication skills across technical and nontechnical audiences


• Prior work in recovery planning and implementation for federally listed species


• Background in restoration planning or conservation project tracking

Position Summary

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 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. Hellbenders face many threats from conventional agricultural practices that lead to loss of forested riparian habitat and degraded water quality from sedimentation and pollutants.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• Strong aquatic ecology background with the ability to apply ecological principles within Georgia agricultural and working lands systems.


• Familiarity with USDA NRCS conservation programs, planning processes, and/or software.


• NRCS Conservation Planner certification, Job Approval Authority (JAA), and/or Technical Service Provider (TSP) status preferred, as applicable.


• Experience conducting biological fieldwork, including aquatic species surveys and riparian or habitat assessments, and supporting aquatic habitat restoration projects.


• Knowledge of relevant federal and Georgia conservation and wildlife programs, including Farm Bill programs, the Endangered Species Act, and state private lands programs, and their application on working lands.


• Proficiency with GIS/geospatial tools, Microsoft Office, and field data collection platforms.


• Strong project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines while working effectively between NRCS offices and field locations.


• Strong written and verbal communication skills with demonstrated ability to build and maintain productive relationships with landowners, producers, NRCS staff, and conservation partners.

Physical Demands

Traveling to remote field sites (which will likely involve driving), lifting field equipment up to 20 lbs.

Driving Responsibility

Yes

Position of Trust

No

Financial Resources Control

No

P-Card Required

No

Direct Interaction with Children or Direct Patient Care

No

Security Access

No

Credit and P-Card policy

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.

Background Investigation Policy

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.

Duties/Responsibilities

Conservation Planning, Application & Implementation

• Work directly with landowners to identify NRCS program opportunities


• Guide landowners through application and contracting processes


• Develop hellbender-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

Landowner Outreach & Engagement

• Conduct targeted outreach within priority watersheds


• Educate landowners on aquatic conservation and WLFW opportunities


• Build and maintain relationships with landowners and communities


• Participate in outreach events (e.g., farm demos, Shade Your Stream workshops)


• Identify high-priority properties for conservation


• Provide initial technical guidance to inform landowner interest and feasibility.

Percentage of time: 35

Coordination and Partnership Support

• Maintain communication with NRCS field offices and partners


• Support project identification and pipeline development


• Coordinate field visits, outreach events, and collaborative efforts.

Percentage of time: 15

Monitoring, Evaluation & Adaptive Management

• Evaluate effectiveness of conservation practices


• Coordinate and/or conduct post-project monitoring


• Recommend adaptive management actions based on outcomes.

Percentage of time: 10