Employment Opportunities

RCPP Field Biologist/Forester (Biologist Level II)

Location: Tall Timbers • Tallahassee, Florida
Job Classification: Full-time, with benefits
Supervisor: Conservation Program Liaison
Compensation: $50,000-$56,000 per year with benefits that include sick leave, paid time off, and health, vision, and dental insurance.
Length of Service: This position has funding available through December 2029.
Deadline to apply: September 29, 2025

Introduction and position description 
The Land Conservancy at Tall Timbers was established in 1990 to ensure the conservation of natural and cultural resources and protection of rural land-use traditions of the Red Hills region of southwest Georgia and north Florida and in other strategic areas. As an accredited land trust holding over 160,000 acres in conservation easements, Tall Timbers is one of the largest and most respected land trusts in the Southeast.
In 2025 Tall Timbers entered into a partnership with USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to further Tall Timbers’ mission: “to foster exemplary land stewardship through research, conservation and education.” Through NRCS’s Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), private landowners and producers within the Big Bend region of Florida may be eligible for technical assistance and financial assistance for conservation practices. RCPP Land Conservancy staff perform site visits with private producers, develop conservation plans, assist with NRCS contracting, implement conservation practices, document project outcomes, and track progress of land management project contracted activities.

Position Responsibilities
Evaluate natural resource conditions on lands contracted through USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service’s (NRCS) Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP)  

Time Allocation (45%)
– Communicate with NRCS District Conservationists and field staff and/or private lands biologists, as appropriate, to coordinate site visits, when feasible.
– Conduct site visits with other Tall Timbers’ staff or independently to establish baseline conditions, survey species present, evaluate the quality of wildlife habitats, document resource concerns, and identify practices that will address resource concerns on a diverse array of private lands in Florida’s Big Bend region.
– Meet with private landowners to discuss program objectives and increase their understanding of the RCPP objectives and process. Maintain communication through the contracted period to ensure work is being completed in a timely manner and advise or assist when there are obstacles to progress.
– Evaluate impacts of conservation practices on resource concerns and land management activities on State Wildlife Action Plan-listed species and their habitats.
– Create and apply Geographic Information Software (GIS) applications for field monitoring activities.
– Assist with implement of environmental outcomes monitoring.
– Coordinate with the Conservation Program Liaison and/or Coordinating Biologist to assist with projects as needed.

Assist in the development of land management plans, forest plans, NRCS contracts, and checkout reports for landowners enrolled in the NRCS-RCPP program

Time Allocation (40%)
– Complete Implementation Requirement forms/Job Sheets for primary practices that will be used on contracted properties.
– Develop natural resource management plans and other planning documentation to address documented resource concerns, for landowners and NRCS field office staff.
– Utilize GIS software to create shapefiles and produce maps and supporting documents for planned and completed land management activities.
– Work with Tall Timbers staff on the development of conservation management plans related to RCPP-funded entity-held easements.
– Perform practice checkout inspections and prepare inspection reports and maps for submittal to NRCS District Conservationists and field office staff.
– Coordinate with the Tall Timbers Geospatial Lab to identify properties that have high conservation value and assist with relevant geospatial projects.
– Create and maintain strong relationships with private landowners, NRCS staff, private consultants, contractors, and other parties involved with the RCPP project.
– Review and provide input on NRCS resource concern priorities, practice lists, program ranking criteria, and other NRCS publications, as needed.
– Develop and utilize applications through Smartsheets and other platforms to track program and landowner client activities, implementation progress, and financial information at both the client and program levels.

Contribute to the Land Conservancy and Tall Timbers extension services and community outreach efforts

Time Allocation (10%)- 
Coordinate and participate in tours and programs for groups and organizations that support Tall Timbers’ mission.
– Assist in content for Tall Timbers’ publications, website, and other media outlets.
– Provide extension services to Tall Timbers’ membership, regarding land management and other areas of expertise.
– Participate in occasional land management activities, including prescribed burning.
– Help to plan and coordinate RCPP outreach events.
– Develop and deliver educational materials and presentations at Tall Timbers’ and RCPP community outreach events.

