Private Lands Biologist

Virginia Tech is hiring a Private Lands Biologist to support the Working Lands for Wildlife Aquatic Connectivity Framework and NRCS water quality projects in Kentucky. The role involves providing assistance to farmers and landowners to promote conservation practices, enhancing wildlife habitats while improving productivity. The position requires fieldwork, relationship building with stakeholders, and proficiency in office software. A relevant M.S. or B.S. degree and experience in aquatic systems are required.
About the position

The Conservation Management Institute (CMI) at Virginia Tech is seeking applications for a Private Lands Biologist (PLB) to support the implementation of the Working Lands for Wildlife (WLFW) Aquatic Connectivity Framework and other Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) water quality initiatives/projects in Kentucky. This project is a collaboration between CMI and the USDA NRCS, funded by NRCS's WLFW effort. The role involves providing technical and financial assistance to farmers, ranchers, and forestland owners/managers who voluntarily undertake conservation practices on working lands through the Farm Bill. The WLFW initiative systematically targets conservation efforts to enhance wildlife habitat on agricultural landscapes while improving agricultural and forest productivity. The position is crucial for addressing the threats faced by aquatic species, such as the eastern hellbender, which suffers from habitat loss and degraded water quality due to conventional agricultural practices. The WLFW Aquatic Connectivity Framework aims to restore and improve habitats for hellbenders and other aquatic species, reversing population declines by supporting sustainable conservation practices on working lands. The successful candidate will be expected to work closely with agricultural landowners, demonstrating a clear understanding of aquatic systems and ecology, particularly regarding hellbenders. The role requires building and maintaining productive relationships with landowners and stakeholders, as well as proficiency in office software for documentation and reporting purposes. Frequent fieldwork is a significant aspect of this position, which involves moderate hiking in various weather conditions. Applicants must possess a valid driver's license and pass a criminal background check as part of the hiring process.

Responsibilities
• Support the implementation of the Working Lands for Wildlife Aquatic Connectivity Framework.
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• Provide technical and financial assistance to farmers, ranchers, and forestland owners/managers.
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• Collaborate with USDA NRCS on water quality initiatives and projects in Kentucky.
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• Enhance wildlife habitat on agricultural landscapes while improving agricultural and forest productivity.
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• Work with agricultural landowners to promote sustainable conservation practices.
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• Conduct fieldwork involving moderate hiking in various weather conditions.
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• Document and report on conservation practices and their effectiveness.

Requirements
• A M.S. degree in aquatic ecology, hydrology, wildlife science, fisheries science, natural resource management, agricultural sciences or similar discipline; or a B.S. degree with demonstrated experience in private lands management and technical assistance.
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• Experience working in aquatic systems and understanding of hellbender and general aquatic ecology.
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• Ability to build and maintain productive relationships with landowners.
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• Proficiency in the use of office software (word processing, presentation, spreadsheet, etc.).
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• Demonstrated skill with both verbal and written communications.

Nice-to-haves
• General awareness or experience working with NRCS conservation programs and/or software.
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• NRCS Conservation Planning certification and/or Job Approval Authority and/or Technical Service Provider status.
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• Knowledge of federal and state agency conservation and wildlife programs such as the Farm Bill, the Endangered Species Act, or State Wildlife Agency Private Lands Programs.
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• Demonstrated experience working with agricultural land owners.
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• Experience with geospatial information systems.
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• Experience with aquatic habitat restoration projects.

Benefits
• Competitive salary
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• Opportunities for professional development
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• Access to university resources and facilities