Wildlife Biologist I
Salary: $40,086.00 - $68,136.00 Annually
Location : Charleston County, SC
Job Type: FTE - Full-Time
Job Number: 194698
Agency: Department of Natural Resources
Division: Marine Resources Division
Opening Date: 10/28/2026
Closing Date: 11/12/2026 5:00 PM Eastern
Agency Specific Application Procedures:: All applicants must apply online.
Class Code:: LE50
Position Number:: 61047929
Normal Work Schedule:: Monday - Friday (8:30 - 5:00)
Pay Grade: GEN07
Hiring Range - Min.: $47,688.00
Hiring Range - Max.: $54,162.00
EEO Statement: Equal Opportunity Employer
Veteran Preference Statement: South Carolina is making our Veterans a priority for employment in state agencies and institutions.
Job Responsibilities
Coordinates statewide oyster shell recycling activities for the South Carolina Oyster Recycling and Enhancement (SCORE) Program, with primary responsibility for coordinating recycling operations and developing and maintaining partnerships. Supports oyster shell planting, community-based restoration, monitoring, and outreach activities.
Works under the direction of the SCORE Program Recycling Coordinator to increase participation in shell recycling and implement program priorities. Independently coordinates assigned projects and day-to-day activities, exercises judgment in resolving routine operational challenges, and keeps the Recycling Coordinator informed of significant developments and decisions. Serves as an integral member of a small team.
Job Duties Include
- Develops, maintains, and expands assigned partnerships with restaurants, caterers, event organizers, local governments, nonprofit organizations, volunteers, and other stakeholders to increase statewide oyster shell recycling. Identifies opportunities for collaboration, addresses barriers to participation, and coordinates volunteer involvement in assigned activities.
- Independently coordinates assigned statewide oyster shell recycling operations, including restaurant, caterer, event, public drop-off, and volunteer-led recycling. Schedules collection activities, coordinates delivery and retrieval of trailers and receptacles, supports shell transport, provides guidance on proper shell handling, and addresses routine logistical challenges.
- Supports oyster shell planting, community-based restoration, monitoring, and other field operations. Coordinates assigned logistics, supplies, equipment, personnel, contractors, and schedules for restoration and planting projects, and participates in field activities as needed.
- Supports outreach and education to increase awareness and participation in oyster shell recycling. Develops educational and promotional materials, maintains assigned web content and public drop-off maps, and represents SCORE at community events, meetings, and presentations.
- Maintains program records and data related to recycling, partnerships, and assigned projects. Assists with data summaries, reporting, grant documentation, and tracking outcomes. Coordinates assigned procurement, purchasing, and vendor activities in accordance with SCDNR policies and maintains appropriate fiscal records.
Minimum and Additional Requirements
A bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, wildlife management or related technical area.
Ability to obtain a TSA TWIC card which requires a federal background check and fingerprint ID within sixty (60) days of hire.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor of Science (BS) in natural, physical, environmental or marine science or related technical field. Knowledge of estuarine ecosystems and their processes, specifically as it pertains to the eastern oyster.
- Working knowledge of heavy equipment, including tractors and skid-steer loaders, and material transport and dumping equipment.
- Experience in operating and trailering small boats.
- Ability to lift heavy objects (up to 60 pounds) and work under adverse conditions including high heat and humidity.
- Willing to work occasional evenings and weekends, and extended workdays as required by project schedules.
- Ability to work independently, take initiative, and carry out assigned projects with limited supervision.
- Strong organizational and interpersonal skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively with diverse partners and the public.
- Ability to identify and troubleshoot logistical challenges and adapt to changing field and program needs.
- Experience with giving professional presentations to scientific, educational, academic, or public audiences.
- Working knowledge of MS Office applications, data entry, and GIS software.
Benefits for State Employees
The state of South Carolina offers eligible employees generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid vacation and sick leave. Plus, work-life balance programs such as telecommuting and flexible work schedules are available to employees of some state agencies.
Insurance Benefits
Eligible employees may enroll in health insurance, which includes prescription coverage and wellness benefits. Other available insurance benefits include dental, vision, term life insurance, long term disability and flexible spending accounts for health and child care expenses.
Retirement Benefits
State employees are also offered retirement plan options, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans. Additionally, eligible employees may elect to participate in the South Carolina Deferred Compensation Program, which is a voluntary, supplemental retirement savings plan offering 401(k) and 457 plan options.
Workplace Benefits
State employees may also be eligible for other benefits, including tuition assistance; holiday, annual and sick leave; and discounts on purchases, travel and more.
Note: The benefits above are available to most state employees, with the exception of those in temporary positions. Employees in temporary grant and time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some or none of these benefits as benefits are associated with each position type. For these positions, contact the hiring agency to determine what benefits may be available.
01
Are you currently employed with SCDNR?
- Yes
- No
02
Do you have AT LEAST a bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, wildlife management or related technical area?
- Yes
- No
Required Question