Wildlife Biologist II

Salary: $45,300.00 - $77,000.00 Annually
Location : Charleston County, SC
Job Type: FTE - Full-Time
Job Number: 187196
Agency: Department of Natural Resources
Division: Marine Resources Division
Opening Date: 04/13/2026
Closing Date: 5/1/2026 5:00 PM Eastern
Agency Specific Application Procedures:: All applicants must apply online.
Class Code:: LE60
Position Number:: 61066947
Normal Work Schedule:: Monday - Friday (8:30 - 5:00)
Pay Grade: GEN08
Hiring Range - Min.: $51,319.00
Hiring Range - Max.: $61,100.00
Opening Date: 04/13/2026
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
The employee will work on a diversity of research projects related to shellfish ecology, oyster restoration, living shorelines, shellfish aquaculture, and oyster reef mapping as part of the Marine Resources Research Institute's Shellfish Research Section.

Job Duties Include:

1. Working as part of a dedicated team using a variety of on-the-ground and geospatial techniques to assess the distribution and characteristics of wild intertidal oyster reefs.
2. Leading field teams to collect wild oyster samples across the SC coast.
3. Assisting in laboratory processing of oyster samples to estimate histological and demographic metrics and parameters.
4. Entering and managing data on oyster demographics, disease, condition, and distribution.
5. Performing preliminary analyses and summaries of oyster data.
6. Assisting in writing grant proposals, grant reports, internal summaries, and manuscripts for publication.
7. Being well-organized and maintaining Section equipment in operational readiness.

Minimum and Additional Requirements
A master's degree in biology, chemistry or a related field; or a bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry or a related field and two years of experience relevant to the job.

Preferred Qualifications
Experience utilizing scientific methods and working in tidal creeks and estuarine environments is preferred. A working knowledge of South Carolina oyster reef ecology and the ability to identify common reef-associated vertebrate and invertebrate species is preferred. The ability to safely and effectively operate outboard vessels (<24ft) in inshore waters is also strongly preferred. A basic proficiency with R programming language is preferred. An intermediate to high level of proficiency with GIS software, including ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, and ESRI Field Maps is highly preferred. Ability to use Python coding language or ArcGIS Pro Deep Learning workflows for imagery classification is a plus. A high level of proficiency across a range of standard Microsoft applications is preferred. The employee should be able to swim, be capable of lifting 50lbs, and be comfortable working outside on a year-round basis.
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 master's degree in biology, chemistry or related technical area field OR a bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, wildlife management or related technical area AND two (2) years of experience relevant to the job?

• Yes
• No

Required Question