Wildlife Biologist III

State of South Carolina; West Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated environmental coordinator to oversee impactful projects related to waters and protected species. This role involves preparing detailed reviews of permits and environmental assessments, representing the agency in interagency teams, and ensuring compliance with environmental laws. The ideal candidate will have a strong educational background in biology or wildlife management, complemented by experience in ecological evaluations. Join a team committed to preserving natural resources and enhancing ecological integrity through informed decision-making.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in biology, chemistry, or wildlife management with relevant experience.
• Thorough understanding of ecological principles and environmental laws.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate reviews of permits and environmental assessments for natural resources.
• Conduct investigations to provide scientific basis for project recommendations.

Skills

Environmental Evaluation

Ecological Principles

Communication Skills

Microsoft Office

LIDAR

ArcGIS

Education

Master's Degree in Biology

Bachelor's Degree in Wildlife Management

Tools

Microsoft Office

ArcGIS

LIDAR

Job description

This employee will coordinate and oversee a variety of projects, requiring environmental review for the agency involving impacts to waters of the United States and protected species, while providing leadership, advice, and guidance on matters related to alterations of natural systems, predominantly in inland or freshwater areas of the state.

Job Duties Include:

1. Coordinating and preparing detailed reviews of permits, environmental assessments, impact statements, and mitigation plans for impacts to waters of the United States and other natural resources, ensuring timely submission to regulatory agencies and meeting deadlines.
2. Representing the agency in the Interagency Review Team, facilitating the development of stream and wetland mitigation banks or in-lieu fee programs.
3. Reviewing mitigation documents such as Prospectuses, Mitigation Banking Instruments, Post-Construction/Monitoring Reports, and other guidance to streamline development processes.
4. Participating actively in site visits, providing comments and feedback within the Interagency Review Team.
5. Engaging in continuous learning through workshops, webinars, courses, and conferences on wetland hydrology and stream geomorphology.
6. Staying informed about federal, state, and local environmental programs, regulations, policies, and procedures, and maintaining relevant technical competency, including participation in DNR meetings and conferences.
7. Conducting investigations and research to provide a scientific basis for project recommendations during environmental reviews.

Minimum qualifications include a master's degree in biology, chemistry, or wildlife management with two years of relevant experience, or a bachelor's degree with four years of relevant experience in fish, wildlife, or marine management or research programs. Experience in environmental evaluation programs is required.

The candidate should have a thorough understanding of ecological principles, habitat requirements for protected species, ecological responses to habitat alterations, human resource recreation needs, and relevant environmental laws such as the Clean Water Act, NEPA, the Mitigation Rule, and others specific to South Carolina. Knowledge of hydrology, wetlands, fluvial processes, and current field sampling techniques is essential.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office, LIDAR, ArcGIS, and effective communication skills are required. The employee should be efficient and well-organized.