Private Lands Biologist (Lebanon Kentucky)

The University of Georgia; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Georgia (UGA) is seeking applications for a Private Lands Biologist to support WLFW Aquatics Connectivity Framework. This role partners with NRCS to provide technical and financial conservation assistance to farmers and landowners on working lands to improve wildlife habitat and water quality.

Qualifications include a biology or related science degree, experience with landowner outreach, NRCS programs, GIS proficiency, and the ability to travel across Kentucky and Georgia as

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field of science.
• Experience with landowners or agricultural producers on conservation projects.
• Familiarity with USDA NRCS conservation programs.
• Experience conducting biological fieldwork including aquatic surveys or riparian assessments.
• Ability to travel across the state and work in remote field conditions.
• Proficiency with GIS geospatial tools and field data collection platforms.

Responsibilities

• Conservation Planning, Application & Implementation – work with landowners to identify NRCS opportunities; guide through applications and contracting; develop hellbender-specific plans aligned with NRCS standards.
• Landowner Outreach & Engagement – outreach within priority watersheds; educate landowners on WLFW opportunities; build relationships; identify high-priority properties.
• Monitoring, Evaluation & Adaptive Management – evaluate effectiveness; coordinate monitoring; recommend adaptive actions.
• Coordination & Partnership Support – maintain NRCS communications; support project development; coordinate field visits and outreach events.

Skills

GIS tools

Project management

Field data collection

Communication

Multitasking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a related field of science

M.S. degree in aquatic ecology or related field

Experience with private lands management or NRCS programs

Tools

Microsoft Office

NRCS planning software

Job description

Posting Number:

S15766P

Working Title:

Private Lands Biologist (Lebanon Kentucky)

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:

53,060

Posting Date:

09/16/2026

Open until filled:

Yes

Proposed Starting Date:

10/01/2026

Location of Vacancy:

Outside Georgia

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.

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 fieldwork, including aquatic species surveys or riparian assessments
• Ability to manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, and manage a hybrid work schedule between a home office and local NRCS field office
• Proficiency with GIS tools, Microsoft Office Suite, and field data collection platforms
• Ability to travel frequently across the state and work in remote field 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 Kentucky 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 Kentucky 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 a home office, 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.

Is driving a responsibility of this position?:

No

Is this a Position of Trust?:

No

Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources?:

No

Does this position require a P-Card? :

No

Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? :

No

Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care?:

No

Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications):

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

Duties/Responsibilities:

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

Duties/Responsibilities:

Monitoring, Evaluation & Adaptive Management – Evaluate effectiveness of conservation practices Coordinate and/or conduct post-project monitoring Recommend adaptive management actions based on outcomes.
Coordination & 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

Duties/Responsibilities:

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

Contact Details:

For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below.

Recruitment Contact Name:

Josselyn Lucas

Recruitment Contact Email:

[e-mail]

Recruitment Contact Phone:

706-542-2686