AGFC Conservation Program Biologist II / Fisheries Division

Arkansas Game & Fish Commission; Brinkley (AR); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Arkansas Game and Fish Commission seeks a Conservation Program Biologist II in the Fisheries Division to supervise a fisheries management area and drive conservation initiatives. You will lead field surveys, habitat projects, and program planning to protect and enhance Arkansas’ aquatic resources and meet agency goals.

A bachelor's degree in biology or a related field plus three years of experience (including leadership) is required; a master's degree is preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, fisheries management, or related field with 3 years of experience in fisheries or related field.
• Master's degree in fisheries management preferred.
• Must possess a valid Arkansas driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Supervises a small to medium-sized professional staff and directs work assignments and performance.
• Directs planning, preparation, and implementation of projects on streams, rivers, reservoirs, and fish culture facilities.
• Develops aquatic species conservation and management plans.
• Coordinates and leads biological surveys and studies of aquatic fauna.
• Maintains program budgets, contracts, and grants.
• Coordinates public input through meetings and surveys.
• Travel frequently within-state to support district activities.

Job description

AGFC Conservation Program Biologist II / Fisheries Division - AGFC Conservation Program Biologist II
Position number:22096278

The formal education equivalent of a bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, fisheries management, or a related field; plus three years of experience in fisheries or a related field, including one year in a leadership capacity.

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:
A master's degree in fisheries management

Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills:

• Knowledge of the principles of biology, ecology, and related environmental sciences
• Knowledge of fisheries principles and techniques
• Knowledge of laboratory and field survey equipment, techniques, and procedures
• Knowledge of supervisory practices and procedures
• Knowledge of state purchasing procedures
• Ability to plan work unit objectives and operational activities and to assign and direct the work of subordinates
• Ability to make public presentations
• Ability to plan and direct scientific surveys and studies
• Ability to develop, implement, and monitor fisheries plans and programs

Preferred Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills:

• Knowledge of fish population dynamics, population simulation modeling, and common statistical analysis
• Skill in working with the public
• Experience in current fish sampling techniques
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Physically able to work long hours, sometimes under harsh or physically demanding conditions
• Strong teamwork concept, yet capable of completing a task without close supervision
• Strong organizational skills.

Position Location:
City: Brinkley
Office: Brinkley Regional Office
Division: Fisheries

Job Summary:
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) Conservation Program Biologist II (FISHERIES DIVISION) is responsible for supervising a fisheries management area. This position is governed by state and federal laws and agency/institution policy.

Typical Functions:

• Supervises a small to medium-sized professional staff by interviewing, recommending hire or termination, assigning and reviewing work, evaluating employee performance, and training employees.
• Addresses program, district, hatchery, and divisional administrative duties
• Directs the planning, preparation, and implementation of projects on Arkansas’ streams, rivers, reservoirs, and fish culture facilities.
• Develops aquatic species conservation plans, aquatic species management plans, stream and river management plans, and reservoir management plans.
• Coordinates and leads biological surveys and studies of aquatic fauna
• Statistically analyzes data, writes summary reports, and publishes peer-reviewed journal articles.
• Coordinates the gathering of public input through public meetings, angler creel surveys, and other survey methods.
• Oversees, develops, and maintains program budgets, contracts, and grants
• Serves on internal working groups, as well as external statewide, regional, and national working groups and teams.
• Coordinates public relations work with various agencies, private industry, professional and civic organizations, and outdoor recreational groups.
• Maintains close individual contact with and develops solid working relationships with all division, agency, and partner organization personnel.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities:

As an AGFC District Fisheries Supervisor (Conservation Program Biologist II), you will join a highly-trained, progressive team of fisheries scientists working to improve conservation and management of aquatic resources in Arkansas.

You will receive outstanding training and competitive pay and benefits, and are responsible for fisheries management activities within a district, with opportunities to collaborate on projects throughout the state. Job duties include: standardized fish population surveys, onsite and offsite angler surveys, stakeholder engagement, fish habitat improvement projects, analysis of survey data, preparation of annual fishery sample report management plans, all district administrative duties, fishing access development, and working with other agencies and elected officials on improving fisheries resources.

This position serves as the Fisheries District 4 Supervisor in east central Arkansas, and other duties include:

• Coordinating field sampling in a nine-county area
• Managing district budget and assets
• Leading staff of full-time management biologist and part-time biological technician
• Providing management assistance to owners of private waterbodies
• Recommending changes to harvest regulations on public waterbodies
• Drafting waterbody management plans
• Leading district to meet the waterbody management plan, division, and agency strategic plan objectives

Certificates, Licenses, or Registrations:

Must possess a valid Arkansas driver’s license.

Class A CDL may be required based on job duties assigned.

Ability to acquire and maintain professional accreditation in area of expertise.

Special Job Dimensions:

Frequent in-state travel and field work with exposure to inclement

Other Specific Information:

The duty station for this position may be either the Brinkley Regional Office or the Joe Hogan State Fish Hatchery in Lonoke.

For additional information, contact Justin Homan at 870-318-5987.

All applicants are subject to a criminal background check.

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