Private Lands Biologist (Lebanon Kentucky)

University of Georgia; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 48,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Georgia is seeking applications for a Private Lands Biologist to support the WLFW Aquatics Connectivity Framework, in collaboration with NRCS. The role requires travel to landowners across the state and fieldwork to implement and monitor conservation practices.

Primary duties include planning, coordination with NRCS, and providing technical guidance while balancing field work between a home office and NRCS offices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field of science.
• M.S. in aquatic ecology or related discipline; or a B.S. with demonstrated landowners experience.
• At least 2 years of experience working with landowners or agricultural producers on conservation projects.
• Familiarity with USDA NRCS conservation programs.
• Experience conducting biological fieldwork, including aquatic surveys and riparian assessments.
• Ability to travel across the state and work in remote field conditions.
• Proficiency with GIS tools, Microsoft Office Suite, and field data collection platforms.

Responsibilities

• Conservation planning, application and implementation with landowners and NRCS program opportunities.
• Landowner outreach and engagement; build relationships and provide technical guidance.
• Monitoring, evaluation and adaptive management of conservation practices.
• Coordinate field visits, outreach events and collaborative efforts with NRCS and partners.

Skills

GIS tools

Microsoft Office

Field data collection

Project management

Landowner outreach

Education

Bachelor's degree in science-related field

M.S. degree in aquatic ecology or related discipline; or B.S. with relevant experience

NRCS Conservation Planner certification (preferred)

Tools

GIS software

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Posting Details

• 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.

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
  • Ability to manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, and manage a hybrid work schedule between a home oce and local NRCS eld oce
  • Prociency with GIS tools, Microsoft Oce Suite, and eld data collection platforms
  • Ability to 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 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

• 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

• 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

• 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