Provide general support for the Land Conservancy and Tall Timbers

Time Allocation (5%) 
– Contribute to a healthy and productive work culture.
– Assist in jobs and duties as appropriate and requested by the Conservation Program Liaison and Conservation Coordinator.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
– Proficiency with personal computers and Microsoft programs, including Word and Excel.
– Ability to work independently outdoors in conditions that may involve extreme temperatures and humidity, traverse challenging terrain, and manage insect and wildlife encounters.
– Ability to operate four-wheel drive vehicles.
– Knowledge of/experience with land management, forestry, and/or agricultural concepts and various implementation techniques.
– Familiarity with vegetation and wildlife surveying and monitoring techniques.
– Ability to effectively develop reports, management plans, stewardship documents, technical papers, popular articles, social media posts, and other writings, as assigned.
– Ability to work well with a team of others to implement tasks both collaboratively and individually.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: 
– Knowledge of Florida ecosystems, plant and wildlife species, and resource management techniques required to manage and restore natural communities.
– Knowledge of/experience with specific forestry and/or agricultural land management practices including mechanical equipment operation, herbicide application, stand management, and prescribed fire.
– Proficiency with ESRI ArcGIS software including ArcGIS Pro, and ability to use mobile field applications, such as Avenza, ArcGIS Field Maps, ArcGIS Survey 123, ArcGIS Online, QuickCapture and Landscape.
– Ability to trailer equipment and operate ATVs/UTVs.
– Experience with prescribed fire in Southeastern landscapes.
– Experience identifying and managing invasive species.
– Familiarity with private land conservation and the conservation easement process.
– Knowledge of, and experience with, NRCS conservation practices and programs, in particular the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) and/or RCPP.
– Knowledge of land records available through county property appraiser websites and databases.

Minimum Qualifications
Applicants should have a bachelor’s degree in natural resources, forestry, environmental science/studies, wildlife ecology, urban/regional planning, or related field. Individuals must be able to drive Tall Timbers vehicles and, as such, need a valid driver’s license and a clean three-year driving. Tall Timbers will require a review of your driving record.  

Application
1. Cover letter including:
– Your interest in the position,
– Unique qualifications not evident in your resume, and
– Your career aspirations.
2. Resume or C.V.
3. Contact information for 3 or more professional references.
4. A writing sample, report, article, website, blog, or other media that highlights your writing abilities, passions, and/or career interests.

Position Inquiries:
Tyler Macmillan, Conservation Program Liaison
Tall Timbers Research Station and Land Conservancy, 13093 Henry Beadel Drive
Tallahassee, Florida 32312
tmacmillan@talltimbers.org

RCPP Biological/Forestry Technician

Location: Tall Timbers • Tallahassee, Florida
Job Classification: Full-time, with benefits
Supervisor: Conservation Program Liaison
Compensation: $39,000-$42,000 per year with benefits that include sick leave, paid time off, and health, vision, and dental insurance.
Length of Service: This position has funding available through December 2029.
Deadline to apply: Open until filled 

Introduction and position description 
The Land Conservancy at Tall Timbers was established in 1990 to ensure the conservation of natural and cultural resources and protection of rural land-use traditions of the Red Hills region of southwest Georgia and north Florida and in other strategic areas. As an accredited land trust holding over 160,000 acres in conservation easements, Tall Timbers is one of the largest and most respected land trusts in the Southeast.
In 2025 Tall Timbers entered into a partnership with USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to further Tall Timbers’ mission: “to foster exemplary land stewardship through research, conservation and education.” Through NRCS’s Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), private landowners and producers within the Big Bend region of Florida may be eligible for technical assistance and financial assistance for conservation practices. RCPP Land Conservancy staff perform site visits with private producers, develop conservation plans, assist with NRCS contracting, implement conservation practices, document project outcomes, and track progress of land management project contracted activities.

