Southeastern Wildlife Biologist

Overview

Wiregrass Ecological Associates (WEA) is seeking qualified candidates for a full-time biologist position in the Southeast. The position will focus on nest monitoring, cavity installation, cavity maintenance, and other aspects of red-cockaded woodpecker (RCW) management. In addition to RCW tasks, the role will assist team members with gopher tortoise relocation, biological assessment and biodiversity studies, lake and pond management, and other threatened and endangered species management.

The position will also work alongside company foresters on forestry-related activities. Wildlife and forestry duties may include data collection, habitat restoration, and oversight administration. We are looking for candidates with a high level of intrinsic motivation and excellent analytical skills. The ideal applicant should be flexible, adaptive to changing field conditions, and able to work effectively in a team-oriented environment.

If you are passionate about wildlife conservation and eager to learn, we encourage you to apply.

• Conduct nest checks on RCW groups.
• Maintain banding schedules and band nestlings at appropriate ages.
• Develop habitat management recommendations for RCW foraging areas.
• Conduct surveys in areas believed to contain RCW groups.
• Install artificial cavity inserts in new and existing RCW clusters.
• Assist in the resighting of color-banded adults and sub-adults.
• Assist in the capture and transport of adult and sub-adult RCWs during translocation efforts.
• Assist in the management of gopher tortoise relocation sites including habitat surveys, translocations, and habitat management.
• Assist biologists with lake management duties including fertilization, lime application, herbicide application, electro-surveys, and stocking.
• Assist biologists in various management activities associated with other T&E species.
• Implement a variety of silvicultural and ecological management practices designed to meet conservation objectives.
• Conduct herbicide treatments of invasive/undesirable species to promote forest health and reduce competition.
• Provide administrative oversight to contractors (timber sales, hand crews, road work, site preparations).
• Ensure timely and accurate monthly administrative and financial obligations including invoicing and reporting efforts.

• Bachelor's degree or higher in wildlife science and/or forestry from an accredited university.
• Minimum 3 years of practical wildlife experience is preferred.
• Understanding of southeastern habitat management and wildlife biology is required.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience with the flora, fauna, and forested ecosystems of the Southeast is required.
• Understanding of basic silviculture practices and techniques.
• Preference for candidates with RCW monitoring experience, including banding, characterizing RCW cavity stages, and installation of artificial cavities.
• Preference for candidates with experience in:
  • Gopher tortoise relocation experience or permitting
  • Conducting forest surveys, tree measurements, and identifying tree species
  • Interpreting data from field surveys and using GIS software
  • Technical writings such as NEPA reporting, biological diversity reports, or environmental impact assessments
• Self-motivated, responsible, and able to solve problems with excellent organizational skills. Ability to work independently with limited supervision, strong networking and communication skills, and project management experience.
• Valid driver's license and experience using and operating common forestry field equipment and ATVs.
• Flexibility to travel (sometimes extended or frequent) to other parts of the US to assist foresters and biologists, cross-train, and exchange information within a team-oriented group.
• Ability to work in challenging field conditions, including difficult weather, insects, wildlife, and dense brush.

• Salary commensurate with experience.
• Benefits include Personally Assigned Vehicle, Health Insurance, Paid Holidays, Vacation Time, Sick Leave, Parental Leave, Bonus-eligible, Retirement, and Training.

Please send a cover letter, resume, and 3 references in a single document (PDF preferred) to  with the subject line: “Application for Southeastern Biologist”.