Public Service Professional I -Knoxville TN

Public Service Professional I - Knoxville TN The University of Georgia (UGA) seeks a Private Lands Biologist to support implementation of the Working Lands for Wildlife (WLFW) Aquatics Connectivity Framework. This position is located in the Knoxville, TN area and is a collaboration between UGA and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) WLFW program. Position Summary: The Private Lands Biologist will work directly with landowners to identify and implement NRCS conservation program opportunities, develop hellbender‑specific conservation plans, and coordinate practice implementation to enhance wildlife habitat while maintaining agricultural and forest productivity. Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent Preferred Qualifications: At least 2 years of experience working with agricultural landowners/producers on conservation or restoration projects Conservation Planner certification and/or Job Approval Authority (JAA) and/or Technical Service Provider (TSP) status (preferred/beneficial) Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies: Strong aquatic ecology background, preferably hellbender ecology, with application to agricultural systems Familiarity with USDA NRCS conservation programs, processes, and/or software Experience conducting biological fieldwork (e.g., aquatic species surveys, riparian/habitat assessments) and supporting aquatic habitat restoration projects Knowledge of relevant federal and state conservation/wildlife programs such as the Farm Bill, Endangered Species Act, and private lands programs Proficiency with GIS/geospatial tools, Microsoft Office, and field data collection platforms Strong project management skills and ability to work effectively in an office/field office schedule Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to build and maintain productive landowner relationships Physical Demands: Field work on site in and around Knoxville, Tennessee, and periods at a desk using a computer. Duties / Responsibilities Conservation Planning, Application & Implementation 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 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 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 Evaluate effectiveness of conservation practices Coordinate and/or conduct post‑project monitoring Recommend adaptive management actions based on outcomes Work Schedule: Full Time Work Location: Knoxville, TN Advertised Salary: $54,636 per year Employer: University of Georgia, Department Warnell-Outreach & Service EEO Statement: The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, veteran status, or other protected status. Persons requiring accommodations can contact Central HR at View email address on click.appcast.io. Contact Information Recruitment Contact: Nate Nibbelink, Email: View email address on click.appcast.io, Phone: (Insert phone number if publicly available) #J-18808-Ljbffr University of Georgia