Essential Responsibilities
– Conduct site visits to establish baseline conditions, survey species present, evaluate the quality of wildlife habitats, document resource concerns, and plan conservation practices to address documented resource concerns on a diverse array of private lands in Florida’s Big Bend region.
– Evaluate impacts of conservation practices and land management activities on State Wildlife Action Plan-listed species and their habitats.
– Work with RCPP program staff to produce maps, monitor land management activities, and develop land/forest management plans.
– Contribute to Tall Timbers and RCPP community outreach, including attending events and developing educational materials.
– Assist in the day-to-day management of the Land Conservancy, including performing necessary administrative tasks and public information requests.
– Participate in occasional land management activities, including prescribed burning.
– Assist in the overall work of Tall Timbers, as appropriate and as requested by the Conservation Coordinator and Director, and perform other related duties, as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities
– Proficiency with personal computers and Microsoft programs including Word and Excel.
– Ability to work independently outdoors in conditions that may involve extreme heat or cold weather, traversing challenging terrain, and insect and wildlife encounters.
– Ability to operate four-wheel drive vehicles.
– Knowledge of/experience with land management, forestry, and/or agricultural concepts and various implementation techniques.
– Familiarity with vegetation and wildlife surveying and monitoring techniques.
– Ability to effectively develop reports, management plans, stewardship documents, technical papers, popular articles, social media posts, and other writings as assigned.
– Ability to work well with a team of others to implement tasks both collaboratively and individually.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities
– Knowledge of Florida ecosystems, plant and wildlife species, and resource management techniques required to manage and restore natural communities.
– Knowledge of/experience with specific forestry and/or agricultural land management practices including mechanical equipment usage, herbicide application, stand management, and prescribed fire.
– Proficiency with ESRI ArcGIS software including ArcGIS Pro, and ability to use mobile field applications, including, but not limited to, Avenza, ArcGIS Field Maps, ArcGIS Survey 123, and Landscape.
– Ability to trailer equipment and operate ATVs/UTVs.
– Experience with prescribed fire in Southeastern landscapes.
– Experience identifying and managing invasive species.
– Familiarity with private land conservation and the conservation easement process.
– Knowledge of, and experience with, NRCS conservation practices and programs, in particular the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and/or RCPP.
– Knowledge of land records available through county property appraiser websites and databases.

Minimum Qualifications
Applicants should have a bachelor’s degree in natural resources, forestry, environmental science/studies, wildlife ecology, urban/regional planning, or related field. An Associate’s Degree with relevant experience may meet minimum qualifications. Individuals must be able to drive Tall Timbers vehicles and, as such, need a valid driver’s license and a CLEAN THREE-YEAR DRIVING RECORD. Tall Timbers will require a review of your driving record.

Application
– Cover letter including: Your interest in the position. Unique qualifications not evident in your resume. Your career aspirations
– Resume or C.V.
– Contact information for 3 or more professional references.
– A writing sample, report, article, website, blog, or other media that highlights your writing
abilities, passions, and/or career interests.

Position Inquiries
Tyler Macmillan, Conservation Program Liaison
Tall Timbers Research Station and Land Conservancy
13093 Henry Beadel Drive
Tallahassee, Florida 32312
tmacmillan@talltimbers.org

Savanah River (Georgia) Prescribed Burn Association Coordinator

Location: Remote, Statesboro, Augusta, Savannah, GA area preferred
Application Timeline: Open until filled
Preferred Start Date: October, 2025 (Term Position)
Salary: Depending on Experience

Position Summary
This term position will include improving upon previous work to establish a successful Prescribed Burn Association (PBA) in the Savannah River Area of Georgia. Utilizing the PBA to conduct prescribed fires, hosting training and workshops, and working with partners to provide technical assistance will be key to seeing success in this region. This will be a limited term, full time position with benefits and the potential to extend depending on funding.

The specific duties of the position include:
– Continues to formalize and act as a full-time coordinator of The Savannah River PBA at the
behest of Tall Timbers and the Association.
– Formalizes a Board for the Association and works with other partners (to include Tall
Timbers regional projects) to coordinate and ensure prioritization and safe execution of
prescribed burns on private lands within the Association boundary.
– Uses Burn Association to facilitate fire use, pool risk to create cost-effective insurance
coverage and annually plan burns to mitigate smoke emissions and ameliorate limited
workforce capacity.
– Serves as Tall Timbers’ liaison for smoke-related concerns in the Augusta/Savannah areas
of Georgia.
– Leads the effort to create communication and collaboration with private land participants
within the Association through regular landowner site visits and facilitating quarterly
outreach and/or training workshops.
– Assists in reducing the backlog of NRCS cost-share burn acres, when and where feasible,
within Association in part through coordinating landowners with vendors and other
burning options (such as burn teams).
– Oversees local extension and outreach services to private landowners, agencies, and public land managers through weekly landowner visits, quarterly workshops, participation in
conferences, and Georgia Prescribed Fire Council meetings.
– Assists with burn implementation as needed as a team member of the Tall Timbers Private
Lands Fire Initiative.
– Seeks funding from agencies and landowners to support efforts and assists with land
management through cooperation with other groups and agencies.
– Host field days and workshops to demonstrate successes and provide hands-on training.
– Participates with other Tall Timbers outreach and training staff to implement fire or assist
in other fire related activities as needed.
– Facilitates increased capacity of Certified Burn Managers in Georgia by facilitating
Georgia Certified Burn Manager Training(s), working with partners at the Georgia
Forestry Commission.

