Wildlife Biologist
Charles began his career in 2000 as a technician performing fisheries surveys in the Tennessee and Hiwassee River basins. After earning a B.S. degree in biology Charles has worked on projects ranging from stream and wetland monitoring to natural resource inventories, and environmental assessments for major NC and TDOT projects. Since earning a M.S. Degree in 2012, Charles has worked with multiple agencies monitoring and conducting research on rare and endangered species, including 5 years as a technician with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. Charles is an unapologetic outdoorsman, making any excuse to get outside, go to the garden, hunt, fish, or just play in the yard with his two young children.
Why I Love This Work
This career path enables me to enjoy the finest parts of the southeast, the natural landscape. It also affords me the ability to do my part to ensure the natural wonders are protected for future generations.
Trainings & Certifications
Wetland identification and delineation, NC Wetland Assessment Methodology, Identification of EPT invertebrates, NC Medical Responder (2020), CPR-AED and NC Safe Boater certification.
Education
B.S. Biology/Chemistry, Western Carolina University
M.S. Biology, Western Carolina University
Skills
Microsoft Office, Arc GIS, CAD, Win Ex Pro, R statistical software. Rare and endangered species id and surveys, Wetland Delineation, Stream identification and delineation(Adobe Products)
Favorite Species
Southern Pigmy Salamander: This diminutive salamander highlights resiliency and ability to persist in the face of intraspecific competition and an, often, harsh high elevation environment. For me, this serves as a reminder of the tenacity of those species we work to protect