AGFC Biologist I

Arkansas Game & Fish Commission; Brinkley (AR); On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) seeks a Biologist I in Brinkley to supervise wildlife management areas and conduct biological surveys of fish and wildlife. This role involves planning, reporting, and coordinating habitat projects in a field setting.

Qualified candidates will have a wildlife/fisheries background, related field experience, and the ability to work with diverse teams. The position requires travel and occasional outdoor work with program compliance across divisions.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of biology, ecology, and environmental sciences.
• Knowledge of game and fish management programs and techniques.
• Knowledge of laboratory and field survey equipment and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and participate in biological surveys and studies of fish and wildlife.
• Participate in developing wildlife management area recommendations and five-year plans.
• Approve billings and project expenditures; assist in district budget preparation.
• Conduct hunter safety classes or public meetings on rules and regulations.
• Write news releases on district activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Biology knowledge

Ecology knowledge

Public speaking

Supervisory ability

GIS software

Education

Bachelor's degree in wildlife or fisheries management

Class A CDL

Tools

Microsoft Office

Google applications

GIS software

Job description

AGFC Biologist I - AGFC Biologist I Position number:22095942

The formal education equivalent of a bachelor's degree in biology, zoology, botany, or a related field.

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 HUMAN RESOURCES CHIEF.

Preferred Education and/or Experience:
The formal education equivalent of a bachelor's degree in wildlife or fisheries management or a related field, plus three (3) years of experience in an agriculture or forestry-related field, plus a Class A CDL, and experience operating agricultural equipment

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 laboratory and field survey equipment, techniques, and procedures.
• Ability to plan, organize, and oversee the work of subordinates.
• Ability to make public presentations and conduct hunter safety classes.
• Ability to plan work unit objectives and operational activities and to assign and direct the work of subordinate supervisor
• Ability to conduct scientific game and fish surveys and studies.

Preferred Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills:

• Effective organizational skills, strong written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking skills
• Demonstrated ability to perform effectively in a team environment
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office programs, Google applications, and GIS software
• Knowledge of wildlife management and restoration techniques and habitat management practices used in restoration and conservation
• Ability to plan and organize assigned tasks independently and prioritize a varied workload for subordinate employees
• Ability to conduct scientific game and fish surveys and studies
• Knowledge and application of moist soil management principles and techniques.
• Knowledge of bottomland hardwood and Green Tree Reservoir management
• National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) certified Fire Fighter Type 2 (FFT2) with a knowledge of prescribed fire

Position Location:
City: Brinkley

Office: Henry Gray Hurricane Lake WMA

Division: Wildlife Management

Job Summary:
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) Biologist I is responsible for supervising wildlife or fisheries management areas. This position is governed by state and federal laws and agency policy.

Typical Functions:

• Coordinates and participates in conducting biological surveys and studies of fish and wildlife to determine population growth, propagation rates, and the effect of environmental and human conditions on particular species.
• Participates in developing wildlife management area recommendations and the development of the five-year plan for future Game and Fish activities and acquisitions.
• Approves billings and projects expenditures and assists supervisor in preparing the district budget.
• Conducts hunter safety classes or public meetings on new and proposed rules and regulations.
• Writes news releases on activities in the district.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities:

• Oversees and organizes habitat management/maintenance activities on selected Wildlife Management Areas (WMA)
• Develops and implements wildlife management plans on multiple WMAs
• Will supervise small to medium-sized staff conducting daily work activities on selected WMAs
• Performs routine administrative duties required to comply with program, division, and agency standards
• Works cooperatively with regional and programs staff to accomplish habitat goals
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Certificates, Licenses, or Registrations:
Must possess a valid Arkansas driver’s license

Special Job Dimensions:
Frequent in-state travel and field work with exposure to inclement weather is required. Occasional exposure to hunters and dangerous animals may be required.

Other Specific Information:

• Successful applicant will be required to obtain certification as a Wildland Firefighter Type II within 1 year of employment, and to pass an annual physical fitness test for FFT II, completing a two-mile walk carrying 25 pounds in 30 minutes within the first year of employment.
• Successful applicant will also be required to obtain a Non-Commercial Pesticide Applicators license within 1 year of employment and maintain licensing annually.
• This position may be required to obtain a Class A Commercial Driver’s License. All expenses related to obtaining this license will be covered by AGFC.

As an equal opportunity employer, the Commission will make any reasonable accommodationsnecessaryto ensure equal employment opportunities.