Public Service Professional II

Position Summary

The University of Georgia (UGA) is seeking applications for a Private Lands Biologist to support implementation of the Working Lands for Wildlife (WLFW) Aquatics Connectivity Framework. This position is located in North Carolina in NRCS Area 1. This project is a collaboration between UGA and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) WLFW program. Through the Farm Bill, NRCS provides technical and financial assistance to farmers, ranchers, and forestland owners/managers who voluntarily undertake conservation practices on working lands. WLFW systematically targets conservation efforts to enhance wildlife habitat on agricultural landscapes while improving agricultural and forest productivity. Hellbenders face many threats from conventional agricultural practices that lead to loss of forested riparian habitat and degraded water quality from sedimentation and pollutants.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• Strong aquatic ecology background with ability to apply it in agricultural systems in Western NC; hellbender ecology preferred
• Familiarity with USDA NRCS conservation programs, processes, and/or software NRCS
• Experience conducting biological fieldwork (e.g., aquatic species surveys, riparian/habitat assessments) and supporting aquatic habitat restoration projects
• Knowledge of relevant federal and state conservation/wildlife programs (e.g., Farm Bill, Endangered Species Act, State Wildlife Agency private lands programs) and how they’re implemented in working lands
• Proficiency with GIS/geospatial tools, Microsoft Office, and field data collection platforms
• Strong project management skills (multiple projects, deadlines) and ability to work effectively in a hybrid home office/local NRCS field office schedule
• Demonstrated strong written/verbal communication and ability to build and maintain productive landowner relationships

Physical Demands

Field work on site in North Carolina, as well as work for periods at a desk using a computer

Duties/Responsibilities

Conservation Planning, Application & Implementation

• Work directly with landowners to identify NRCS program opportunities
• Guide landowners through application and contracting processes
• Develop hellbender-specific conservation plans aligned with NRCS standards
• Coordinate and support implementation of conservation practices
• Provide technical guidance during design and construction
• Ensure practices are installed according to NRCS standards and specifications

Percentage of time: 40

Landowner Outreach & Engagement

• Conduct targeted outreach within priority watersheds
• Educate landowners on aquatic conservation and WLFW opportunities
• Build and maintain relationships with landowners and communities
• Participate in outreach events (e.g., farm demos, Shade Your Stream workshops)
• Identify high-priority properties for conservation
• Provide initial technical guidance to inform landowner interest and feasibility

Percentage of time: 35

Coordination & Partnership Support

• Maintain communication with NRCS field offices and partners
• Support project identification and pipeline development
• Coordinate field visits, outreach events, and collaborative efforts

Percentage of time: 15

Monitoring, Evaluation & Adaptive Management

• Evaluate effectiveness of conservation practices
• Coordinate and/or conduct post-project monitoring
• Recommend adaptive management actions based on outcomes

Percentage of time: 10