Qualifications and Experience That Will Help You Succeed
– Dynamic personality with a demonstrated ability to deliver high quality classroom and field
instruction on topics such as fire behavior, operational safety, fire effects, smoke
management, fire planning, and fire weather to diverse audiences.
– High degree of interpersonal and communication skills, emotional and professional intelligence, self-motivation, creativity, organizational skills, and a positive reputation within the fire and/or forestry community.
– Bachelor’s degree in natural sciences such as, but not limited to, wildland fire, forestry,
and/or wildlife management.
– At least 2 years of professional experience working in wildland fire or natural resource
field.
– State certified burn manager is a plus.
Benefits:
Tall Timbers provides a package of standard benefits including health care, dental care,
vision insurance, life insurance, retirement plan, and medical flexible spending account. These benefits are subject to employee contributions according to Tall Timbers’ policy.

Vacation and Sick Leave: Up to 5 days of leave is available in your first year, following a 90- day probationary period. Employees accrue up to 10 days of annual leave for calendar year two, then 15 days in calendar years three and four, followed by 20 days at year five.

How to Apply: To apply to this position, submit a resume and cover letter explaining why you are the best applicant for the job to: George Jensen gjensen@talltimbers.org on or before September 18, 2025. Questions to the same address.

All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran and disability status.

About Tall Timbers
Tall Timbers is recognized as the home of the study of fire ecology and an advocate to protect the right to use prescribed fire for conservation. It is also recognized as one of the nation’s leading land trusts. Since 1958, Tall Timbers has been using prescribed fire science to solve land management problems. Our unique perspective is rooted in this long-term practice of working cooperatively with partners to conduct research and apply results on the land.

Louisiana Prescribed Burn Association Coordinator

Location: Within ≈1 hour of Leesville, Louisiana
Preferred Start Date: October 1st, 2025 (Term Position)

Position Summary:
This position will work in collaboration with existing Tall Timbers staff and local partners to include the American Bird Conservancy, Lower Mississippi Valley Joint Venture, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Services, Quail Forever, United States Forest Service, Louisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Longleaf Alliance, or other fire delivery organizations in the region to grow demand and implementation of prescribed fire activities on private lands.

Job Description:
– Leads and develops the concept of “neighbor-helping-neighbor” via Prescribed Burn
Associations (PBA’s) in order to facilitate fire use and gather resources on techniques to pool risk and availability of cost-effective insurance coverage. Annually plan burns to mitigate smoke emissions and ameliorate limited workforce capacity.
– Works closely with Board of the Burn Association and other partners to coordinate and ensure prioritization and safe execution of prescribed burns on private land within the Association, especially private landowners that are Farm Bill recipients.
– Leads the effort to distribute place-based communication and collaboration with private
landowners through regular site visits and facilitating quarterly workshops and/or trainings.
Work closely with Tall Timber’s East Texas Prescribed Fire Coordinator and appropriate partners to ensure production of high quality, relevant and accurate prescribed fire outreach and training modules.
– Assists in reducing backlog of NRCS cost-share burn acres within region and/or in other priority areas of LA through coordinating landowners with relevant burn contractors, QF Habitat Team, Tall Timbers Private Land Burn Team, or the PBA sweat equity model.
– Oversees local extension and outreach services to private landowners, agencies through weekly landowner visits, quarterly workshops and participation in conferences and LA Prescribed Fire Council meetings.
– Seek funding from agencies, partners, and landowners to support workshops and/or training.
– Host field days and workshops to demonstrate successes and provide hands-on training.
Facilitate increased capacity of Certified Burn Managers in Louisiana by assisting individuals, who have passed the LA Certified Burn training class, with finalizing the certification process by completing their 5 required Burn Boss certification burns under a Supervisory Burn Boss. Assist with the Louisiana certification training courses as needed.

Qualifications and Experience That Will Help You Succeed:
– Dynamic personality with a demonstrated ability to deliver high quality classroom and field
instruction on topics such as fire behavior, operational safety, fire effects, smoke management, fire planning, and fire weather to diverse audiences.
– High degree of interpersonal and communication skills, emotional and professional intelligence, self-motivation, creativity, organizational skills and a positive reputation within the fire and/or forestry community in Louisiana.
– Bachelor’s degree in natural science such as, but not limited to, wildland fire, forestry and/or wildlife management.
– At least 3 years of professional experience working in wildland fire or natural resource field.
– State certified burn manager is a plus.

