AGFC BIOLOGIST SPECIALIST

Summary

The (AGFC) Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Biologist Specialist is responsible for supervising a wildlife management program. This position is governed by state and federal laws and agency/institution policy.

Typical Functions

Plans and conducts various biological surveys to investigate population, habitat, and ecology of game and fish species and conducts studies of game and fish propagation, cultivation, and harvest. Analyzes and evaluates survey and sampling data and writes reports describing the results of the data and makes recommendations on game and fish populations. Directs the development of various wildlife management areas or fish propagation and cultivation and treatment plans based on district management plans. Assists supervisor with districts’ annual budgetary projections, prepares various reports and purchase orders, requisitions for equipment, supplies, and parts, and prepares monthly activity reports. Makes presentations to civic groups, schools and clubs, and conducts public meetings to explain new and/or proposed rules and regulations and/or to hear complaints about wildlife management. Writes articles for news releases on game and fish activities in district. Assists supervisor in the development of game and fish management plans and proposals to expand or improve management areas. Performs other duties as assigned.

Special Job Dimensions

Frequent field work with exposure to inclement weather is required. Occasional exposure to hunters and dangerous animals may be required.

Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills

Knowledge of the principles of biology, ecology, and related environmental sciences. Knowledge of game and fish management programs including propagation, cultivation, and harvesting techniques. Knowledge of game and fish management laboratory and field survey equipment, techniques, and procedures. Knowledge of supervisory practices and procedures. Ability to plan, organize, and oversee the work of subordinates. Ability to make public presentations. Ability to plan work unit objectives and operational activities and assign and direct the work of subordinate supervisors. Ability to conduct scientific game and fish surveys and studies, analyze and evaluate collected data, and prepare written narrative reports of findings. Ability to direct, coordinate, and maintain wildlife management programs.

Minimum Education and/or Experience

The formal education equivalent of a bachelor’s degree in biology, zoology, botany, or a related field; plus two years of experience in wildlife management or a related field. Additional requirements determined by the agency for recruiting purposes require review and approval by the Office of Personnel Management. OTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.

Preferred Qualifications

PREFERRED MINIMUM EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:
Master’s degree in fisheries or wildlife biology or a related field is preferred.

PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS:
Knowledge of the principles of biology, ecology, and related environmental sciences. Experience with a wide variety of field techniques in fisheries and wildlife research. Must possess excellent organization, record keeping, communication and group facilitation skills. Ability to critically evaluate research proposals for feasibility and scientific quality. Experience acquiring, critically evaluating, and summarizing peer-reviewed scientific literature. Ability to accurately communicate science in verbal or written format to other biologists, government officials, conservation partners, and the general public. Familiarity with state and federal regulations pertaining to fisheries and wildlife research including permit requirements, record keeping, grant reporting, and animal welfare standards. Familiarity with operations planning, materials acquisition, and personnel coordination for research, monitoring, and emergency response activities. Proficiency with a variety of computer software applications including ArcView/ArcGIS/ArcMap, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, and MS Word. The ability to work efficiently and effectively with others as well as independently, and be able to prioritize a heavy and varied workload. Effective organizational skills, written, and verbal communication skills, and strong public speaking skills are preferred.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

Agency Specific Information

SALARY:
(Grade C121) $39,199-$64,915 annually.

SPECIAL JOB DIMENSIONS

Frequent field work with exposure to inclement weather is required. Occasional exposure to hunters and dangerous animals may be required.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Works under the Research Division Manager to support the activities of the Research, Evaluation, and Compliance (REC) Division. Leads the agency-wide committee responsible for evaluation of proposed research and monitoring protocols. Responsible for record keeping, information distribution, and facilitating timely assessment of proposed projects. Gathers scientific literature to aid planning and evaluation of research activities and to address information requests. Participates in fieldwork to support research and monitoring projects across the agency. Conducts planning and implementation of research and monitoring activities on behalf of the REC Division. Prepares technical papers and manuscripts resulting from REC activities. Performs other duties as assigned.

All applicants are subject to a criminal background check.

Applications must include complete work history and references. A resume may accompany the state application but will not be substituted for any part of the application. Applicants may apply either online at www.arstatejobs.com or by submitting an AGFC paper application. Online applications must be submitted by midnight and paper applications must be received by April 13, 2017. Paper applications may either be faxed to 501-223-6444 or mailed to:

Arkansas Game & Fish Commission

ATTN: Human Resources Division

#2 Natural Resources Drive

Little Rock, AR 72205

“AS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER, THE COMMISSION WILL MAKE ANY REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS NECESSARY TO ENSURE EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES”

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