Foothills Region Aquatic Wildlife Diversity Biologist

Agency Wildlife Resource Commission Division Inland Fisheries Job Classification Title Conservation Biologist I (NS) Position Number 60033915 Grade NC14 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 NC Wildlife Resources Commission’s Inland Fisheries Division manages, conserves, enhances, and restores the State’s freshwater fishes, mussels, crayfish and supporting aquatic habitats through fisheries research, fisheries management, hatchery operation, and habitat conservation. The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission is accepting applications for a Foothills Region Aquatic Wildlife Diversity Biologist for the Inland Fisheries Division. The Foothills Region Aquatic Wildlife Diversity Biologist is responsible for coordinating surveys for nongame aquatic species (nongame fishes, mollusks, and crayfish) within the Catawba, Broad, Upper Yadkin-Pee Dee, and Dan River basins; to quantitatively monitor priority aquatic communities within these river basins; to represent aquatic nongame issues within the Commission’s broader conservation programs; to work with the broader conservation community within the basins to achieve aquatic conservation objectives; to provide technical guidance to local, state, and federal governmental agencies, landowners, educational institutions, and conservation organizations; and to provide public outreach. The Biologist will be responsible for habitat assessments, identification of organisms to species, recording data, database management, and analysis of population status. In addition, the Biologist will be required to assist with technical guidance to local, state, and federal governmental agencies including the Commission, NC Department of Transportation, NC Department of Environmental Quality, NC Museum of Natural Sciences, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, conservation organizations, educational institutions, and private landowners. This guidance may include attending on-site meetings and preparing draft comments on federal, state, local, and private projects that may impact listed species. The Biologist will actively encourage conservation of aquatic species and habitats through interaction with other state and federal agencies and non-governmental organizations. The Biologist may have the opportunity to serve as a Commission representative on conservation and management advisory committees within the designated geographic region. Due to the rapid development of the state, identifying significant habitats for conservation is a substantial need. A geographical division of responsibilities for surveys, monitoring, and technical guidance will provide greater focus on local conservation efforts. The primary responsibilities of the Biologist will correspond to these geographical divisions; however, staff will be expected to assist with projects outside of their work area as necessary. A Monday-Friday schedule is associated with this position which involves working 40 hours per week (specific times set by the manager). Evening and weekend work may be required on occasion. This position also requires frequent in-state and out-of-state travel with occasional overnight stays. This position is located at the WRC Marion Depot in Marion, NC (McDowell County). Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences Extensive knowledge of North Carolina’s biology, ecology, taxonomy and habitats of freshwater fish, mollusk, crayfish, and aquatic snails. Working knowledge of restoration biology, stream restoration and hydrology, and watershed-based management. Ability to design and conduct biological surveys; analyze biological data; and prepare technical reports. Considerable skills and abilities in operating and maintaining field and laboratory equipment used in aquatic resource management. Ability to function independently for work planning, scheduling, procurement, and personnel management. Special Qualifications/Requirements: Valid NC Driver’s License within 90 days of employment. Recruitment Range: $50,633 – $60,126 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. 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 two years of experience in wildlife or fisheries management; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience. Some positions require coursework in forestry. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: 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... https://oshr.nc.gov/state-employee-resources/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… https://www.ncwildlife.gov/ 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 Bloomfield Recruiter Email: MONIQUE.BLOOMFIELD@NCWILDLIFE.GOV North Carolina State Government is one of the state’s largest employers, with over 76,000 employees all working toward a common goal: a safer and stronger North Carolina. We are a large organization comprised of various agencies, offices, and universities, each providing important public services. Eligible state employees are entitled to comprehensive benefits, including a variety of leave options, professional development opportunities, insurance, and more. To learn more about the benefits of being a North Carolina state employee, visit the N.C. Office of State Human Resources' website. Permanent, temporary, and time-limited state government jobs can be found from the mountains to the coast. Find your next opportunity today! State Application Resources/Frequently Asked Questions Valuing Education and Experience The State of North Carolina values the knowledge and experience of our jobseekers and current state employees. Approximately 91 percent of state job classifications allow experience to be substituted for education or do not require a post-secondary degree. Learn more about how you may qualify for a position through education or directly related experience, or a combination of both, with the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide. Introduce yourself to our recruiters and we'll get in touch if there's a role that seems like a good match. If you are already a state employee, please search for jobs by clicking here.