GIS Analyst / Field Biologist

Job Title: Field Biologist/GIS Analyst

Reports to: Director of Natural Resources

Location: Maryville, Tennessee (with regional field travel across Tennessee and surrounding states)
Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt

Position Summary

The Foothills Land Conservancy (FLC) is a regional land conservation organization dedicated to protecting, preserving, and enhancing the lands and environment of the Southern Appalachian region. Through partnerships with landowners, FLC currently stewards more than 500 conservation easement projects, encompassing over 200,000 acres across 49 counties in Tennessee and six additional states.

Property owners work with FLC to permanently protect their land’s agricultural uses, scenic values, and wildlife habitats through conservation easements—legally binding agreements between landowners and the Conservancy. Together, the landowner and FLC determine which uses may continue and which should be limited to safeguard the property’s conservation values. Once an easement is accepted, FLC is legally and ethically obligated to uphold its terms in perpetuity.

To support this mission, FLC seeks a detail-oriented and mission-driven Field Biologist/GIS Analyst to assist with land stewardship, monitoring, and conservation science activities across East Tennessee and the broader Appalachian region.

The Field Biologist/GIS Analyst will conduct biological fieldwork, collect and analyze environmental data, and assist in preparing conservation management reports for protected properties. This position requires strong field biology skills, proficiency with ArcGIS Pro for mapping and spatial analysis, and the ability to communicate findings clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences. The role will involve approximately 60% fieldwork and 40% office-based GIS and data analysis, and candidates must be capable of performing both components.

This position is ideal for someone who thrives outdoors, values collaboration, and is passionate about ensuring the long-term health of the region’s natural systems and working landscapes.

Key Responsibilities

Monitoring & Stewardship

• Conduct annual monitoring visits for conservation easements in accordance with FLC’s stewardship protocols and Land Trust Alliance Standards & Practices.
• Document conditions of conserved properties, including photo documentation, land use activities, and potential compliance concerns.
• Assist in drafting and maintaining Baseline Documentation Reports (BDRs) and Monitoring Reports.
• Support fieldwork related to habitat restoration, invasive species control, and ecological assessments.

Biological Research & Data Management

• Record and analyze environmental and ecological data (flora, fauna, soils, hydrology, habitat quality).
• Contribute to the identification of conservation values and management recommendations for current and prospective easements.
• Maintain accurate field records and ensure data integrity across field and digital systems.

GIS & Mapping

• Use ESRI ArcGIS Pro to create, edit, and manage geospatial data for FLC properties and projects.
• Produce high-quality maps for easement documentation, stewardship reports, and grant applications.
• Support GIS database development and integration with the Easement Tracker system.

Outreach & Collaboration

• Coordinate with landowners, partner organizations, and government agencies during field visits and monitoring activities.
• Communicate scientific findings and stewardship recommendations to internal staff and external stakeholders.
• Occasionally represent FLC at community events, volunteer days, and educational workshops.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in Environmental Sciences or related Fields (Forestry, Wildlife Management, etc.)
• 1–3 years of relevant experience in field biology, ecological monitoring, or conservation work (internships or graduate research acceptable).
• Proficiency with ArcGIS Pro and GPS-based data collection tools required.
• Knowledge of regional flora and fauna, ecological systems, and best management practices in agriculture and forestry.
• Ability to work independently in the field in varying weather conditions and terrain.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; comfort engaging with landowners and community partners.
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel throughout FLC Service Area.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with conservation easement monitoring or land trust stewardship.
• Familiarity with drone or remote sensing data collection.
• Understanding of Tennessee’s native ecosystems and working lands (farms, forests, wetlands).
• Experience with environmental compliance, reporting, or scientific publishing.

Working Conditions

• Primarily field-based with office/reporting work.
• Regular travel throughout FLC Service Area.
• Must be able to lift up to 30 pounds and navigate uneven or remote terrain.
• Comfortable with driving full-size pickup trucks, trailering, and ATV use

Compensation and Benefits

Salary starting at $55,000, commensurate with experience. Benefits including health insurance, simple IRA Roth match, paid time off, paid holidays, company vehicle for work use, and cell phone support stipend.