Salary: $60,000.00

Benefits: Tall Timbers provides a package of standard benefits including health care, dental care, vision insurance, life insurance, retirement plan, and medical flexible spending account. These benefits are subject to employee contributions according to Tall Timbers’ policy.

Deadline: Applications accepted until position(s) filled.

Vacation & Sick Leave: Up to 5 days of leave is available in your first year, following a 90-day probationary period. Employees accrue up to 10 days of annual leave for calendar year two, then 15 days in calendar years three and four, followed by 20 days at year five.

How to Apply: To apply to this position, submit a resume and cover letter explaining why you are the best applicant for the job to: Kyle Carrington kcarrington@talltimbers.org on or before (September 15, 2025). Questions to same.
All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran and disability status.

About Tall Timbers:
Tall Timbers is recognized as the cradle of the study of fire ecology and is an advocate to protect the right to use prescribed fire for land management. It is also recognized as one of the nation’s leading land trusts. Since 1958, Tall Timbers has been using prescribed fire science to solve land management problems. Their unique perspective is rooted in this long-term practice of working cooperatively with partners to conduct research and apply results on the land. More information on Tall Timbers can be found here: https://talltimbers.org/

Accounting Specialist

Location- Tall Timbers main campus, Tallahassee, FL.
Employer: Tall Timbers
Position Type: Full-Time, pay depending on experience
Reports To: Melissa Proctor, Controller, Chief Financial Officer

Position Description
Currently there are two positions open. The position(s) of Accounting Specialist show proficiency in basic accounting functions with a focus on accuracy over all things and ability to work as part of a team providing customer service to Tall Timbers employees/department heads. Must have excellent organizational skills and attention to details. Must be proficient in Microsoft Excel and Word, basic email correspondence. Sage Intacct experience is a plus.

Position one: Accounting Specialist Revenue Recognition
Job Duties include but not limited to:
– Recording and reconciliation of incoming e-payments (Paypal, Square, Stripe)
– Utilizing Sage – recording cash receipts/ daily deposits
– Monthly revenue reconciliation with other departments
– Digitizing/Archiving revenue records
– Basic journal entry – data entry
– Assist with preparations for audits, pulling cash receipting support documents on demand.
– Contributes to team efforts by accomplishing related tasks as needed.

Position two: Accounting Specialist Grant Tracking
Job Duties include but not limited to:
– Set up and update monthly grant records
– SEFA report management
– Digitize and manage executed grant agreements and modifications
– Utilizing Sage – prepare monthly and/or quarterly grant invoices
– Work with Assistant Controller to track unpaid invoices – grants receivable
– Assist with new grant kickoff meetings

Minimum Training and Experience
– Associates degree; high school diploma/equivalent and experience equal to four years. (Note: post-high school education may substitute for experience at the equivalent rate.)
– Knowledge of GAAP (General Accepting Accounting Principles).
– Communication skills – Ability to document and convey basic accounting information to
accounting and non-accounting users.
– Willingness to learn new concepts and skills.

Salary and Benefits: Competitive salary. Full Time. Inhouse. 10 paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave. Medical and dental/vision benefits.

Deadline: Applications accepted until position(s) filled.

For additional information, please contact Melissa Proctor at mproctor@talltimbers.org. No phone calls
How to apply: Please email all of the following information to mproctor@talltimbers.org
1. A cover letter explaining your interest and salary requirements;
2. Resume
3. Two Professional References

About Tall Timbers – The mission of Tall Timbers is to foster exemplary land stewardship through research, conservation and education. Our primary research focus is the ecology and management of fire- dependent ecosystems and wildlife, including bobwhite quail, in the Southeastern Coastal Plain. Our conservation efforts are dedicated to helping protect the distinctive rural landscapes and traditional land uses of South Georgia and North Florida. Our Tall Timbers Land Conservancy is an accredited land trust, protecting more than 157,000 acres of high-quality habitat in North Florida and Southwest Georgia.

Livingston Place Land Management Technician

Location- Livingston Place is a 9,150 acre working quail property near Monticello, FL owned and operated by Tall Timbers Research, Inc. Tallahassee, FL.
Employer: Tall Timbers
Position Type: Full-Time, pay depending on experience
Reports To: John-Michael McCormick, Livingston Place Land Manager

Description
Livingston Place in Greenville, FL is looking for a fulltime employee to join our team. We are looking for someone to assist in woods management, grounds maintenance. The job consists of driving tractors, UTV’s and ATV’s and also must be able/ willing to ride a horse during hunt season. You will help with prescribe burns, flat mowing, blocking, planting food plots, dove fields and more. 

