Herpetofauna Private Lands Biologist (AL)

Position Location: Birmingham, Alabama
Last Date to Apply: Open until filled, Priority by March 13th, 2026
Compensation: $50-55k + benefits package

About the Organization
The Amphibian and Reptile Conservancy (ARC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization focused on the conservation and restoration of amphibian and reptile populations and their habitats across the United States. ARC focuses on implementing field programs in high-priority areas for amphibians and reptiles to improve their chances of survival. Our work includes inventory, monitoring, research, habitat restoration, population augmentation, policy, and strategic planning across PARCAs (Priority Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Areas). Learn more at ARCProtects.org.

Position Description
ARC is seeking a Private Lands Biologist to support the recovery of the federally Endangered Black Warrior waterdog and the federally Threatened Flattened Musk Turtle through implementation of the USDA’s Working Lands for Wildlife (WLFW) Aquatic Connectivity Framework (ACF). This is a full-time, field-oriented position based in north and central Alabama, with a primary focus on supporting habitat restoration and conservation practice implementation on private working lands within the Black Warrior – Tombigbee basin, complementing work occurring on nearby public lands in the Bankhead National Forest.

The PLB will work directly with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and other conservation partners to provide technical assistance to landowners, facilitate enrollment in Farm Bill conservation programs such as EQIP, identify priority watersheds, and conduct habitat and species assessments. The position will also support strategic recovery planning, monitoring, and partner coordination for the Black Warrior Waterdog, Flattened Musk Turtle, and associated Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCNs).

Key Responsibilities

• Landowner Engagement & Technical Assistance: Provide technical support to private landowners to assess their property and resource concerns, develop conservation plans, and enroll eligible landowners in NRCS conservation programs to provide cost share support for implementing conservation practices to improve habitat conditions for aquatic species.
• NRCS Program Implementation:  Assist landowners in applying for and implementing Farm Bill conservation programs (e.g., EQIP), and coordinate with NRCS field staff to support contract development, practice design and implementation, and follow-up monitoring.
• Outreach & Education: Host or participate in outreach events, workshops, and technical trainings to promote turtle and waterdog-friendly practices and expand program visibility across local communities.
• Monitoring & Evaluation:  Track project outcomes, coordinate pre- and post-project assessments, and contribute to reporting metrics for funding agencies and partners.
• Field Surveys & Threat Assessment: Conduct occupancy surveys (eDNA, trapping), Stream Quantification Tool assessments, and data analysis to identify threats and prioritize areas for restoration.
• Recovery Strategy Development: Collaborate with state and federal partners to organize recovery planning efforts and facilitate a regional meeting to align on data gaps, management priorities, and species recovery goals.

Minimum Qualifications

• B.S. or M.S. in wildlife biology, aquatic ecology, natural resource management, or a related field
• At least 2 years of experience working with landowners or agricultural producers on conservation or restoration projects
• Familiarity with USDA NRCS conservation programs
• Experience conducting biological fieldwork, including aquatic species surveys or riparian assessments
• Ability to manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, and manage a hybrid work schedule between a home office and local NRCS field office
• Proficiency with GIS tools, Microsoft Office Suite, and field data collection platforms
• Ability to travel frequently across central Alabama and work in remote field conditions

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience conducting herpetofauna monitoring experiments in freshwater systems
• Familiarity with the Southern Appalachians or Cumberland Plateau and their conservation challenges
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills across technical and nontechnical audiences
• Prior work in recovery planning and implementation for federally listed species
• Background in restoration planning or conservation project tracking