Forest Research and Education Biologist
Salary: Depends on Qualifications
Location : Sewanee, TN
Job Type: Staff Full-Time
Job Number: [click to reveal phone number]
Division: Provost's Division
Department: Environmental Stewardship & Sustainability
Opening Date: 09/08/2025
Position Overview
Primary Function:
The Forest Research and Education Biologist manages research and educational uses of Sewanee's 13,000-acre land holding and is responsible for its wildlife management and monitoring. The position has four main functions: 1. Provide logistical support for faculty and student research within the forest. 2. Collaborate with faculty and the assistant dean of environment to develop co-curricular programming to support the Domain Across Curriculum Initiative. 3. Lead implementation of cocurricular programming that provides students with enhanced field experience through ecosystem monitoring, exploration, and mentoring. 4. Coordinate data needs, management, research, and monitoring projects across the landscape. Principally, this role puts the University's philosophy of ecological stewardship into action through continual monitoring and management of Domain natural resources within an undergraduate experiential education model that provides early-career training to undergraduates.
This position works with considerable independence and self-direction. Only the general direction and scope of the work to be accomplished are discussed with the supervisor. The staff member is expected to independently carry out position duties and understand what is expected and how to do it.
Position Appointment Details:
- Career Band: 2B
- Full-Time
Position Description
Typical Duties & Responsibilities:
- Using undergraduate student effort, conduct ecological monitoring activities to identify areas of concern, catalog species of interest, and illuminate potential research avenues on the Domain.
- Showcase and facilitate the use of the Domain as a living laboratory for teaching and research for both science and non-science students and faculty.
- Serve as custodian of a centralized database indexing all natural resource data collected on the Domain.
- Liaise between faculty conducting research on the Domain to identify opportunities related to management activities and/or shared faculty resources.
- Assist outside agencies and groups with research determined to be relevant to the Domain.
- Act as lead staff coordinator in the student hunter mentor program and the university hunting program.
- Supervise student collection of field/laboratory data. Perform QA/QC and provide recommendations.
- Provide applicable summaries, reports, and analyses.
- Participate in the University's prescribed fire program.
- Other duties may be assigned based on the employee's interests and abilities, as well as program needs.
Judgment Required:
Performance of the essential duties of this position is dependent upon independent ingenuity and developmental efforts.
Budgetary Responsibility:Monitors expenditures against budget; prepares budget data for review/approval by supervisor/department head.
Machines & Equipment Used:Vehicles, UTV, field sampling gear, canoe or kayak, or other watercraft
Personal Interaction/Communications:
Student Contact: Students and volunteers
Internal: Faculty
External: Governmental agencies, colleges, NGO's, and landowners
Attributes of a Successful Candidate
Education:An advanced degree (M.S.) in Wildlife Ecology, Wildlife Management, Natural Resources Management, or equivalent.
Experience:
- Experience managing ecological monitoring programs is required.
- Experience working in an educational context with college-aged students is required.
- Experience in planning and conducting prescribed burns is preferred.
Job-Related Skills:
- The successful candidate will have an established understanding of wildlife ecology and management techniques.
- The successful candidate will have strong collaborative, organizational, supervisory, and time management skills
- The successful candidate will have a passion for working with students in the field and in experiential education in natural resources science
Licenses/Certifications:A valid U.S. driver's license and the ability to be authorized to drive a University vehicle.
Supplemental Information
Working environment:Office and field
Physical Requirements
- Must be able to stand for extended periods of time
- Must be able to walk for extended periods of time
- Must be able to climb (many stairs, ladders)
- Must be able to crawl and or kneel
- Must be able to push and/or pull objects
- Must be able to navigate steep and rough terrain
- Must be able to use feet for repetitive tasks
- Must be able to use hands for repetitive tasks
- Must be able to lift between 21-50 pounds (Medium work)
- Must be able to carry between 21-50 pounds (Medium work)
The University of the South, familiarly known as "Sewanee," is home to a nationally recognized College of Arts and Sciences and a School of Theology. Sewanee is distinguished by its dedication to cultivate academic excellence, community values, and environmental stewardship that produces informed, self-aware, and participatory citizens for our democracy and servant-leaders for the world. Nestled on 13,000 acres atop Tennessee's Cumberland Plateau, the University offers both a uniquely beautiful setting and convenient access to nearby cities-Chattanooga, Nashville, and Huntsville. The University is affiliated with the Episcopal Church and seeks to be a place where individuals from a variety of backgrounds and experiences find support, opportunity, and purpose.
Support in the Hiring Process
If you have questions about a position or need assistance filing an application, or if you are a person with a disability and would like to request an accommodation in the application and interview process, please contact Human Resources at [click to reveal phone number] or [click to reveal email address].
Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of the South is an equal-opportunity institution, dedicated to treating all applicants fairly and fostering a welcoming environment for employees and students alike.