North Carolina’s Natural Heritage Program is recruiting an aquatic macroinvertebrate biologist to support a ten-year agreement with the USDA Forest Service (USFS). This position will conduct assessments of hurricane Helene damage to species populations and subsequent monitoring within Special Interest Areas (SIAs) and other high quality natural areas in the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests. The invertebrate biologist will survey and document the locations and status of species habitat and rare and endemic animals identified in the Forest Plan’s Species of Conservation Concern List, U.S. Endangered Species, or NCNHP Rare Animal Lists. These assessments will help inform recommendations for habitat restoration and management actions. 

Work priorities include:

(1) Design and implement field studies to identify, evaluate, and document occurrences of exemplary rare species habitats;
(2) Evaluate and compile biological resource data about the extent, rarity, and occurrences of the state’s rare invertebrate animal species;
(3) Participate in the development of the Natural Heritage Program biological inventory database;
(4) Provide information to the US Forest Service, collaborators, and stakeholders regarding the management and protection of natural communities and rare habitats; and
(5) Work with the US Forest Service to secure natural area protection and management. 

This work requires excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, reliability, and the ability to work effectively independently and as part of a team. This position is based in the Mountain Region of North Carolina and stationed in the DNCR Western Office (Asheville) or remote/home-based. The position may require frequent travel overnight to conduct field surveys throughout Western North Carolina. Work is subject to both office and outdoor environmental conditions.

This is a time-limited position, subject to funding availability, which may last up to 36 months. Time limited employees are eligible for State Benefits.  Although the length of time this position will be active cannot be determined, it has the potential to extend up to 3 years (36 months). If you have questions concerning the time-limited status of this position, you may inquire at the interview.

For more detail please see the job posting.