Wildlife Biologist III

The State of South Carolina is hiring a Wildlife Biologist III for full-time work in West Columbia, SC. The role involves conducting projects on wading and marsh birds, including surveys, data management, and public outreach. Candidates need a master's degree with relevant experience or a bachelor's with additional experience. The salary ranges from $46,655 to $86,321 annually. This position is not remote and requires in-person work.
Salary: $46,655.00 - $86,321.00 Annually
Location : Colleton County, SC
Job Type: FTE - Full-Time
Job Number: 176017
Agency: Department of Natural Resources
Division: Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division
Opening Date: 05/01/2025
Closing Date: 5/30/2025 5:00 PM Eastern
Agency Specific Application Procedures:: All applicants must apply online.
Class Code:: LE70
Position Number:: 60015494
Normal Work Schedule:: Monday - Friday (8:30 - 5:00)
Pay Band: Band 6
Hiring Range - Min.: $56,451.00
Hiring Range - Max.: $66,488.00
Opening Date: 05/01/2025
EEO Statement: Equal Opportunity Employer
Veteran Preference Statement: South Carolina is making our Veterans a priority for employment in state agencies and institutions.

Job Responsibilities
This is an exciting opportunity to make a contribution to the conservation of water birds in South Carolina as part of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR).

Job Duties Include:
• Developing, directing and conducting projects for wading and marsh birds including nest monitoring, breeding surveys, trapping and banding, and associated vegetation surveys across South Carolina.
• Conducting wading bird aerial breeding season surveys in a small airplane.
• Providing public with technical assistance on wading and marsh bird protections, nuisance, and other issues.
• Representing the SCDNR on enforcement and permitting issues, and other situations as required.
• Developing and maintaining large multi-year databases using Excel, Access, Survey123, Bird banding lab data portal and GIS, and conducting data analysis using Program R.
• Developing and managing grants, budgets, and monthly and annual reports.
• Developing and disseminating information for public outreach and presenting educational programs to the public and at appropriate meetings.
• Coordinating, training and supervising temporary personnel to collect data as needed.
• Performing other related duties as assigned by the Bird Conservation Coordinator.

Minimum and Additional Requirements
A master's degree in biology, chemistry or wildlife management and two (2) years of experience in fish, wildlife or marine management or research programs; or a bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, wildlife management or related technical area and four (4) years of experience in fish, wildlife or marine management or research programs.

Preferred Qualifications
• Knowledge of wading and marsh biology and southeastern habitat management practices.
• Knowledge of federal and state laws and regulatory procedures pertaining to native migratory birds.
• Ability to conduct survey and monitoring projects for wading and marsh birds including the ability to identify them by sight and sound, to trap and band, to locate nests, and to use bird, water, and vegetation survey and monitoring tools.
• Experience in following field protocols, data collection, and data entry. Experience developing and maintaining large multi-year databases and analyzing data. Familiarity with GIS, Program R, and Microsoft Office including Access.
• Ability to efficiently organize information and manage multiple projects.
• Ability to prepare monthly and annual reports, create and manage budgets.
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally with peers and public on technical and non-technical subjects. Demonstrated ability to work with multiple stakeholder groups.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, with minimal supervision. Commitment to work collaboratively with co-workers, colleagues, and partners.
• Ability to supervise staff effectively.
• Ability to endure long hours in adverse environmental conditions including heat and exposure to insects, lift and carry equipment (30 pounds), walk up to four (4) miles carrying a day pack, swim in coastal waters and conduct annual aerial surveys in a small airplane.
• Ability to work long, non-standard hours with frequent, sometimes overnight, travel.

Additional Comments

A cover letter and current CV are requested to supplement the required state application.
Benefits for State Employees
The state of South Carolina offers eligible employees generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid vacation and sick leave. Plus, work-life balance programs such as telecommuting and flexible work schedules are available to employees of some state agencies.

Insurance Benefits
Eligible employees may enroll in health insurance, which includes prescription coverage and wellness benefits. Other available insurance benefits include dental, vision, term life insurance, long term disability and flexible spending accounts for health and child care expenses.

Retirement Benefits
State employees are also offered retirement plan options, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans. Additionally, eligible employees may elect to participate in the South Carolina Deferred Compensation Program, which is a voluntary, supplemental retirement savings plan offering 401(k) and 457 plan options.

Workplace Benefits
State employees may also be eligible for other benefits, including tuition assistance; holiday, annual and sick leave; and discounts on purchases, travel and more.

Note: The benefits above are available to most state employees, with the exception of those in temporary positions. Employees in temporary grant and time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some or none of these benefits as benefits are associated with each position type. For these positions, contact the hiring agency to determine what benefits may be available.
01

Are you currently employed with SCDNR?
• Yes
• No

02

Do you have AT LEAST a master's degree in biology, chemistry or wildlife management AND two (2) years of experience in fish, wildlife or marine management or research programs OR a bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, wildlife management or related technical area AND four (4) years of experience in fish, wildlife or marine management or research programs?
• Yes
• No

Required Question