About the Organization
The Amphibian and Reptile Conservancy (ARC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is 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, and developing management plans across Priority Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Areas (PARCAs). Learn more at www.ARCProtects.org.

Position Description
ARC is seeking a temporary Field Biologist to support ongoing bog turtle conservation work in western North Carolina and southwest Virginia. The candidate will report to the Southern Appalachians Program Coordinator and is preferred to be located in or around Boone, NC with frequent travel to project sites and occasional overnight trips as required. Primary duties will include participation in field inventory, monitoring, and restoration projects in the Southern Appalachians including but not limited to:

• Installation, removal, decontamination, and maintenance of bucket camera traps for bog turtle occupancy and detection.
• Bog turtle inventory and monitoring including probe and visual encounter surveys, live trapping, radio-telemetry, and associated data collection.
• Bog turtle nest surveys including searching for nests, taking spatial and vegetation data, nocturnal telemetry and egg-laying surveys, installing nest cages, monitoring nests throughout incubation, and collecting data from hatchlings.
• Habitat restoration projects that may include use of brushcutters, loppers, shovels, and herbicide to remove invasive species, clear brush, and repair hydrology. Stream restorations that may include digging and planting trees or lifting heavy objects.
• Data organization, entry, and analysis.
• Occasional sampling or restoration work for other focal species.
• Gear maintenance and inventory.
• Represent ARC’s on-the-ground presence to build relationships and communicate responsibly with state/federal agencies, private citizens, and other organizations.

Preferred Qualifications & Expectations

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field (e.g. wildlife, conservation) or relevant experience.
• 1+ years experience with wildlife monitoring projects, sampling methods, and data collection, preferably with herpetofauna.
• Working knowledge of Southeastern species and ecosystems.
• Familiarity using specialized software such as Microsoft Office Suite, ArcGIS, and Google Maps/Earth.
• Experience using paper or digital maps to identify, relay, and track project boundaries and collect data.
• Positive attitude and excellent communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills, detail oriented data collection, and ability to work independently.
• Applicant must be self-motivated, responsible, and have the ability to solve problems in the field.
• Experience navigating landscapes and driving 4×4 roads, possibly with offline maps.
• Willingness to work in habitats that are hot and humid with deep mud, briars, poisonous plants, and biting insects.
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to use personal vehicle for field work travel. Reimbursement is provided for mileage used for work related travel.
• Willingness to work a variable schedule in response to project needs, including frequent travel, some weekends, nights, and holidays.
• Ability to lift 30+ lbs and work long hours outdoors in potentially inclement weather.

ARC is an equal-opportunity employer. Our core values include integrity, creativity, and innovation. We value diverse experiences and perspectives as critical to informing and supporting our core values, and we welcome applications from members of historically under-represented or marginalized groups in the field of wildlife conservation. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without unlawful discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital or pregnancy status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or genetic information, including medical history. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States, ARC does not provide visa sponsorships for this position.