Wildlife Biologist III

The State of South Carolina is seeking a Wildlife Biologist III to contribute to water bird conservation. Responsibilities include conducting surveys, data management, public outreach, and supervising staff across South Carolina. A master’s degree in biology or wildlife management is required, along with relevant experience. Knowledge of bird biology and habitat management is preferred. The role involves fieldwork in various environmental conditions and travel.
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.