Aquatic Wildlife Diversity Biologist (Central Region)



Aquatic Wildlife Diversity Biologist (Central Region)

Salary

$50,633.00 - $88,607.00 Annually

Location

Alamance County, NC

Job Type

Permanent Full-Time

Job Number

25-02919-IF-60033966

Department

Wildlife Resource Commission

Division

Inland Fisheries

Opening Date

03/11/2025

Closing Date

3/20/2025 5:00 PM Eastern

Job Class Title

Conservation Biologist I

Position Number

60033966

Section

Wildlife: Inland Fisheries

Salary Grade

NC14

Description of Work

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 Commission is charged by General Statute 113-132 with the management, regulation, protection, and conservation of wildlife resources and inland fisheries in North Carolina. The Inland Fisheries Division is responsible for implementing the requirements of G.S. 113-132 for the state’s inland fisheries and supporting ecosystems. The Aquatic Wildlife Diversity (AWD) section’s purpose is to conserve freshwater aquatic resources by implementing the recommendations of the North Carolina Wildlife Action Plan. AWD staff conduct and coordinate surveys, research, and management of North Carolina’s aquatic non-game wildlife resources including state and federally listed species. 


The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission is accepting applications for a Central Region Aquatic Wildlife Diversity Biologist (Conservation Biologist I) for the Inland Fisheries Division. 


The Central Region Aquatic Wildlife Diversity Biologist is responsible for coordinating surveys for nongame aquatic species (nongame fishes, mollusks, and crayfish) within the Lumber, lower Yadkin Pee Dee, White Oak, and Cape Fear river basins; to quantitatively monitor priority aquatic communities within these river basins; to represent aquatic nongame issues within the Commission’s broader conservation programs; to work with the broader conservation community within the basins to achieve aquatic conservation objectives; to provide technical guidance to local, state, and federal governmental agencies, landowners, educational institutions, and conservation organizations; and to provide public outreach. 


The Biologist will be responsible for habitat assessments, identification of organisms to species, recording data, database management, and analysis of population status. In addition, the Biologist will be required to assist with technical guidance to local, state, and federal governmental agencies including the Commission, NC Department of Transportation, NC Department of Environmental Quality, NC Museum of Natural Sciences, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, conservation organizations, educational institutions, and private landowners. This guidance may include attending on-site meetings and preparing draft comments on federal, state, local, and private projects that may impact listed species. 


The Biologist will actively encourage conservation of aquatic species and habitats through interaction with other state and federal agencies and non-governmental organizations. The Biologist may have the opportunity to serve as a Commission representative on conservation and management advisory committees within the designated geographic region. 


Due to the rapid development of the state, identifying significant habitats for conservation is a substantial need. A geographical division of responsibilities for surveys, monitoring, and technical guidance will provide greater focus on local conservation efforts. The primary responsibilities of the Biologist will correspond to these geographical divisions; however, staff will be expected to assist with projects outside of their work area as necessary. 


A Monday-Friday schedule is associated with this position which involves working 40 hours per week (specific times set by the manager). Evening and weekend work may be required on occasion. This position also requires frequent in-state and out-of-state travel with occasional overnight stays.   This position is located at the Sykes Depot in Mebane, NC (Alamance County).

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 possess:

  • Knowledge in biology of freshwater fish, mussels, snails, or crayfish;

  • Experience designing and conducting biological research and preparing reports;

  • Experience operating or maintaining field or laboratory equipment used in aquatic resource management.


Management Preferences:

  • Ability to work independently (assignments, work planning, scheduling, procurement, and personnel management.);

  • Strong communication skills (verbal and written) to interact effectively with resource professionals and the public;

  • GIS and/or statistical software experience.


Special Qualifications/Requirements:

  • Possession of a valid North Carolina driver’s license is required within 60 days of employment.



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/
 
For more information about this posting, contact the Wildlife Resources Commission Human Resources Office.  Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information regarding the status of your application.  To check the status of your application, log in to your NeoGov account and click “Application Status”.  Normal processing time for applications is 30-45 days from the closing date of the posting.
 
 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.







 

01
Please select the option that best describes your highest level of education completed. [If you have started a degree program, but have not completed it, (1) list the number of completed CREDIT HOURS and (2) attach a copy of your transcript.]
  • PhD or Law Degree completed
  • Master's degree completed
  • Bachelor's degree completed
  • Associates degree completed
  • Graduation from High School and some college courses
  • Graduation from High School or GED
  • Attended, but did not complete High School
02
I understand that the hiring salary for this position will be determined based on education, experience and equity AND offered within the recruitment range of $50,633 – $60,126 (as listed on the posting.)
  • Yes
  • No
03
I understand that possession of a valid North Carolina Driver’s License is required within 60 days of employment.
  • Yes
  • No
04
Do you have experience working with equipment used in aquatic resource management? (Experience must be documented within the body of the application.)
  • Yes
  • No
05
In order to receive credit for supplemental questions, you must provide information within the body of the application that will support your answers. It is critical in our screening and salary determination process that applications contain comprehensive candidate information. Have you provided support information regarding your qualifications (knowledge, skills and abilities) for the position in which you are applying?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

Employer
State of North Carolina