[Hiring] Helene Restoration Coordinator @State of North Carolina

Role Description

The Wildlife Resources Commission (WRC) is charged by General Statute 113-132 with the management, regulation, protection, and conservation of wildlife resources and inland fisheries in North Carolina. In response to significant ecological damage from Hurricane Helene, WRC has established a Good Neighbor Agreement (GNA) with the US Forest Service (USFS) and other conservation organizations through 2035. This position will lead a comprehensive, multi-year effort focused on ecological stabilization, species recovery, and long-term resilience.

This nonsupervisory position is responsible for:

• Coordination of reviews on proposed infrastructure and restoration projects on the Pisgah and Nantahala national forests.
• Assisting in the temporary uptick of projects due to the new, reimbursable 10-year GNA.
• Ensuring Hurricane Helene-related projects receive priority and triaged reviews.
• Maintaining and developing consistent and reliable working relationships with partners, stakeholders, and agency staff.
• Ensuring the inclusion of wildlife conservation considerations in the planning process.

The coordinator is expected to evaluate project impacts to wildlife resources, including but not limited to:

• Existing habitat quantity and quality
• Habitat alteration and destruction
• Stream conditions
• Habitat barriers
• Stream hydrology and morphology
• Degradation and conversion of wetlands and aquatic habitat
• Wetland functions
• Forest values
• Stormwater management
• Riparian fringes
• Recreational access

This position will be home-based and will require working in both inside and outside conditions for extended periods. The normal work schedule will be 8-5, M-F, with longer workdays and occasional overnight travel necessary.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of principles and practices of fisheries or wildlife science, management, or conservation biology.
• Ability to identify fish and wildlife species of the State, their habits, and habitats.
• Ability to present and review technical information both in writing and orally.
• Experience establishing and maintaining effective professional working relationships with experts such as biologists, partners, stakeholders, and the general public.
• Experience conducting fieldwork and site visits as well as handling field sampling equipment.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in wildlife or fisheries management, fisheries science, zoology, or a biological science, or a closely related curriculum from an appropriately accredited institution.
• Three years of experience in wildlife or fisheries management; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Benefits

• Competitive and family-friendly benefits.
• Employee resources, safety, health and wellness information, leave options, employee discounts, and more.

Company Description

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 agency has an operational budget of approximately $100 million and employs approximately 700 full-time staff and 100 seasonal temporary staff across the state.

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.