Private Lands Biologist

Virginia Tech • Christiansburg, VA

4d

About The Position

The Private Lands Biologist (PLB) serves as a technical expert in wildlife habitat management, supporting wildlife conservation for private and public landowners across Virginia. The role evaluates existing habitat conditions and develops wildlife habitat improvements intended to benefit terrestrial wildlife populations. The employee works independently to build partnerships that increase the delivery and implementation of wildlife-conservation financial incentive programs, including programs offered through USDA-NRCS, USDA-FSA, state Soil and Water Conservation Districts, DWR, and the Department of Forestry.

The position develops and conducts outreach for multiple audiences on wildlife habitat management, participates in scientific monitoring to evaluate habitat enhancement programs, and serves on appropriate Department committees. In committee work, the employee reviews biological and sociological data to help guide regulation and policy development. The appointment is restricted and exempt from overtime; the position is listed at 40 hours per week. A criminal conviction check is required.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Natural Resources.
• Experience working specifically on private lands management.
• Experience leading teams, including mentoring, supervising, and planning.
• Demonstrated professional experience evaluating wildlife habitat conditions and developing and implementing habitat management plans.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills, with the 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 ability to apply them using habitat management tools to develop NRCS or other conservation plans.
• Successful candidate must undergo a criminal conviction check.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working with NRCS conservation programs and/or software.
• NRCS Conservation Planning certification, 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, including how these programs are implemented in an agricultural landscape.
• Demonstrated experience working with agricultural landowners.
• Experience with geospatial information systems.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate current wildlife habitat conditions on private and public lands across Virginia.
• Design wildlife habitat improvements to positively affect terrestrial wildlife populations.
• Build partnerships to increase delivery and implementation of wildlife-conservation financial incentive programs.
• Develop and conduct outreach programs for multiple audiences about wildlife habitat management.
• Participate in scientific monitoring to evaluate the effectiveness of wildlife habitat enhancement programs.
• Serve on appropriate Department committees and review biological and sociological data to guide regulation and policy development.
• Lead teams, including mentoring, supervising, and planning.

Benefits

• Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance, which can provide opportunities for impactful professional development.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time