Mountain Region Coordinator

State of North Carolina • Marion, NC

1d

About The Position

The NC Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) is the state government agency created to conserve and sustain the state’s fish and wildlife resources through research, scientific management, wise use and public input. The NCWRC is the regulatory agency responsible for the enforcement of North Carolina’s fishing, hunting, trapping, and boating laws. The agency has an operational budget of approximately $100 million and employs approximately 700 full-time staff and 100 seasonal temporary staff across the state, including wildlife and fisheries biologists and technicians, wildlife law enforcement officers, wildlife educators, communication specialists, and customer service, information technology and administrative professionals. The NCWRC Mission 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 Division of Habitat Conservation provides technical guidance to public and private agencies, commissions, universities, businesses and individuals requesting assistance for protecting, enhancing, evaluating and managing wildlife resources and their habitats. The Division often works in a clearinghouse role, coordinating agency comments, sending official comments on resources related to every portion of WRC’s strategic plan. By providing technical guidance at a broad scale, ecosystems benefit through diverse habitats and wildlife corridors. The work of the Division allows the Commission to be aware of opportunities to conserve, enhance and restore habitats and wildlife resources, which can result in increased recreational opportunities for sportspersons and wildlife viewing for outdoor enthusiasts. Additionally, the Division responds to stakeholder inquiries with technical and scientific information and is a resource for fact gathering to support planning and data collection needs.

The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission is accepting applications for a Mountain Region Coordinator (Conservation Biologist II) for our Habitat Conservation Division. This nonsupervisory position operates within Habitat Conservation and is responsible for coordination of reviews on proposed development projects within the 25 mountain counties which may have the potential to affect significant amounts of terrestrial and aquatic habitats. The development of interpersonal, intra- and interagency relationships allows the Division’s Regional Coordinators the ability to provide meaningful input on development projects at more levels than just reviewing the final project permit. The early involvement of this position allows the inclusion of wildlife conservation considerations early in the planning process before significant time and money have been expended thus making changes that benefit wildlife more likely to be incorporated. The division of responsibilities between four Division Regional Coordinators allows the individual coordinator to:
• develop consistent and reliable working relationships with stakeholders,
• develop strong working relationships with WRC district and regional staff, and
• gain a working knowledge of the aquatic and terrestrial resources within a more manageable area of responsibility

When reviewing projects, the regional coordinator assesses project impacts on wildlife resources in the following ways:
• Existing habitat quantity and quality
• Habitat alteration and destruction
• Stream conditions
• Habitat barriers
• Stream hydrology and morphology
• Degradation and conversion of wetlands and aquatic habitat
• Wetland functions
• Forest values
• Stormwater management
• Riparian fringes
• Recreational access

A normal Monday-Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm schedule is associated with this position. This position also requires routine and occasional overnight travel dependent upon project needs and as scheduled by the supervisor. This position may be based in any WRC office or depot within the mountain region.

Requirements

• Knowledge of principles and practices of fisheries or wildlife science, management, or conservation biology.
• Ability to identify fish and wildlife species of the State, their habits and habitats.
• Ability to present and review technical information both in writing and orally.
• Experience establishing and maintaining effective professional working relationships with experts such as biologists, partners, stakeholders, and general public.
• Experience conducting fieldwork and site visits as well as being able to handle field sampling equipment.
• 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 three years of experience in wildlife or fisheries management; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.

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.
• Eligible state employees are entitled to comprehensive benefits, including a variety of leave options, professional development opportunities, insurance, and more.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level