Environmental Specialist I - L&W65042656 HYBRID

The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources is seeking an Environmental Specialist I to support the Natural Heritage Program. This role involves conducting assessments of aquatic macroinvertebrate populations and habitats in the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests to inform habitat restoration and management actions.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct field surveys for aquatic macroinvertebrates in natural areas, Special Interest Areas (SIAs), and additional areas identified as of interest within and adjacent to the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests including: inventories of the occurrences of the state’s rare aquatic macroinvertebrates and condition of their habitats, assess locations with hurricane damage to species populations, collaborate on surveys and identification of taxa, monitor recovery of benthic macroinvertebrates in high priority aquatic habitats identified by Forest Service staff, and prepare detailed reports and GIS maps
• Coordinate and consult with US Forest Service (USFS) staff and partners to identify priority sites, ecosystem types, and species for assessment
• Contribute to the development of the Program’s data management system and to the dissemination of spatial data for USFS use; incorporate detailed observations and maps of rare invertebrates into the Program’s “Biotics” data management system in a timely manner
• Identify and facilitate protection of high-priority natural areas and recommend protection strategies and management practices for natural heritage areas and Special Interest Areas: advise and help implement restoration activities that aid in the recovery of SIAs and/or listed species, assist with assessments, and prepare biological resource reports for compliance
• Interpret scientific data provided to USFS partner agencies, researchers, private conservation organizations and individuals and assist as needed in developing descriptions of proposed actions when making management recommendations

Skills

• Bachelor's degree in one of the agricultural, biological, engineering, environmental or natural resource sciences or a closely related curriculum from an appropriately accredited institution
• An equivalent combination of education and experience
• Must be available to work the schedule of Monday - Friday 8:30am - 5:00pm
• Must be able to conduct field investigations that may require exposure to inclement weather, insects, hot and cold temperatures, and long hours traversing over rough terrain (often without a trail) with or without reasonable accommodation
• Must have a valid driver's license issued from within the United States or be able to obtain one within 90 days of employment
• Demonstrated knowledge of identification and habitat requirements of North Carolina rare aquatic macroinvertebrate species
• Experience conducting biological field surveys in Western NC (preferred) or Southeastern United States and biological expertise gained through field experience over and beyond formal education
• Professional experience using ArcGIS software to create and edit maps
• Experience writing technical reports and meeting contractual deadlines

Benefits

• State Benefits

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