The University of Georgia (UGA) is seeking applications for a Private Lands Biologist to support implementation of the Working Lands for Wildlife (WLFW) Southern Waters Framework. This project is a collaboration between UGA and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) WLFW program. Through the Farm Bill, NRCS provides technical and financial assistance to farmers, ranchers, and forestland owners/managers who voluntarily undertake conservation practices on working lands. WLFW systematically targets conservation efforts to enhance wildlife habitat on agricultural landscapes while improving agricultural and forest productivity. Hellbenders face many threats from conventional agricultural practices that lead to loss of forested riparian habitat and degraded water quality from sedimentation and pollutants.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies 

• Strong aquatic ecology background with the ability to apply ecological principles within Kentucky agricultural and working lands systems.
• Familiarity with USDA NRCS conservation programs, planning processes, and/or software.
• NRCS Conservation Planner certification, Job Approval Authority (JAA), and/or Technical Service Provider (TSP) status preferred, as applicable.
• Experience conducting biological fieldwork, including aquatic species surveys and riparian or habitat assessments, and supporting aquatic habitat restoration projects.
• Knowledge of relevant federal and Kentucky conservation and wildlife programs, including Farm Bill programs, the Endangered Species Act, and state private lands programs, and their application on working lands.
• Proficiency with GIS/geospatial tools, Microsoft Office, and field data collection platforms.
• Strong project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines while working effectively between a home office, NRCS offices, and field locations.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with demonstrated ability to build and maintain productive relationships with landowners, producers, NRCS staff, and conservation partners.

Duties/Responsibilities:

Conservation Planning, Application & Implementation 40%

• Work directly with landowners to identify NRCS program opportunities
• Guide landowners through application and contracting processes
• Develop hellbender-specific conservation plans aligned with NRCS standards
• Coordinate and support implementation of conservation practices
• Provide technical guidance during design and construction
• Ensure practices are installed according to NRCS standards and specifications

Landowner Outreach & Engagement 35%

• Conduct targeted outreach within priority watersheds
• Educate landowners on aquatic conservation and WLFW opportunities
• Build and maintain relationships with landowners and communities
• Participate in outreach events (e.g., farm demos, Shade Your Stream workshops)
• Identify high-priority properties for conservation
• Provide initial technical guidance to inform landowner interest and feasibility

Coordination & Partnership Support 15%

• Maintain communication with NRCS field offices and partners
• Support project identification and pipeline development
• Coordinate field visits, outreach events, and collaborative efforts

Monitoring, Evaluation & Adaptive Management 10%

• Evaluate effectiveness of conservation practices
• Coordinate and/or conduct post-project monitoring
• Recommend adaptive management actions based on outcomes