Wildlife Biologist III

State of South Carolina; Charleston (SC); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) is seeking a dedicated professional to lead seabird and shorebird conservation efforts across the state. The role develops, directs and conducts management, survey and monitoring projects to determine species distributions, statuses and needs.

Location includes counties along the SC coast; strong organizational, communication, and independent-work skills are essential, with field surveys, boat operation, and aerial monitoring

Qualifications

• Master's degree in biology, chemistry or wildlife management and two (2) years of experience in fish, wildlife or marine management or research programs.
• Bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, wildlife management or related technical area and four (4) years of experience in fish, wildlife or marine management or research programs.

Responsibilities

• Develop, direct and conduct projects for seabirds and shorebirds including breeding and nonbreeding surveys, trapping and banding.
• Identify and oversee management activities on the Seabird Sanctuaries including posting around nesting and roosting areas for beach-nesting birds, predator management and vegetation surveys.
• Coordinate, train, and supervise biologist positions and temporary personnel.
• Provide technical assistance to managers of SCDNR, public, and private beaches to improve protection of nesting and roosting shorebirds and seabirds.
• Identify research needs and develop and manage grant writing, budgets, and monthly and annual reports.
• Develop and disseminate information for public outreach and present educational programs to the public and at professional meetings.
• Represent the SCDNR on enforcement and permitting issues and other situations as required.
• Develop and maintain large multi-year databases using Excel, Access, Survey123, Bird banding lab data portal and GIS, and conduct data analysis using Program R.
• Respond to requests for data and program status from different stakeholder groups.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the Bird Conservation Coordinator.

Skills

Seabird monitoring

Shorebird monitoring

Survey coordination

Data analysis

Public outreach

Education

Master's degree in biology/chemistry/wildlife management

Bachelor's degree in biology/chemistry/wildlife management

Tools

Excel

Access

Survey123

Bird banding data portal

GIS

Job description

Job Responsibilities

This is an exciting opportunity to make a contribution to the conservation of seabirds and shorebirds in South Carolina as part of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR). SCDNR's mission is to serve as the principal advocate for and steward of South Carolina's natural resources. And SCDNR's vision is to be a trusted and respected leader in natural resources protection and management, by consistently making wise and balanced decisions for the benefit for the state's natural resources and its people.

This position is responsible for developing, directing and conducting management, survey and monitoring projects for seabirds and shorebirds statewide to determine species distributions, population statuses, management, and conservation needs. This position will also be responsible for providing technical assistance to the public about seabirds and shorebirds including protections, nuisance, and other issues. The position is part of the Bird Conservation statewide program and will work with resource managers on public lands and private landowners under the direction of the Bird Conservation Coordinator.

This position is best suited to a highly organized, independent worker, with good communication skills that has seabird and shorebird monitoring experience and the ability to conduct aerial surveys in a small airplane and captain a small boat in the marine environment.

This position will be located within a county along the South Carolina coast including: Georgetown, Charleston, Colleton or Beaufort County.

Primary Duties Include

• Develop, direct and conduct projects for seabirds and shorebirds including breeding and nonbreeding surveys, trapping and banding throughout South Carolina.
• Identify and oversee implementation of management activities on the Seabird Sanctuaries including posting around nesting and roosting areas for beach-nesting birds, predator management and vegetation surveys.
• Coordinate, train, and supervise biologist positions and temporary personnel.
• Provide technical assistance to managers of SCDNR, public, and private beaches to improve protection of nesting and roosting shorebirds and seabirds.
• Identify research needs and develop and manage grant writing, budgets, and monthly and annual reports.
• Develop and disseminate information for public outreach and present educational programs to the public and at professional meetings.
• Represent the SCDNR on enforcement and permitting issues and other situations as required.
• Develop and maintain large multi-year databases using Excel, Access, Survey123, Bird banding lab data portal and GIS, and conduct data analysis using Program R.
• Respond to requests for data and program status from different stakeholder groups.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the Bird Conservation Coordinator.

Minimum And Additional Requirements

A master's degree in biology, chemistry or wildlife management and two (2) years of experience in fish, wildlife or marine management or research programs; or a bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, wildlife management or related technical area and four (4) years of experience in fish, wildlife or marine management or research programs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of southeastern seabird and shorebird biology and coastal habitat management practices.
• Ability to conduct survey and monitoring projects for seabirds and shorebirds including the ability to identify species by sight and sound, trap and band, locate nests and to use bird, water, and vegetation survey and monitoring tools.
• Experience following field protocols, collecting and entering data, and maintaining large long-term databases. Experience analyzing biological data preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with technical, and non-technical audiences and work collaboratively with diverse stakeholder groups.
• Experience supervising staff or volunteers.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently while maintaining strong collaborative relationships with coworkers, partners, and colleagues.
• Experience preparing reports and assisting with budget management.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Demonstrated ability to work with multiple stakeholder groups.
• Knowledge of federal and state laws and regulatory procedures pertaining to native migratory birds.
• Ability to safely trailer a boat through heavy traffic and on highways. Ability to captain a small boat in the marine environment and anchor on beaches, shoals, and in surf.
• Expertise in using small boats in coastal waters and offroad vehicles. Adheres to safety protocols and maintains safe operating record while operating all equipment.
• Ability to endure long hours in adverse environmental conditions including heat and exposure to insects, lift and carry equipment, walk up to four (4) miles carrying a day pack, swim in coastal waters and conduct annual aerial surveys in a small airplane.
• Ability to work long, non-standard hours with frequent, sometimes overnight, travel.

Benefits For State Employees

The state of South Carolina offers eligible employees generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid vacation and sick leave. Plus, work-life balance programs such as telecommuting and flexible work schedules are available to employees of some state agencies.

Insurance Benefits

Eligible employees may enroll in health insurance, which includes prescription coverage and wellness benefits. Other available insurance benefits include dental, vision, term life insurance, long term disability and flexible spending accounts for health and child care expenses.

Retirement Benefits

State employees are also offered retirement plan options, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans. Additionally, eligible employees may elect to participate in the South Carolina Deferred Compensation Program, which is a voluntary, supplemental retirement savings plan offering 401(k) and 457 plan options.

Workplace Benefits

State employees may also be eligible for other benefits, including tuition assistance; holiday, annual and sick leave; and discounts on purchases, travel and more.

Note: The benefits above are available to most state employees, with the exception of those in temporary positions. Employees in temporary grant and time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some or none of these benefits as benefits are associated with each position type. For these positions, contact the hiring agency to determine what benefits may be available.