Texas Private Lands Biologist
Position Location: College Station/East Austin area
Compensation: $55-60k + benefits package
Anticipated Start: Jan 15th, 2027
Application deadline: Dec 6th, 2026
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 Conservation Areas (PARCAs). Learn more at ARCProtects.org.
Position Description
ARC seeks a full-time Private Lands Biologist to lead and coordinate existing Texas conservation projects, with a primary focus on Houston toad recovery and Post Oak Savannah restoration. This position will build on ARC’s established private-lands program where the Manager will oversee implementation, field monitoring, landowner partnerships, project budgets, contracts, deliverables, and reporting. The position will work with ARC leadership, the Texas program team, and conservation partners to develop and implement strategies and opportunities across the Sugar Sands PARCAs, with a focus on the Houston Toad and co-occurring focal species, restoring sites for management and future reintroduction.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead day-to-day implementation of Houston toad conservation and Post Oak Savannah habitat restoration activities, including landowner technical assistance, habitat plans, restoration agreements, and monitoring.
- Coordinate acoustic and field data collection, analysis, reporting, project records, and recovery planning with partners.
- Maintain productive relationships with landowners, NRCS, TPWD, federal and state agencies, universities, nonprofits, contractors, and other stakeholders.
- Manage projects and landowner agreements: plan scopes and schedules, coordinate restoration contractors, track budgets and grant deliverables, document outcomes, and support permitting and compliance.
- Collaborate with TPWD and ARC program leadership to assess conservation needs, funding opportunities, and potential new projects by helping develop proposals and launch new projects.
- Evaluate potential future conservation opportunities for Texas tortoise and other PARCA focal species.
- Develop technical guidance, presentations, outreach materials, and communications appropriate to landowners and conservation partners.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in wildlife biology, ecology, conservation biology, natural resources, or a closely related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience.
- Demonstrated experience implementing wildlife conservation, habitat management, or private-lands projects, with the ability to coordinate multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills and a demonstrated ability to work respectfully with diverse landowners, agency personnel, and partners.
- Experience maintaining accurate field and project records, tracking deliverables, and preparing reports.
- Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, travel regionally, and maintain a valid driver’s license.
- Ability to conduct fieldwork in variable Texas weather and terrain, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in wildlife biology, ecology, conservation biology, natural resources, or a closely related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience.
- Demonstrated experience implementing wildlife conservation, habitat management, or private-lands projects, with the ability to coordinate multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills and a demonstrated ability to work respectfully with diverse landowners, agency personnel, and partners.
- Experience maintaining accurate field and project records, tracking deliverables, and preparing reports.
- Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, travel regionally, and maintain a valid driver’s license.
- Ability to conduct fieldwork in variable Texas weather and terrain, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to hike up to 10 miles per day over steep, rough, or uneven terrain while carrying at least 50 lbs of equipment to remote project sites.
- Physical strength to lift and carry a minimum of 50 lbs of specialized gear (e.g., mesocosm tanks, drift fences).
- Capability to wade in rivers/streams and perform physically taxing aquatic activities (e.g., snorkeling, fish shocking).
- Agility to perform considerable climbing, balancing, stooping, and walking off-trail through dense vegetation.
- Physical capacity to engage in manual labor, including habitat restoration tasks such as shrub and tree removal and equipment maintenance.
- Strength and quickness required for safe handling of wildlife and self-protection from potentially dangerous animals.
- Willingness and ability to work outdoors year-round for extended periods (e.g., 10-hour days, night surveys) in all weather conditions, including extreme heat, cold, rain, and wind.
- Proficiency in operating 4×4 vehicles on rugged roads and machines such as tractors, boats, or ATVs.
- High attention to detail and sharp sensory requirements to accurately identify species and notice subtle changes in behavior.
To Apply
In a cover letter, please describe your relevant experience, including how your broader knowledge and experiences can contribute to our organizational culture and values. Also provide your CV and include the names and contact information of at least three relevant professional references. Your cover letter, reference list, and CV should be compiled and uploaded as a single PDF file and saved as “[FirstName]_[LastName]_ARC_TX_PLB”. Applications can be submitted HERE. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. ARC does not provide visa sponsorships for this position. Questions about the position can be directed to José Garrido at jgarrido@ARCProtects.org.
ARC is an equal-opportunity employer. We value different experiences and perspectives as critical to informing and supporting our core values. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without unlawful discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital or pregnancy status, sexual orientation, age, or genetic information, including medical history.
All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States, ARC does not provide visa sponsorships for this position. ARC provides reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact jobs@ARCProtects.org.