Minimum Qualifications
High School Diploma. Previous experiences driving heavy equipment/ Riding
Horses is preferred. The Livingston Place Land Management Technician Applicant
must be prompt, a team player, courteous around hunting guests and is self-
motivated. Experience with horses and dogs would be beneficial but not necessary.

Objectives include:
1. Quail hunting and field trials,
2. Preserving the historical, cultural and natural features
3. Maintain clean and safe equipment including LP owned vehicles, ATV’s/UTV’s,
Tractors, buildings, and houses (if provided).
4. Assist facilities maintenance staff, Research Scientist, Technicians, Interns and
other LP/ TT employees as needed.
5. Properly dispose of all waste, trash, material and supplies, in keeping with proper
environmental practices and according to ALL applicable laws.

A checklist of activities/skills the Applicant may be asked to preform includes the following:
– Tractor driving (roller chopping, mowing, fire break harrowing, planting, etc.)
– Basic power equipment operation and maintenance (chainsaw, limb pruner, lawnmower, etc.)
– Horseback hunting for wild quail
– Assisting with wild quail field trials
– Introduction to horse care and maintenance
– Prescribed burning
– Supplemental feeding including grain handling/storage
– Wildlife research (radio-tracking quail, avian census, predator index, small mammal trapping, etc.)
– Nest predator trapping
– Quail trapping for research and translocation
– Feral hog trapping
– ATV and Truck/Trailer operation and maintenance

Benefits:
Employee will be eligible to enroll in full health care benefits and be eligible for
onsite housing (after a probationary period).
Position will be open until filled, Pay is based on experience

Brief History
Tall Timbers acquired Livingston Place as a gift from the Geraldine C.M.
Livingston Foundation in December 2013. It is the largest gift of land Tall Timbers
has received since its founder, Mr. Henry Beadel, donated his 2400-acre property
and endowed the institution in 1958. The addition of 9,100 acres of land has
allowed Tall Timbers to expand its research and conservation efforts in the region,
and better provide science-based management to private and public land managers.
This gift fits both the original vision of the founders of Tall Timbers, and is aligned
with Tall Timbers’ expertise in northern bobwhite quail management, fire ecology,
and land conservation. https://talltimbers.org/livingston-place

Mission
The mission of Tall Timbers is to foster exemplary land stewardship through
research, conservation and education.

Instructions for Applying
A cover letter and resume can be sent to the Livingston Place Land Manager at
1583 Livingston Road, Greenville, FL 32331. TEL 336-302-5247, or emailed to
jmccormick@talltimbers.org.

Wildlife Biologist – South Carolina

Location: Camden, South Carolina (Statewide Travel Required)
Employer: Tall Timbers Research Station & Land Conservancy
Position Type: Full-Time, Salaried
Reports To: Paul Grimes, Director, Carolina Regional Quail Program

Position Overview

Tall Timbers is seeking a dedicated and experienced Wildlife Biologist to join our Carolina Regional Quail Program. This position will be based in Camden, South Carolina although extensive travel will take place throughout the state. This position will play a key role in advancing the mission of Tall Timbers by providing expert-level wildlife and habitat management guidance to landowners across South Carolina, with a primary focus on wild quail and prescribed fire.

The ideal candidate will serve as a trusted outreach biologist, supporting existing established quail focused properties while expanding conservation impact through strategic engagement with adjacent and nearby landowners in priority landscapes. A strong working knowledge of prescribed fire, wild quail management, and wild turkey ecology is essential.

Key Responsibilities

Outreach & Landowner Support
○ Serve as the primary biologist for Tall Timbers in South Carolina, offering habitat and species management guidance to private landowners, land managers, and partner organizations.
○ Foster and maintain strong relationships with existing wild quail property managers to ensure continued success and data-driven improvement.
○ Provide on-site property evaluations, biological assessments, and written habitat management recommendations.
○ Host or participate in landowner workshops, field days, and professional conferences.
○ Produce educational content (articles, presentations, guides) to promote best practices in habitat and species management.
○ Assist with annual fundraising event to support program and to build a community of conservation in the Camden area.

Landscape-Level Expansion
○ Identify and engage adjacent landowners within existing core quail landscapes to increase habitat continuity and regional impact.
○ Work closely with the Regional Director to prioritize target landscapes and execute outreach strategies that expand the footprint of wild quail conservation.
○ Collaborate with stakeholders including conservation NGOs, state and federal agencies, and prescribed fire councils to leverage resources and align goals.

