Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians · North Carolina · posted 8 days ago
The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Natural Resources Department is currently accepting applications for a contracted Protected Species Coordinator position. This position will support protected species conservation efforts on EBCI lands, with a focus on bat and flying squirrels, forest habitat, and coordinating efforts with Tribal, federal, and state partners. Position Title: Protected Species Coordinator Required and preferred qualifications: · Minimum Education Level: Bachelor's Degree in Wildlife Biology, Biology, Natural Resources, Forestry, Environmental Science, or related fields. · Minimum Years Experience: At least one years of field-based professional experience in wildlife biology, natural resources, ecology, or a related field. · Required Experience: o Familiarity with federal and/or state wildlife regulations, protected species management, and applicable survey protocols. o Demonstrated ability to conduct wildlife surveys, habitat assessments, and biological field investigations. o Ability to collect, organize, manage, and analyze biological data and maintain accurate project records. o Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate technical biological and regulatory information to both technical and non-technical audiences. o Demonstrated ability to work independently while effectively coordinating with tribal, federal, state, and other partner organizations. o Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize competing responsibilities, and meet established deadlines. o Ability to work safely and effectively in rugged, remote, and variable field conditions. o Valid driver’s license and ability to travel regularly to field sites throughout the Qualla Boundary and surrounding areas. · Preferred Qualifications: o Experience with bat acoustic call identification, analysis, and vetting. o Experience with general wildlife handling, capture, and field sampling techniques. o Current rabies pre-exposure vaccination or previous experience working with rabies-vector species. o Experience with forestry practices, timber harvesting, prescribed fire, or forest management. o Knowledge of spruce-fir forest habitats and associated wildlife. o Experience conducting mobile and/or stationary acoustic surveys for bats. o Experience working with federally listed species and implementing requirements associated with the Endangered Species Act. o Familiarity with federal consultation processes, including programmatic consultations. o Experience evaluating proposed development, timber harvest, or other land management activities for potential impacts to protected species. o Experience coordinating with tribal, federal, and state natural resource agencies or programs. o Experience developing or contributing to wildlife or habitat management plans. o Experience with biological data management, GIS, or natural resource databases. o Experience preparing technical reports, regulatory documentation, and annual reports for federal or state agencies. o Experience working with long-term bat monitoring programs, including the North American Bat Monitoring Program (NABat). o Knowledge of Tribal natural resource management and the unique considerations associated with managing natural resources on Tribal lands. o Experience communicating biological information through environmental education, public outreach, or community engagement. o Ability to exercise sound professional judgment when evaluating biological concerns and making recommendations related to protected species and forest management. Scope of Work: Position Description: This position will assist and coordinate activities that support the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians’ efforts to balance forest management, tribal development and the conservation of federally listed species, mostly federally listed bat and flying squirrel populations. This position serves as the primary biological liaison among EBCI Natural Resources, Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), tribal departments, and other state and federal partners to ensure compliance with the 2021 Bat Programmatic Consultation while advancing long-term habitat management strategies. Primary responsibilities include conducting and coordinating habitat assessments, acoustic bat surveys, and project evaluations associated with timber harvesting, prescribed fire, construction, transportation, housing, and other land management activities. The contractor will review and implement federal survey protocols, evaluate proposed projects for potential impacts to protected species, assist with pre- and post-project monitoring, and provide technical guidance to tribal programs and partner agencies throughout the regulatory review process. The position will support the development and implementation of a comprehensive flying squirrel habitat management framework by reviewing existing state, federal, and tribal management plans, coordinating meetings, incorporating regulatory requirements into management recommendations, and collaborating with tribal and outside forestry professionals to integrate wildlife conservation into forest management planning. Additional responsibilities include maintaining the Tribal Timber Cutting Application in coordination with Information Technology staff; purchasing, maintaining, and managing field equipment; organizing and maintaining biological datasets; evaluating annual implementation of the Bat Programmatic Consultation; analyzing acoustic survey data; preparing annual reports for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the BIA, and EBCI Natural Resources; and developing data-sharing agreements that protect Tribal data sovereignty while facilitating collaboration with external conservation partners, including the North American Bat Monitoring Program (NABat). The Protected Species Coordinator will maintain regular communication with supervisory staff, BIA Forestry and Fire personnel, and tribal departments to ensure timely project coordination and regulatory compliance. The position also includes public outreach and education responsibilities through participation in community events, including Island Discovery Earth Day and the Cherokee Indian Fair, where the biologist will develop and present educational materials highlighting the ecological importance of bats, flying squirrels, and forest conservation. In addition, this position will assist the EBCI Fisheries & Wildlife program with other duties as needed. Essential Duties: • Coordinate implementation of the 2021 Bat Programmatic Consultation for projects involving tree removal and forest management. • Conduct habitat assessments, acoustic monitoring, mobile acoustic surveys, and other field investigations for federally listed bat species. • Assist with pre- and post-project evaluations in collaboration with BIA Forestry and Fire personnel. • Review federal survey guidance and incorporate updated protocols into tribal regulatory processes. • Coordinate with tribal departments, including Construction, Housing, Transportation, Forestry, Fire, and Natural Resources, to ensure compliance with protected species requirements. • Support development and implementation of a Tribal flying squirrel habitat management plan through interagency collaboration and scientific review. • Track and document projects requiring biological review and maintain project records. • Analyze biological monitoring data and prepare technical reports for tribal leadership and federal agencies. • Develop procedures for biological data management and assist with data-sharing agreements that protect Tribal data sovereignty. • Maintain biological field equipment and coordinate purchasing of program supplies. • Participate in environmental education and outreach activities promoting wildlife conservation. • Provide technical recommendations to EBCI leadership regarding forest management practices that support both conservation objectives and tribal development needs. Please provide a cover letter, CV, and professional references to Jessica Nagel: jessnage@ebci-nsn.gov or Doug Reed dougreed@ebci-nsn.gov.
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