Wildlife Conservation Tech 1 (Herpetologist)

Job Description

The successful applicant’s primary responsibilities will be conducting inventory and monitoring surveys for multiple reptile and amphibian species in the Sandhills and Piedmont regions of North Carolina, particularly Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) identified in the North Carolina Wildlife Action Plan. Specifically, the technician will work alone or with others on pine barrens treefrog call surveys, winter-breeding amphibian egg mass surveys, seasonal dipnetting, installation/analysis of automated recording units and camera traps, supporting gopher frog head-starting efforts, conducting visual encounter and road-cruise surveys, and other field activities as needed. Additionally, the technician may 1) assist with management activities including wetland restoration and prescribed burns; 2) assist Law Enforcement Division with ongoing investigations or confiscations involving SGCN reptiles or amphibians; and/or 3) assist with other NCWRC projects as needed. The technician will also be responsible for data entry, mapping, equipment maintenance, literature review, and miscellaneous tasks in support of project objectives.

Technicians must be able to work independently and with others and be comfortable working in remote, strenuous field locations, which may include hot, humid weather, biting insects and other hazards. Travel to various field locations, night work, and occasional long days and overnight stays will be required. A vehicle and all necessary equipment will be provided.

Job Expectations

• Conduct reptile and amphibian survey, monitoring, and/or management activities by scheduled deadlines and/or during appropriate seasonal periods in the Sandhills/Piedmont.
• Conduct basic, non-statistical data analysis (frog call identification, animal identification from photos, data summarization, etc.), data entry, and organization.
• Assist WRC herp staff with fieldwork in other regions as assigned.
• Participate in inter- or intra-agency team, committee, or working group meetings.
• Keep supervisor informed of interim findings, concerns, and other topics that may affect Wildlife Diversity Program function or Agency mission.
• Provide updates for quarterly/annual reports.
• Provide expert advice in a timely manner when consulted.
• Submit timesheets and travel reports correctly and on time and complete required training by deadlines.
• Ensure vehicles and field equipment are maintained in good working order.
• Communicate equipment/vehicle/purchasing needs to supervisor in a timely manner.
• Keep Outlook calendar up-to-date and respond to invites promptly.
• Maintain office space functionality and cleanliness and assist with Depot upkeep as needed.
• Attend webinars, seminars, and/or leadership or technical workshops to expand knowledge of topics directly relevant to ongoing projects.
• Monitor WRC’s Survey 1-2-3 records and respond to reporters.
• Participate in professional societies/organizations (e.g. NCTWS, NCHS).

Location

The duty station will be at the Sandhills Depot in Hoffman, NC. The nearest towns with full amenities are Southern Pines/Pinehurst/Aberdeen and Rockingham. Housing is NOT provided.

Compensation

The pay rate range is $17-20/hr., commensurate with education and experience.  This is an 11-month position (January 20 – December 18, 2026) with the possibility of being re-hired for the following year after a required 31-day break. Work weeks typically average 40 hours, 8-5 Monday-Friday; however, the applicant should expect this schedule to vary with some long hours, night work, and occasional weekend work required, especially during the busiest field months. Temporary employees working more than 30 hours per week may be eligible for a High Deductible Health Plan through the State.

Qualifications

A 2-year degree in Wildlife Biology or related field is required; a Bachelor’s degree or higher is preferred. Desired qualifications include the ability to identify southeastern reptiles and amphibians by sight and anurans by call; familiarity with the longleaf pine ecosystem; reptile and amphibian survey and data collection experience using a variety of field methods; experience using a GPS unit for navigation and data collection; and familiarity with Microsoft Office and ArcPro. Good organizational and communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently are a must. 

Deadline

Applications must be received by 5 PM EST Friday, November 7.