Wildlife Biologist III

About the role

This employee will serve as the Deer Program Leader within SCDNR's Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division (WFF), assisting with the application of biological expertise and administrative leadership in statewide research and management efforts for deer as a member of the Big Game Program.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate with Wildlife Section staff on survey and monitoring programs, Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP), Antler Records Program, and disease surveillance.
• Assist with administration of deer tagging programs, including coordinating with fulfillment vendors, IT graphic artists, and the Licensing Section to ensure consistent annual timing of procurement, execution of applications, and tag fulfillment.
• Assist with planning, coordinating, and conducting deer research in collaboration with universities and other entities.
• Provide assistance related to big game harvest reporting (SC Game Check), including coordinating with customer service vendors and IT.
• Conduct annual post-season online hunter surveys to assess harvest reporting compliance, hunter effort, and other aspects of deer hunting.
• Support development of draft regulations/legislation and assist Law Enforcement and Legal Section with cases involving deer.
• Represent the agency on regional and national committees related to deer.
• Respond to surveys and information requests from other states, media, SCDNR staff, and the public regarding deer biology, management, and hunting regulations.
• Create or collaborate on educational and outreach digital and print media to inform hunters and the public about deer hunting laws, regulations, biology, and management.
• Maintain all issued vehicles and equipment.

Requirements

• A master's degree in biology, chemistry, or wildlife management and two (2) years of experience in fish, wildlife, or marine management or research programs; or a bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, wildlife management, or a related technical area and four (4) years of experience in fish, wildlife, or marine management or research programs.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in wildlife management or a related field and two (2) years of experience in wildlife management programs (preferred).
• Knowledge of wildlife management principles and techniques, with an emphasis on deer biology, ecology, and management.
• Proficiency with MS Windows applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and statistical analysis software.
• Familiarity with wildlife survey methods, capture/trapping, and GPS/telemetry.
• Ability to work efficiently both independently and collaboratively, prioritizing a varied workload.
• Strong organizational, written, and verbal communication skills, including public speaking ability.
• The Wildlife Society (TWS) Certified Wildlife Biologist certification or ability to obtain it.
• Ability to participate in overnight travel.