Conservation Biologist I (Aquatic Passage Coordinator)

The State of North Carolina is hiring a Conservation Biologist I (Aquatic Passage Coordinator) for a time-limited position until May 2028. The role involves leading a field team to assess aquatic barriers and road crossings in eastern NC, training staff, and preparing reports. The position requires extensive travel for fieldwork and is based out of either Raleigh or Creedmoor, NC, with a Monday-Friday schedule.
Description of Work

This is a Time-Limited Position.

The NC Wildlife Resources Commission Mission Statement 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. The Commission is the regulatory agency responsible for the enforcement of N.C. fishing, hunting, trapping and boating laws. The NCWRC employs 700 full-time staff across the state, including wildlife and fisheries biologists and technicians, wildlife law enforcement officers, wildlife educators, communication specialists, customer service, information technology, and administrative professionals.

The NC Wildlife Resources Commission’s Division of Habitat Conservation provides technical guidance to public and private agencies, commissions, universities, businesses and individuals requesting assistance for protecting, enhancing, evaluating and managing wildlife resources and their habitats. The Habitat Conservation Division often works in a clearinghouse role, coordinating agency comments, sending official comments on almost all topics from endangered species listing proposals to navigable waterway designation and bridge height clearances, responding to stakeholder inquiries with technical information, and a resource for fact gathering to support planning and data collection needs.”

The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission is accepting applications for a Conservation Biologist I (Aquatic Passage Coordinator) for our Habitat Conservation Division. This is a time-limited position, with an approximate timeframe of May 2025 to May 2028.

This Aquatic Passage Coordinator will serve as a team leader for a seasonal temporary and coordinate site surveys for barriers, road crossings and culverts across eastern NC utilizing a standardized protocol to assess aquatic species passage to aid in future prioritization restoration efforts. This team-leader position will also be responsible for training staff on field protocol and prioritized field efforts. Additionally, the team leader will be responsible for preparing and submitting monthly reports.

In North Carolina, there are over 39,000 unassessed road – stream crossings in the eastern counties. NCWRC field team will assess structures that are located in eastern NC. The field evaluations of each aquatic barrier will be conducted according to Southeast Aquatic Resource Partnership’s (SARP) “standardized assessment protocol to collect field data on road stream crossings.” The assessments will provide information on the degree of habitat fragmentation and flood risk across the landscape as well as identify which of these structures cause both flooding and fish passage issues.

A Monday-Friday schedule is associated with this position which involves working 40 hours per week (specific times set by manager). Extensive travel (3-4 days per week) will be required for field work. This position may be based out of the WRC Headquarters (Raleigh, NC) or the Rogers Lake Depot (Creedmoor, NC).

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities / Competencies

To receive credit for all of your work history and credentials, you must list the information on the application form. Any information listed under the text resume section or on an attachment will not be considered for qualifying credit.

Qualified applicants must document on the application that they possess all of the following:
• Experience conducting field assessments;
• Ability to work independently on assignments.

Management Preferences:
• Aquatic Survey Experience

Special Qualifications/Requirements:
• Possession of a valid North Carolina driver’s license is required within 60 days of hire. Candidate must present proof of a valid NC Driver’s License and proof of an acceptable driving record.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

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 oshr.nc.gov/experience-guide for detail.

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.

Supplemental and Contact Information
• PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION ON-LINE USING THE OSHR JOB SEEKERS WEBSITE
All applicants must complete and submit a State application for employment using the NeoGov Online Job Application System located on the Office of State Human Resources “Work for NC” website (http://www.oshr.nc.gov/jobs/ ) for the State of North Carolina.

If you are having technical issues submitting your application, please call the NeoGov (governmentjobs.com) Help Line at 855-524-5627.
• The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer
The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) is committed to maintaining a culture of equity, diversity and inclusion. NCWRC strives to ensure that all employment practices are implemented in a manner that is equitable to all applicants and employees.

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.

All Required Competencies, Work History, and Credentials must appear in the Education and Work Experience sections of the application form to receive consideration during the selection process. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing the State Application form. Applications stating "See Attached Resume" or including an embedded text resume will be considered incomplete and will not be processed.
• 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.org/

CONTACT INFORMATION:
NC Wildlife Resources Commission
Human Resources Office
Phone: 919-707-0101
Fax: 919-707-0108

NOTE: For temporary, contract or other supplemental staffing appointments: There are no paid leave, retirement or other benefits associated with these appointment types.
For permanent and time-limited appointments:
Eligible employees have benefits that include employee health insurance options, standard and supplemental retirement plans, NC Flex (a variety of high-quality, low-cost benefits on a pre-tax basis), and paid vacation, sick, and community service leave, to name a few. Paid parental leave is available for eligible employees. Some benefits require 30 + hours work/week for participation.