Coastal RASP Wildlife Forester

The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission seeks a Coastal RASP Wildlife Forester to manage wildlife habitats on State Game Lands, provide technical assistance, and implement forest management plans. Responsibilities include conducting timber inventories, training staff, and utilizing GIS for mapping. Candidates must have a bachelor's degree in wildlife management or forestry, three years of relevant experience, and skills in ecological principles. The role involves frequent travel and is based in North Carolina.
About the position

The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) is dedicated to conserving the state's wildlife resources and their habitats while providing opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to engage in wildlife-associated recreation. The Commission is responsible for enforcing North Carolina's fishing, hunting, trapping, and boating laws, employing over 700 full-time staff across various roles including wildlife biologists, law enforcement officers, and administrative professionals. The Land & Water Access Division plays a crucial role in planning, constructing, and managing public facilities and infrastructure necessary for fulfilling the agency's mission. This includes maintaining fish hatcheries, management depots, education centers, and regional offices, as well as managing boating and game lands. The division also oversees the Wildlife Inmate Services (WISE) program and ensures compliance with waterway markings and facility management. The Wildlife Conservation Forestry Specialist position is primarily focused on implementing forest wildlife habitat management, research, and survey activities across 42 State Game Lands, covering approximately 435,500 acres. The specialist will provide technical assistance to private landowners and government agencies, monitor and direct activities to enhance forest health through active timber management practices, and improve habitats for wildlife species while facilitating hunting opportunities. Responsibilities include generating annual and long-term forest management plans, conducting timber inventories, training technicians, and utilizing GIS software for mapping and data collection. The role requires frequent travel, night work, and occasional overnight travel to meet with landowners and coordinate activities, with a standard Monday-Friday schedule.

Responsibilities
• Prescribe and implement forest wildlife habitat management activities on State Game Lands.
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• Provide technical assistance to private landowners and government agencies.
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• Monitor and direct activities to improve forest health through timber management practices.
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• Generate annual and long-term forest management plans for game lands.
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• Inventory, value, and mark timber for harvesting.
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• Train and supervise technicians and temporary employees in forest management projects.
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• Map game lands and timber stands using GIS software.
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• Update the forest management database annually using inventory software.
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• Collect biological data for research projects related to wildlife health and monitoring.
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• Prepare for prescribed burns by determining firebreak locations.

Requirements
• Bachelor's degree in wildlife management or forestry, supplemented by 15 hours of relevant coursework.
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• Three years of related experience in wildlife and forestry management practices.
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• Knowledge of ecological principles and silvicultural techniques.
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• Skill in conducting wildlife and forest inventories and surveys.
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• Ability to operate GPS units and GIS software.
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• Skill in identifying wildlife and plants.
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• Ability to collect, analyze, and communicate scientific data.

Nice-to-haves
• Knowledge of NC forest practice guidelines and water quality regulations.
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• Experience in planning and implementing prescribed burns.
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• Experience in timber sale and contract administration.
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• Experience operating heavy equipment.

Benefits
• Employee discount programs
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• Health insurance
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• Paid holidays
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• Flexible scheduling
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• Professional development opportunities