Natural Resources Specialist

Description

The candidate will provide technical support to the Natural Resources Conservation and Endangered Species Act compliance programs at Fort Jackson to include endangered species conservation, wildland fire, forestry, and other wildlife management.

• Installation of artificial cavities (both inserts and drill cavities).
• Preparing areas for prescribed fire, including raking RCW cavity trees.
• Painting and tagging RCW trees and signing cluster buffers.
• Wildlife activities including: food plot preparation, nest box management for Wood Ducks and American Kestrels, native groundcover restoration.
• Assisting with post-burn evaluations and collection of fire weather data necessary for reporting requirements.
• Assisting with timber cruising and marking for forest thinning operations improve Red-cockaded woodpecker (RCW) habitat.
• Conducting RCW nest monitoring and group composition surveys.
• RCW data management including updating existing MS Access databases and Excel tracking sheets.
• Assisting with the application of prescribed fire to acreage identified in the annual prescribed fire plan at Fort Jackson, SC.
• Conducting annual RCW tree inventory and cavity assessments.
• Updating RCW GIS layers.

Requirements

The candidate must have a clear understanding of the biological principles and theories of forestry and wildlife management, and the ecological management of the longleaf pine ecosystem and be able to identify the flora and fauna of the southeastern United States.

Bachelor’s Degree in Wildlife Biology, General Biology, or related discipline preferred with at least 2 years of field experience. Associate Degree in Biology or related disciplines will be considered with 3+ years of successful working experience in natural resources conservation and program support.

Ability and willingness to work in challenging field conditions, including, but not limited to dense vegetation, long days and hot, humid weather. Candidate should be in good physical condition and be able to lift and carry 50lbs and perform physical tasks, such as walking for extending periods of time while carrying 20lbs.

Candidate must be a U.S Citizen, have a current driver’s license, be able to pass a background security investigation, and have an original copy of their birth certificate. Typical work schedule is Monday through Friday in 8 hour shifts. Schedule will be determined by work activities and may exceed 8 hours in one day. Occasional weekend or holiday work may occur.

• Experience operating ATVs, farm tractors with implements (i.e. disk harrows and planters, and heavy-duty mowers/shredders), weed eater type brush saws, chain saws, and other heavy-duty equipment.
• Experience with off-road vehicle operation and 4-wheel drive vehicles on unimproved roads.
• Completed NWCG S130/S190 wildland fire training and have experience with wildland fire.
• Experience with Red-cockaded Woodpecker monitoring and management including artificial cavity installation.
• Experience with GPS units and capable of independent navigation.
• Experience using a spotting scope and binoculars to identify birds.

Benefits

Full time, Non-Exempt

Compensation: $19.00 – $24.00 commensurate with experience

• 4 weeks paid personal time off
• Vison insurance – with significant Company contribution towards premium
• 401k with 3% company matching (with a 3% employee contribution) or 4% company matching (with a 5% employee contribution)
• 11 holidays
• Medical insurance coverage with Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield – with significant Company contribution towards premium (up to a Company contribution of 100% depending on plan selected)
• Flexible spending plans
• Short Term disability insurance coverage – 100% Company paid
• Dental insurance coverage – with significant Company contribution towards premium
• Long Term disability insurance coverage – 100% company paid
• $50,000 life insurance – 100% Company paid. Additional coverage limits can be added by the employee

Training + Development

Interview process

Visa Sponsorship

Security clearance