SEASONAL BLACK RAIL/HYDROLOGIC/IRRIGATION BIOLOGIST – Location: Coastal South Carolina. Job type: Full time, seasonal. Duration of position: January through September 2025. Application deadline: November 18, 2024. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and the position may be filled prior to the deadline. Salary: $18 per hour pre-tax, optional shared housing available at no charge.
DESCRIPTION: The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) plans to hire a seasonal biologist to assist with the SCDNR Black Rail Project. This is an exciting opportunity to make a significant contribution to the conservation of the Eastern Black Rail, an imperiled marsh bird, in South Carolina. This position is responsible for carrying out a habitat management project at the Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center in South Carolina as part of a multi-state effort to provide breeding habitat for black rails. The project involves the experimental implementation of a new habitat management strategy expected to improve the breeding success and survival of this fascinating bird.
During 2025, monitoring hydrologic conditions, measuring soil attributes, and developing irrigation strategies will be top priorities for the project. Primary responsibilities will include deploying and maintaining water level monitoring equipment, maintaining camera traps and acoustic data recorders, conducting call-response surveys for marsh birds, surveying vegetation and other habitat attributes, building and operating solar-powered irrigation systems, and processing data in the office (camera trap and hydrologic data). On average, we expect at least 50% of the job tasks will involve working in an office environment. The biologist may also have opportunities to assist with aerial surveys from a small plane (optional).
We are looking for a highly motivated person who is willing to work a flexible schedule that often varies from day to day. Frequent overnight travel between our two study sites in coastal South Carolina (Green Pond and Georgetown) will be required throughout the field season. Excellent problem-solving skills – particularly when working with unfamiliar equipment – are essential. In addition to following existing protocols, this position will involve independently researching and implementing new project components and deciphering unclear user manuals.
Early morning and evening work will be required. The climate of coastal South Carolina during the summer can be extremely hot and humid, and many of the components of these projects include carrying equipment in difficult terrain. Spiders, snakes, alligators, mosquitoes, and other biting insects are abundant in the study areas.
The primary SCDNR office and housing are located in Green Pond, SC (Donnelley Wildlife Management Area) and Bennetts Point in the ACE Basin of South Carolina. The field site is at the Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center near Georgetown. Both are spectacular undeveloped areas that offer a variety of outdoor recreational activities. Rustic shared dormitory-style housing is approximately 30 minutes from the office, and similar housing will be available in the Georgetown area. A personal vehicle will be required to commute to and from the office, but a vehicle will be provided for work travel and field duties.
QUALIFICATIONS:
REQUIRED SKILLS/EXPERIENCE:
*Previous avian research experience is not required.*
- Applicants should have a strong interest in wildlife management and conservation, and a positive attitude about working outdoors in buggy conditions as well as indoors completing repetitive tasks.
- Two or more seasons (totaling 6+ months) of previous field work experience on environmental research/monitoring project(s). Ability and willingness to work outdoors in very challenging conditions (full sun, high heat and humidity, biting and stinging insects, venomous snakes, alligators, adverse weather conditions, long days/variable schedule) and to carry equipment (30 pounds) in salt marsh conditions.
- Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail. Ability to work independently and manage time effectively in the field and in the office.
- Ability to maintain concentration and accuracy while completing tasks using a computer. Proficiency using Microsoft Office programs including Excel, Access, and Word.
- Excellent communication skills (oral and written) and professionalism when interacting with people from different backgrounds.
- Knowledge of principles and practices of research and of data management best practices.
- Valid US driver’s license, good driving record, experience operating 4-wheel drive trucks, and ability to independently change tires and jump start vehicles.
- Must be a United States citizen or be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.
PREFERRED SKILLS/EXPERIENCE:
B.S., B.A., or M.S. in wildlife biology/management, environmental science, or related field.
Prior experience managing large datasets, operating water level monitoring equipment (Onset and In Situ), working with irrigation systems, and problem-solving involving building things. Experience working with threatened and endangered species.
TO APPLY: Please send a SINGLE email attachment containing a cover letter describing prior experience relevant to this specific position, a resume/CV, and contact information for three references to Christy Hand (handc@dnr.sc.gov). Include your name and “Biologist” in the file name. Applications will be reviewed as they are received with the goal of filling the position as quickly as possible. The position is scheduled begin start in February.
Information about Project:
Website: https://www.southcarolinablackrails.org/
Black Rail Management Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e4m6xIl7ds8
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