Prescribed Fire Leadership
○ Promote the use of prescribed fire as a cornerstone management tool for habitat restoration and maintenance for fire dependent wildlife species.
○ Assist landowners in developing burn plans and serve as a technical advisor on fire implementation.
○ Partner with prescribed fire councils and burn associations to increase capacity and knowledge in key regions.

Wild Turkey Conservation
○ Integrate wild turkey habitat and population management into property planning and landowner support.
○ Contribute to regional understanding of turkey ecology through observations, surveys, and data sharing with partner biologists.
○ Collaborate with appropriate conservation partners that have mission overlap to benefit wild turkey.

Qualifications

● Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Science, Ecology, Range Management, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
● Minimum of 2 years of field experience working with private landowners in habitat or game species management, particularly in the southeastern U.S.
● Expertise in wild quail management, prescribed fire, and upland habitat management.
● Familiarity with wild turkey management and integration into multi-species conservation plans.
● Strong communication and interpersonal skills, especially with private landowners, hunters, and rural communities.
● Ability to work independently and travel extensively within the state (vehicle and mileage reimbursement provided).
● Comfortable working in outdoor, remote environments and diverse conditions.
● A demonstrated understanding of, and respect for, regulated hunting as an integral tool in wildlife conservation and land stewardship.
● Ability to supervise interns or seasonal technicians.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary: Commensurate with experience

Benefits: Tall Timbers provides a package of standard benefits including health care, dental care, life insurance, voluntary tax sheltered 403(b) plan, and medical flexible spending account. These benefits are subject to employee contributions according to Tall Timbers’ policy. Additionally, the candidate will be provided a work truck (or mileage compensation) and receive a phone stipend. Must have a clean driving record and is a condition of employment.

Vacation and sick leave: Upon hire, a full-time employee accrues 0.83 days per month of annual and sick leave. Accrued leave may be used following the 90-day probationary period. 5 days of leave is available in the first year of employment, following a 90-day probationary period, then employees accrue 10 days of annual leave for calendar year two, 15 days in calendar years three and four, followed by 20 days at years five and beyond.

Paid holidays: Tall Timbers provides 10 paid holidays per year: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. birthday, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving holidays (Thursday and Friday), Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

To Apply

Contact: Paul Grimes, dpgrimes@talltimbers.org; 706.825.0451

Please submit the following materials to dpgrimes@talltimbers.org.
1. Cover Letter that explains your interest and qualifications for this position.
2. Resume with relevant experience, education, and background.
3. Three Professional References
4. Short Video (2–3 minutes): Share why you believe you’re the best fit for this position with Tall Timbers. Tell us about your experience, your passion for landowner engagement, and how you see yourself making an impact in wild quail and prescribed fire conservation in South Carolina.

Applications without a video submission will not be considered. Applications will be reviewed upon receipt, and the position will be filled as the appropriate candidate is found.

Application Deadline: 1 January 2026
Position Start Date: negotiable

About Tall Timbers: Tall Timbers, founded in 1958, focuses on fire ecology, vertebrate ecology, and Northern bobwhite ecology. Our research supports next-generation fire management needs and wildlife conservation. Our Carolina Regional Quail Program works across the Carolinas to support private landowners in restoring and managing habitat for wild quail and associated species. For more information, visit https://talltimbers.org/.

_________________________________________________

PhD Graduate Assistantship, Avian Community and Population Responses to Northern Bobwhite Management- Tarleton State University

Application Deadline: 06/30/2025
Education Required: Masters
Start fall 2025
Stipend approx. $30,000/year and tuition waiver

Dr. Heather Mathewson (Department of Wildlife and Natural Resources, Tarleton State University, Stephenville TX) and Dr. Brad Kubecka (Tall Timbers) are seeking an ambitious and motivated student to contribute to a collaborative research project on population restoration of northern bobwhite following pine savanna restoration in the Pineywoods of Texas.

The research will be primarily quantitative analyses of temporal and spatial trends of species of conservation concern, with a focus on northern bobwhite, using acoustic monitoring and other available data. The student will take advantage of pre-existing data sets (e.g., burn units, telemetry, ARU, timber, point counts, etc.) collected as part of Tall Timbers Western Pineywoods Quail Program which has overseen population recovery of northern bobwhite via habitat restoration (e.g., timber thinning, prescribed fire) and translocation to the study site since 2023. The PhD student will be responsible for developing their own specific research topics which need to generally be centered around the population restoration of northern bobwhite and-or broader avian community as it relates to habitat management of bobwhite.

