Western Reptile Biologist

Agency

Wildlife Resource Commission

Division

Wildlife Management

Job Classification Title

Conservation Biologist II (NS)

Position Number

60034177

Grade

NC18

About Us

The NC Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) is the state government agency created to conserve and sustain the state’s fish and wildlife resources through research, scientific management, wise use and public input. The NCWRC is the regulatory agency responsible for the enforcement of North Carolina’s fishing, hunting, trapping, and boating laws. The agency has an operational budget of approximately $100 million and employs approximately 700 full-time staff and 100 seasonal temporary staff across the state, including wildlife and fisheries biologists and technicians, wildlife law enforcement officers, wildlife educators, communication specialists, and customer service, information technology and administrative professionals. The NCWRC Mission is to conserve North Carolina’s wildlife resources and their habitats and provide programs and opportunities that allow hunters, anglers, boaters, and other outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy wildlife-associated recreation.

Description of Work

The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission is accepting applications for a Western Reptile Biologist (Conservation Biologist II) for our Wildlife Management Division Wildlife Diversity Program.

The mission of the Wildlife Management Division is to conserve wildlife species and habitats and to develop, implement, and facilitate sound wildlife management policies and programs to ensure the wise use of wildlife resources by North Carolina citizens. This position is critical to accomplishing the Commission’s goals of conserving fish and wildlife habitats and protecting, managing and enhancing wildlife populations statewide.

The Western Reptile Biologist will identify the highest priority conservation actions needed for SGCN reptiles identified in the NC Wildlife Action Plan, then coordinate and carry out surveys, monitoring, research, and management with assistance from field staff in the Division of Wildlife Management and/or external partners.

The Western Reptile Biologist will prioritize, inform, coordinate, and lead conservation activities in the western half of the state. Although the primary focus is on reptiles, this position may also include work with amphibians.

The Western Reptile Biologist will also:
• Manage and continue existing long-term monitoring and conservation programs as directed; develop and implement new projects to survey, monitor, research, and/or manage SGCN species.
• Participate, share information, and guide state, regional, and national collaborations towards improved knowledge and status of SGCN reptiles and their habitats.
• Manage and restore priority habitat, with a focus on wetlands; includes use of herbicides, chainsaws, brushcutters, and other handheld tools.
• Prepare proposals, narratives, reports and manuscripts containing plans, results, and analysis of data on those projects for agency reports, granting agencies, and peer-reviewed publications.
• Provide information, outreach, and communications including programs, materials, presentations, and products (print, web, databases, etc.) for NCWRC, other agencies and organizations, and the public.
• Provide technical guidance to various land managers to aid in habitat and ecosystem restoration, management, and protection to benefit SGCN reptiles.
• Review and prepare written comments on development projects, conservation plans, and other agency initiatives.

This is a Home-Based position. The workstation for this position is in the employee’s home-based office using an agency-provided computer. The employee in this position is expected to provide home office space compliant with NCWRC and state policies. It is preferred that the incumbent resides in one of following counties: Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, McDowell, or Watauga. Other counties in NC’s western region may be considered.

A Monday-Friday schedule (approximately 8am-5pm) with a 40-hour work week is expected. On occasion, evening work, weekend work and 40+ hour work weeks are necessary. This position also requires frequent daily travel to fieldwork locations and meetings, as well as occasional overnight travel to complete assignments and meetings.


RECRUITMENT RANGE: $63,927 - $80,000

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

• Knowledge of reptile biology, with the ability to identify North Carolina’s reptile species, and an understanding of the ecology of NC’s Mountain and Piedmont regions.

• Experience with project design, statistics, biological techniques, habitat restoration, herpetology, ecology, conservation biology, and wildlife management.

• Effective communication skills, including experience with outreach activities, formal presentations, and leading small groups.

• Ability to coordinate, collaborate, and build effective working relationships with in-state, out-of-state, national organizations, agencies, and/or individuals, including private landowners.

• Proficiency in computer operation, database management, geographic information systems, and networking platforms.

Special Qualification/Requirement:

A Valid NC Driver’s License is required within 90 days of employment.

Minimum Education and Experience

Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details.

Classification Specs | NC Office of Human Resources

Bachelor's degree in wildlife or fisheries management, fisheries science, zoology, or a biological science, or a closely related curriculum from an appropriately accredited institution and three years of related experience;

OR

an equivalent combination of education and experience.

SUPPLEMENTAL and CONTACT INFORMATION:

All applicants applying for employment opportunities must create and submit a comprehensive candidate profile using State of North Carolina Careers for the State of North Carolina.  All Required Education and Experience must be included in the candidate profile to receive consideration during the selection and salary administration processes.
 

*The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer*
The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) is committed to maintaining a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion. NCWRC strives to ensure that all employment practices are implemented in a manner that is equitable to all applicants and employees.
 

Applicants requesting and receiving an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) are eligible to submit paper applications via mail or by fax reference the contact information below. All applicants should indicate the position number and job title in the section "Jobs Applied For".
 

Applicants seeking Veteran's Preference must attach a DD 214 Form, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty along with your application.
 

Applicants seeking National Guard Preference (to include North Carolina Army National Guard & North Carolina Air National Guard) must attach a copy of the NGB 23A (RPAS) or a copy of the DD256 or NGB 22 along with your application.
 

*Degrees must be received from institutions appropriately accredited by the U.S. Department of Education*
If you have started a college degree program but have not completed it – please document the number of Semester CREDIT HOURS you have completed in the Education section of your application

*State Employee Benefits*
We value our employees and offer a wide variety of competitive and family-friendly benefits. Learn more about employee resources, safety, health and wellness information, leave options, employee discounts and more by visiting the NC OSHR website.NC OSHR: Benefits
 

*Employment Eligibility*
It is the policy of the State of North Carolina and the Office of State Human Resources (OSHR) that all employees provide proof of employment eligibility (immigration and naturalization) on the first day of employment. We participate in E-Verify (Employment Eligibility Verification System).
 

*For More Information*
For more information about the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, visit the WRC website. Home Page | NC Wildlife

CONTACT INFORMATION:
NC Wildlife Resources Commission
Human Resources Office         
Phone: 919-707-0101
Fax: 919-707-0108

EEO Statement

The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.

Recruiter:

Monique Napper Bloomfield

Recruiter Email:

[email protected]