Private Lands Biologist

Job Description

The Conservation Management Institute (CMI) at Virginia Tech is seeking applications for a Private Lands Biologist (PLB) to support implementation of the Working Lands for Wildlife (WLFW) Eastern Hellbender Initiative and other Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) water quality initiatives/projects in Alabama. This project is a collaboration between CMI and the USDA NRCS. It is funded by NRCS's WLFW program.

Through the Farm Bill, NRCS provides technical and financial assistance to farmers, ranchers and forestland owners/managers who voluntarily undertake conservation practices on working lands. WLFW systematically targets conservation efforts to enhance wildlife habitat on agricultural landscapes while improving agricultural and forest productivity. Hellbenders face many threats from conventional agricultural practices that lead to loss of forested riparian habitat and degraded water quality from sedimentation and pollutants. The WLFW hellbender project seeks to restore and/or improve hellbender habitat and reverse population declines by supporting sustainable conservation practices on working lands.
Locations

The PLB position will be based in Alabama (TBD), with frequent travel throughout the surrounding region. The position may include vehicle access and/or access to an NRCS workspace at a local field office depending on availability. If an office/vehicle is not provided by NRCS, the PLB will work remotely and will receive mileage reimbursement at the federal rate for accrued miles. A work computer will be provided.

Required Qualifications

Required Educational Experience (PLB)
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.
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Excellent verbal/written communication and organizational skills and demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and effectively with diverse audiences
Ability to work independently with little supervision and with diverse clientele
Working knowledge of wildlife ecology principles, and the ability to apply those principles utilizing various habitat management tools, in order to develop NRCS conservation plans
Willing to obtain NRCS Conservation Planner Level I Certification

Preferred Qualifications

Experience working with NRCS conservation programs and/or software
NRCS Conservation Planning certification and/or Job Approval Authority and/or Technical Service Provider status
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. Also, knowledge of how these programs are implemented in an agricultural landscape
Demonstrated experience working with agricultural land owners
Demonstrated superior skill with both verbal and written communications
Experience with geospatial information systems
Experience with aquatic habitat restoration projects

Appointment Type

Restricted

Review Date

3/20/24

Additional Information

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous Extension offices and research centers. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.