This position starts in August 2025 in the Animal and Natural Resources Ph.D. graduate program at Tarleton State University’s main campus (Stephenville, TX). There are no online options available for these positions; all course instruction and research are in-person. This is a full-time, 12-month position for at least a 3-year contracted period. Students will receive an annual stipend with tuition waived. The program requires 45 credit hours of courses, serving as the instructor of a 3-credit undergraduate course each semester, presentations at professional conferences, mentorship of undergraduate or MS students, development of future research initiatives, grant writing, early publication of peer-reviewed publications, preliminary and comprehensive exams, and production of a dissertation.

Qualifications: MS in wildlife and natural resources, biology, or closely related field; production of a research thesis, with a minimum GPA of 3.0 (4.0 scale). Strong data management and quantitative skills required (R statistical software preferred), ideally with knowledge of acoustic monitoring and population and-or community modeling. Demonstration of strong verbal and written communication; leadership experience; ability to work independently and as a productive collaborator with a research team; ability to drive long distances and in the dark (current US driver’s license required); and ability to work under adverse field conditions. Prior bird handing experience preferred but not required. GRE is not required.

To apply for this position or for more information, contact Dr. Heather Mathewson (mathewson@tarleton.edu). We expect to fill this position by early June 2025; do not delay on submission of application materials. To apply please include (1) a cover letter describing your research interests, career goals, reason for applying, and highlighting your relevant experience; (2) CV, not limited to any number of pages; (3) email contact information for 3 references, (4) unofficial transcripts, and (5) an independently produced writing sample (thesis chapter, publication).

Contact Heather Mathewson at mathewson@tarleton.edu (preferred contact method)

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Background: Tall Timbers, in collaboration with the University of Missouri and USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), are recruiting a Post-Doctoral Research Scientist to develop state-and-transition models that incorporate plant community flammability for eastern US forests. The incumbent will focus on priority ecosystems and work with a team including researchers with expertise in fire regimes and forest ecology. The position is funded for 18 months, with additional support possible beyond that based on performance and funding availability.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: The successful candidate will lead efforts on quantifying community flammability using species-specific data. The candidate will primarily be responsible for collecting, measuring, analyzing and modeling data and writing manuscripts. The position may include administration, other field activities, supervision of technician(s) and intern(s), data management, and analysis. Collaboration with Tall Timbers research and management staff, University of Missouri research staff, and NRCS staff are critical for the success of the project.

Minimum Qualifications: A completed Ph.D. degree (ABD- all but dissertation- acceptable) in either forestry, plant ecology, plant physiology, geospatial analysis, fire behavior, climatology, or a related field. Candidate should be highly motivated with the ability to work independently. The successful candidate should have skills in two or more of the following: statistical analyses, vegetation analyses, measuring field and laboratory fire behavior, micrometeorology, geospatial analysis, and scientific writing. Valid state driver’s license required.

Preferred Qualifications: Ph.D. in aforementioned fields of study. The candidate should have experience designing and implementing laboratory experiments, as evidenced by publication in peer-reviewed outlets. A strong understanding of fire and forest ecology of eastern US fire-prone ecosystems or similar is preferred, though not required. Experience with multivariate statistical analyses and familiarity with state-and-transition models is preferred.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort: Ability to perform routine office, field, and some laboratory work and fieldwork in inclement weather under strenuous conditions.

Instructions for Applying: Applications should include (in a single PDF): 1) a letter of interest that includes educational and experiential preparation and 2) a current CV. All applications should be emailed to Dr. Morgan Varner (mvarner@talltimbers.org).

Contacts: J. Morgan Varner, Director of Research & Senior Scientist

Contact Email: mvarner@talltimbers.org

Applications Reviewed: February 1st, 2025 or until a suitable candidate can be found

Position Start Date: Winter/Spring 2025 (negotiable)

Salary: $62,500 (negotiable if housing needed)

Work Location: The position will ideally be based at the main campus of Tall Timbers in Tallahassee, Florida (www.talltimbers.org) or can be a remote post for the right candidate. Tallahassee is a vibrant community in the Red Hills region, notable for its education (Florida State University, Florida A&M University, and Tallahassee State College), conservation and recreation opportunities, and is the state capital of Florida.

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