Wildlife Biologist

Commonwealth of VA Careers; Virginia; On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Part time

Job summary

Virginia Tech is seeking a Wildlife Biologist to support a National Park Service project in the desert Southwest. The role combines project management with technical wildlife biology tasks, requiring strong collaboration with federal agencies and park staff.

The successful candidate will oversee resource allocation, staff coordination, data management and reporting, and frequent travel may be required. A PhD in a natural resources field or a substantial BS with relevant experience is required.

Qualifications

• PhD in a natural resources discipline or a B.S. with significant experience with state/federal natural resource agencies or NGOs.
• Specific experience working with the NPS in the Southwestern US and desert systems.
• Specialized experience operating remote camera traps for scientific investigations including proper analysis and reporting techniques.

Responsibilities

• Project management tasks including resource allocation, staffing, and communications.
• Communication and collaboration with NPS collaborators and park representatives.
• Execution of project tasks including permits, materials purchasing and management, personnel supervision, data management, data analysis, and reporting.
• Other necessary project-related tasks as identified and agreed upon

Skills

Project management

Communication with collaborators

Data analysis

Data management

Staff supervision

Education

PhD in natural resources

B.S. with significant agency experience

Tools

Remote camera traps

Geospatial data creation

Office software proficiency

Job description

Job Description

The Wildlife Biologist will provide expertise and project management assistance for a project sponsored by the National Park Service in the desert Southwest. This person will be responsible for:

• Project management tasks including resource allocation, staffing, and communications
• Communication and collaboration with NPS collaborators and park representatives
• Execution of required project technical tasks including assistance with obtaining necessary permits, materials purchasing and management, personnel supervision, data management, data analysis, and project reporting.
• Other necessary project-related tasks as identified and agreed upon

Required Qualifications

• 1. A PhD in a natural resources discipline, or a B.S. degree with significant years of experience working with state and/or federal natural resource agencies or non-governmental organizations
• 2. Specific experience working with the NPS in the Southwestern US and desert systems.
• 3. Specialized experience with operating remote camera traps for scientific investigations including proper analysis and reporting techniques.

Preferred Qualifications

• 1. Experience creating and managing large photographic datasets
• 2. Experience with geospatial data creation and demonstration
• 3. Proven experience with scientific data reporting and analysis including developing research related plans (e.g., IACUC, permitting).

Pay Band

4

Overtime Status

Non-Exempt: Eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Restricted

Hours per week

11

Review Date

10/26/2026

Additional Information

• May be required to frequently travel out of state for extended periods of time.
• Must be proficient in the use of office software including word processing, online meeting, and spreadsheet applications.

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 Lesterat [e-mail] regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.