Natural Resources Specialist

Natural Resources Specialist

Location:  Fort Jackson, Columbia, SC
Full time, Non-Exempt
Start Date: January 2026
Compensation: $19.00 – $24.00 commensurate with experience

Position Overview:

The candidate will provide technical support to the Natural Resources Conservation and Endangered Species Act compliance programs at Fort Jackson to include endangered species conservation, wildland fire, forestry, and other wildlife management.

The candidate must have a clear understanding of the biological principles and theories of forestry and wildlife management, and the ecological management of the longleaf pine ecosystem and be able to identify the flora and fauna of the southeastern United States.

Primary job duties include:

• Conducting RCW nest monitoring and group composition surveys.
• Conducting annual RCW tree inventory and cavity assessments.
• Painting and tagging RCW trees and signing cluster buffers.
• Installation of artificial cavities (both inserts and drill cavities).
• RCW data management including updating existing MS Access databases and Excel tracking sheets.
• Updating RCW GIS layers.

Additional duties will include:

• Preparing areas for prescribed fire, including raking RCW cavity trees.
• Assisting with the application of prescribed fire to acreage identified in the annual prescribed fire plan at Fort Jackson, SC.
• Assisting with post-burn evaluations and collection of fire weather data necessary for reporting requirements.
• Assisting with timber cruising and marking for forest thinning operations improve Red-cockaded woodpecker (RCW) habitat.
• Wildlife activities including: food plot preparation, nest box management for Wood Ducks and American Kestrels, native groundcover restoration.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s Degree in Wildlife Biology, General Biology, or related discipline preferred with at least 2 years of field experience.  Associate Degree in Biology or related disciplines will be considered with 3+ years of successful working experience in natural resources conservation and program support.

Candidate must be a U.S Citizen, have a current driver’s license, be able to pass a background security investigation, and have an original copy of their birth certificate. Typical work schedule is Monday through Friday in 8 hour shifts.  Schedule will be determined by work activities and may exceed 8 hours in one day. Occasional weekend or holiday work may occur.

Ability and willingness to work in challenging field conditions, including, but not limited to dense vegetation, long days and hot, humid weather. Candidate should be in good physical condition and be able to lift and carry 50lbs and perform physical tasks, such as walking for extending periods of time while carrying 20lbs.

Preferred candidate will have:

• Experience with Red-cockaded Woodpecker monitoring and management including artificial cavity installation.
• Experience using a spotting scope and binoculars to identify birds.
• Completed NWCG S130/S190 wildland fire training and have experience with wildland fire.
• Experience with GPS units and capable of independent navigation.
• Experience with off-road vehicle operation and 4-wheel drive vehicles on unimproved roads.
• Experience operating ATVs, farm tractors with implements (i.e. disk harrows and planters, and heavy-duty mowers/shredders), weed eater type brush saws, chain saws, and other heavy-duty equipment.

Company Overview:

Ayuda Companies is a successful small business providing expertise and innovation across the environmental, restoration, and compliance service sectors nationwide. Ayuda supports Department of Defense, NASA, and various commercial clients.

We offer competitive pay and an excellent benefits package including:

• Medical insurance coverage with Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield – with significant Company contribution towards premium (up to a Company contribution of 100% depending on plan selected)
• Dental insurance coverage – with significant Company contribution towards premium
• Vison insurance – with significant Company contribution towards premium
• Flexible spending plans
• 401k with 3% company matching (with a 3% employee contribution) or 4% company matching (with a 5% employee contribution)
• Short Term disability insurance coverage – 100% Company paid
• Long Term disability insurance coverage – 100% company paid
• $50,000 life insurance – 100% Company paid. Additional coverage limits can be added by the employee
• 4 weeks paid personal time off
• 11 holidays

Ayuda’s success is due to our commitment to our valued employees, establishing lasting partnerships, and providing innovative, high-quality services. We conduct our business ethically, honestly and with integrity in everything we do. We leverage our multi-disciplinary strength to benefit our clients and we communicate, collaborate, and execute together as a team.