Wildlife Biologist

CATAWBA INDIAN NATION • Rock Hill, SC

4d • $40,000 - $60,000

About The Position

The Wildlife Biologist supports the Catawba Nation’s Department of Natural Resources by planning, implementing, and monitoring habitat-focused conservation and restoration initiatives. This position is responsible for assessing ecosystem conditions, developing and implementing habitat management strategies, restoring culturally significant landscapes, and ensuring that wildlife habitats across Tribal lands are protected, enhanced, and sustainably managed.
The Wildlife Biologist plays a key role in administering grant-funded programs; supervising and guiding field technicians; and coordinating habitat restoration activities, including rivercane expansion, forest and prairie restoration, and invasive species management.
The position integrates Traditional Ecological Knowledge with contemporary conservation practices and works closely with the Wildlife & Habitat Stewardship Program Manager to ensure all projects align with and advance the Tribe’s long-term vision for ecological stewardship.

Requirements

• Minimum of 4 years in ecological fieldwork, natural resource management, habitat restoration, or related duties involving both field and administrative components.
• At least one year of experience developing or managing natural resource programs, including writing policies, procedures, or management plans.
• BA/BS degree from an accredited college or university in wildlife biology, ecology, natural resources, environmental science, or related field required.
• Valid driver’s license. Driver’s License must not contain any restrictions that would prevent an employee from operating a government vehicle or complying with the Tribe’s vehicle policy.
• Principles of habitat ecology, restoration ecology, and ecosystem management.
• Native and invasive plant species common to the region.
• Designing and implementing habitat restoration and monitoring protocols.
• Using GIS, GPS, and data management tools for ecological assessment.
• Conducting plant, wildlife, and habitat surveys using standard field methods.
• Supervising staff, delegating tasks, and ensuring quality control in field operations.
• Willingness for occasional travel for trainings, meetings, workshops and conferences.
• Ability to lift and carry 50 pounds repeatedly.
• Ability to perform strenuous physical labor in varied outdoor conditions.
• Occasional work outside of normal business hours may be required.

Responsibilities

• Plan, implement, and lead habitat restoration projects including rivercane propagation, wetlands enhancement, forest stand improvement, and native grassland/prairie restoration.
• Conduct habitat assessments, monitor ecological conditions, and evaluate wildlife use of restored or natural landscapes.
• Design and implement invasive species management strategies that improve ecosystem health and habitat function.
• Develop and update Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), management plans, and project-specific protocols related to habitat restoration and monitoring.
• Collect, analyze, and manage ecological data; maintain accurate and organized databases.
• Conduct biological and environmental field surveys to identify habitat conditions for protected, threatened, endangered, and culturally significant species.
• Supervise, train, and mentor field technicians and interns, emphasizing professional growth and fieldwork.
• Engage tribal members and the local community through outreach, education, volunteer events, and culturally relevant programming.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support overall natural resource management goals.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees