Wildlife Biologist 2/3

The Wildlife Biologist 2/3 is responsible for developing and implementing private land programs to meet wildlife conservation objectives defined in the State Wildlife Action Plan.

Job responsibilities include landowner outreach initiatives, including prescribed fire education, training, and implementation; development of habitat management and rare species conservation plans; facilitating landowner support via Farm Bill assistance programs and various other grant options; and the development, implementation, and oversight of conservation easements, Safe Harbor Agreements, and Conservation Benefit Agreements. This biologist is the Wildlife Conservation Section’s liaison for promoting Sustainable Forestry Initiative standards in industrial silviculture operations, implementing the Forestry for Wildlife Partnership program and recruiting new partners, providing wildlife conservation training through presentations and workshops to timber industry employees and private landowners, and for cooperative projects with Game Management and NRCS. This individual will work with public affairs staff to create outreach materials designed to inform and encourage the conservation of nongame wildlife species on private lands. The Wildlife Biologist 2/3 may supervise other Wildlife Biologists, directing their habitat restoration and rare species management work and utilizing their assistance to bring conservation programs to landowners in the Coastal Plain. This position will require frequent travel throughout the state for meetings with landowners and conservation partners.

Minimum Qualifications  
Wildlife Biologist 2

Master’s degree in Biology or a related field from an accredited college or university.
OR
Bachelor’s degree in Biology or a related field from an accredited college or university
AND
One year of related experience.
OR
One year of experience required at the lower level Wildlife Biologist 1, or position equivalent.

Wildlife Biologist 3

Master’s degree in Biology or a related field from an accredited college or university.
AND
One year of related experience.
OR
Bachelor’s degree in Biology or a related field from an accredited college or university
AND
Two years of related experience.
OR
One year of experience required at the lower level Wildlife Biologist 2, or position equivalent.

Preferred Qualifications:

1.  Advanced degree in Zoology, Wildlife Biology, or related field 
2.  Experience with landowner assistance programs such as Farm Bill, Safe Harbor, and Conservation Benefit Agreements and working knowledge of forest management techniques and forestry certification programs in Georgia 
3.  At least one year of experience and/or training using GIS for natural resource applications 
4.  Knowledge of conservation easement development, negotiation, funding, monitoring, and reporting processes 
5.  Experience supervising technicians and biologists in support of conservation projects 
6.  Status as a current or former employee of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources