Working Lands for Wildlife Herpetofauna Coordinator

About the Organization

The Amphibian and Reptile Conservancy (ARC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization focused on 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, policy, and strategic planning across Priority Amphibian and Reptile jobshiringnearme.org Areas (PARCAs). Learn more at ARCProtects.org.

Position Description

ARC is seeking a WLFW Herpetofauna Coordinator to provide programmatic leadership, team supervision, and strategic vision for herpetofauna-focused conservation efforts under the USDA Working Lands for Wildlife (WLFW) Aquatic Connectivity Framework (ACF). This is a full time, salaried position that is flexible/remote, yet living central to the project area for periodic travel. This position guide and support a growing inter-organizational team of Private Lands Biologists (PLBs), working across several southeastern states to plan and implement habitat restoration activities on private agricultural lands for several amphibian and reptile species, including the Eastern Hellbender, Bog Turtle, Neuse River Waterdog, Black Warrior Waterdog, and Flattened Musk Turtle.

This position will play a key role in shaping and advancing the goals of multiple working lands conservation initiatives by offering high-level coordination and support across geographically dispersed field staff, and will work with local and regional NRCS offices to facilitate implementation of ACF projects for herpetofauna . This position will report to ARC’s Director of Private Lands and Policy and will coordinate closely with the WLFW Aquatic Framework Coordinator and other partners to deliver high-impact conservation outcomes that benefit species and landowners alike. This role will also provide administrative capacity to PLBs to support the delivery of landowner technical assistance and project implementation, including contract development, project management, tracking, and reporting. 

This is not a field-based role but does require a solid understanding of aquatic habitat restoration, species recovery planning, and collaborative conservation programs on working lands.

Key Responsibilities

• Program Leadership and Vision: Help guide the strategic direction of ARC’s herpetofaunal recovery efforts within the WLFW Aquatic Connectivity Framework, develop and refine goals and outcomes, cultivate and maintain partnerships to maximize conservation impact, and collaborate directly with WLFW program staff to facilitate implementation of the Aquatic Connectivity Framework.
• Team Supervision: Directly supervise and support a team of Private Lands Biologists working across multiple organizations and multiple geographies. Oversee work plans, performance expectations, and professional development for each PLB. Facilitate communication and coordination between PLBs and NRCS staff at local, state and national levels.
• Training and Guidance: In collaboration with NRCS partners at the program and field levels, educate new hires on the structure and workings of various NRCS programs, the skills required to provide technical assistance to landowners, and the process of assisting landowners in applying for funding through NRCS programs. Provide guidance on best practices for identifying and installing appropriate conservation practices and scenarios. Assist PLBs in obtaining tools and resources needed to accomplish work in the field.
• Cohesive Team Building: Foster a strong sense of collaboration and purpose among field staff working in different locations. Ensure alignment on program objectives, data standards, outreach priorities, and restoration strategies.
• Partner Coordination: Serve as ARC’s primary point of contact with NRCS program staff in multiple states on herpetofauna-related WLFW initiatives. Build and maintain relationships with key external partners to ensure effective coordination and mutual support.
• Program Expansion: Assist in the rollout and implementation of ACF initiatives, including support for emerging species-specific efforts or geographies. Help establish clear strategies, seek funding, and support collaborations for new programs.
• Monitoring and Evaluation: Support the development and refinement of standardized monitoring frameworks for PLB-led restoration efforts. Work with partners to ensure consistent data collection, outcome tracking, and adaptive management.

Minimum Qualifications

• M.S. (preferred) or B.S. in wildlife biology, ecology, agricultural studies with a focus on conservation, or a related field.
• At least 5 years of experience leading complex, multifaceted conservation initiatives, including supervision of staff and/ or coordinating the work of multiple partners
• Direct experience working with USDA NRCS programs, planning and installing NRCS conservation practices, and/or engaging with private agricultural landowners to implement habitat restoration activities
• Excellent facilitation and communication skills with an ability to productively engage a variety of internal and external partners and manage difficult situations.
• Experience with project management, work planning, and team development across dispersed staff, requiring a high level of organization and self-motivation
• Ability to travel throughout the Southern Appalachians and Southeast U.S. to meet with staff and partners as needed

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated understanding of Southeastern aquatic ecosystems, species recovery needs, and programs and tools to facilitate conservation for imperiled herpetofauna on private lands
• Prior experience in strategic conservation programs planning, funding, and program development
• Strong record of working across federal/state agencies and conservation NGOs to advance conservation priorities
• Experience writing, administering, or managing state, federal, or private grants and funding
• Experience with database development and management, GIS software tools, and other standard office and productivity tools (Google Suite, Dropbox, Monday.com)