Assistant Wildlife Forestry Manager

About the role

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. Description 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 Piedmont Assistant Wildlife Forestry Manager for our Land and Water Access Division. The primary purpose of the Assistant Wildlife Forestry Manager is prescribing and implementing forest wildlife habitat management, research, and survey activities on 42 State Game Lands consisting of approximately 435,500 acres. The Assistant Wildlife Forestry Manager 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. - inventory, valuation and mark timber to be harvested. - map game lands of 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 for 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 Richmond County, NC. Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences Recruitment Range: $52,592 - $65,000 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. - Ability to establish and maintain 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 es