Job Description

Agency

Wildlife Resource Commission

Division

Operations , Technical Services

Job Classification Title

Wildlife Conservation Forestry Spcl (NS)

Position Number

60034154

Grade

NC15

About Us

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.

of Work

The NC Wildlife Resources Commission’s Land and Water Access Division oversees the agency’s Game Land Program, land acquisition program, maintenance of boating and fishing access areas, and navigational aids. Most of the activities performed in this Section are accomplished by agency technicians, biologists, and forest managers.

This Division also manages the agency’s grants planning and office support. Most technicians, biologists, and forest managers are assigned to one of three EcoRegions in the State. Each EcoRegion is managed by a Conservation Management Coordinator who reports to the division chief.

The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission is seeking applicants for a Southern Coastal Wildlife Forestry Specialist for our Land and Water Access Division. The primary purpose of the Southern Coastal Wildlife Forestry Specialist is prescribing and implementing forest wildlife habitat management, research, and survey activities on 42 State Game Lands consisting of approximately 435,500 acres.

The Wildlife Forestry Specialist will:
• Monitor and direct activities to improve and maintain forest health through active timber management practices, including species restoration, conservation, reforestation and prescribed burning.
• Improve habitats for all wildlife species, as well as to provide hunting opportunities for sportsmen.
• Prepare inventory, valuation and mark timber to be harvested.
• Administer contracts to include timber sales, mechanical site preparation, herbicide application and aerial ignition.
• Map timber stands and forest management treatments requiring extensive use of GIS software. The forest management database must be updated on at least an annual basis using inventory software.
• Complete spatial calculations, GIS/GPS data collections, and data recording for Federal Aid reporting.
• Collect biological data (weights, reproductive tracts, premolar teeth and other tissue samples from hunter harvested or roadkill black bears and deer) as needed to assist with harvest and disease monitoring or other research projects.
• Prepare and implement prescribed burns by determining locations of firebreaks to meet fire control, smoke management and habitat improvement objectives.

A normal Monday-Friday schedule is associated with this position, though frequent daily travel, night work, and occasional overnight travel and weekend work may be required to meet with landowners, attend meetings, coordinate activities, etc. Position is based out of Bladen, Cumberland, Sampson, Columbus, or Brunswick Co, NC.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

Recruitment Range: $55,221 - $76,639

MANAGEMENT PREFERENCES:

• Knowledge of wildlife and forestry management practices, ecological principles and silvicultural/forestry techniques;
• Experience conducting wildlife and forest inventories and surveys; and identifying wildlife and plants.
• Experience planning, coordinating and implementing complex prescribed burns;
• Experience establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with crew members, other staff, cooperating agencies and organizations and the general public.
• Experience operating heavy equipment, GPS units and GIS software.

Special Qualifications/Requirements:

• Possession of a Prescribed Burner Certification is required within 12 months of employment.
• Possession of a North Carolina Pesticide Applicators license (endorsed for Forest Pest Control subclass) is required within 12 months of employment.
• Possession of a valid North Carolina Driver’s License is required within 90 days of hire. Candidate must present proof of a valid NC Driver’s License and proof of an acceptable driving record.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to work primarily outdoors in rugged terrain, for prolonged periods of time, and in a variety of weather conditions;
• Ability to perform manual labor, lifting medium to heavy items weighing up to 50 pounds daily;
• Ability to wear safety equipment and follow established safety regulations and procedures.

Minimum Education and Experience

Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details.

Bachelor’s degree in wildlife management, supplemented by 15 hours of forestry coursework, or a forestry or related biological degree, supplemented by 15 hours of wildlife management coursework, from an appropriately accredited institution and 3 years of related experience. An equivalent combination of education and experience.

Necessary Special Qualifications: A prescribed Burner Certification or the ability to obtain one within 24 months is required. May require a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).

SUPPLEMENTAL and CONTACT INFORMATION:

All applicants applying for employment opportunities must create and submit a comprehensive candidate profile using State of North Carolina Careers for the State of North Carolina. All Required Education and Experience must be included in the candidate profile to receive consideration during the selection and salary administration processes.

*The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer*
The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) is committed to maintaining a culture of equity, diversity and inclusion. NCWRC strives to ensure that all employment practices are implemented in a manner that is equitable to all applicants and employees.

Applicants requesting and receiving an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) are eligible to submit paper applications via mail or by fax reference the contact information below. All applicants should indicate the position number and job title in the section "Jobs Applied For".

Applicants seeking Veteran's Preference must attach a DD 214 Form, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty along with your application.

Applicants seeking National Guard Preference (to include North Carolina Army National Guard & North Carolina Air National Guard) must attach a copy of the NGB 23A (RPAS) or a copy of the DD256 or NGB 22 along with your application.

*Degrees must be received from institutions appropriately accredited by the U.S. Department of Education*
If you have started a college degree program but have not completed it – please document the number of Semester CREDIT HOURS you have completed in the Education section of your application

*State Employee 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 NC OSHR: Benefits

*Employment Eligibility*
It is the policy of the State of North Carolina and the Office of State Human Resources (OSHR) that all employees provide proof of employment eligibility (immigration and naturalization) on the first day of employment. We participate in E-Verify (Employment Eligibility Verification System).

*For More Information*
For more information about the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, visit the WRC website Home Page | NC Wildlife

EEO Statement

The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.

Recruiter:

Lenora Cone Murphy

Recruiter Email:

LENORA.MURPHY@NCWILDLIFE.GOV