Wildlife Biologist

Virginia Tech; Blacksburg (VA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia Tech Conservation Management Institute seeks a Specialist to support wildlife research, management, and conservation initiatives. You will collect field data across various topics, working within a team to support ongoing studies.

The role includes basic data summaries, QA/QC of field data, and assisting in summarizing findings using GIS and MS Office tools. Willingness to work in adverse weather and background checks for military installations are required.

Qualifications

• B.S. in Forestry, Environmental Science, Biology, Ecology, Wildlife Sciences, or related field.
• Experience working with a team to conduct field surveys.
• Experience identifying common terrestrial taxa in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast.
• Working knowledge of vegetation and habitat in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast.
• Willingness to work in adverse weather and field conditions.
• Valid Driver's License; ability to pass background checks to work on military installations.
• Experience with Microsoft Office, GIS software (ESRI).
• Willing to receive rabies vaccinations.

Responsibilities

• Collect field data on vegetation, habitats, pollinators, aquatic resources, bats, and birds.
• Perform basic data summaries and geospatial analysis.
• QA/QC of field data and assist in summarizing findings.

Skills

Team collaboration

Field data collection

Willingness to work in adverse weather

Valid Driver's License

Background checks

Rabies vaccination willingness

Education

B.S. in Forestry/Environmental Science/Biology/Ecology/Wildlife Sciences or related field

Tools

ESRI GIS software

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word/Access

GPS

Job description

Job Description

Specialist will be responsible for assisting Virginia Tech Conservation Management Institute (VTCMI) Principal Investigators on various wildlife research, management, and conservation related projects. Specialists will work as part of a team to collect field data on a variety of natural resources, ecological, and conservation related research topics including but not limited to vegetation/habitat composition, pollinators, aquatic resources, bats, and avian species. Specialists will also perform basic data summaries and geospatial analysis, QA/QC of field data, and assist in summarizing findings.

Required Qualifications

• A B.S. in Forestry, Environmental Science, Biology, Ecology, Wildlife Sciences, or related field.
• Experience working with a team to conduct field surveys.
• Experience and knowledge in identifying common terrestrial taxa in the Mid-Atlantic and southeast.
• Working knowledge of vegetation and habitat in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast.
• Must be willing to work in adverse weather and field conditions.
• Valid Drivers’ License, and ability to pass background checks to work on military installations required.
• Experience with Microsoft products (Excel, Word, Access) Global Positioning Systems, and ESRI based GIS software required.
• Must be willing to receive rabies vaccinations.

Pay Band

3

Overtime Status

Non-Exempt: Eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Restricted

Hours per week

40 (overtime authorized)

Review Date

09/24/2026

Additional Information

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Kelsey Lester at [e-mail] during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.