AGFC Conservation Program Biologist II / Fisheries Division

Arkansas Game & Fish Commission; Hope (AR); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is seeking an AGFC Conservation Program Biologist II in the Fisheries Division, located in Hope, AR. You will supervise a fisheries management area, direct project planning, conduct surveys, and coordinate budgets and stakeholder input to conserve aquatic resources within Arkansas.

Responsibilities include leading staff, developing management plans, and collaborating with internal and external partners to advance conservation outcomes while working in a

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in biology, ecology, fisheries management, or related field.
• Three years of fisheries experience, including leadership.
• Master's degree in fisheries management preferred.

Responsibilities

• Supervise a fisheries management area and staff.
• Direct planning, preparation, and implementation of projects on streams, rivers, reservoirs and hatcheries.
• Develop aquatic species plans and management plans.
• Coordinate and lead biological surveys and studies.
• Analyze data, write reports, publish findings.
• Coordinate public input through meetings and surveys.
• Oversee budgets, contracts, and grants.

Skills

Biology knowledge

Ecology knowledge

Fisheries principles

Laboratory & field survey equipment

Supervisory practices

State purchasing procedures

Plan work unit objectives

Public presentations

Scientific surveys & studies

Fisheries plans & programs

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in biology / ecology / fisheries management

Three years of fisheries experience

Master's degree in fisheries management (preferred)

Job description

AGFC Conservation Program Biologist II / Fisheries Division - AGFC Conservation Program Biologist II
Position number:22096290

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 is strongly preferred.

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 skills, yet capable of completing a task without close supervision
• Strong organizational skills.

Position Location:

City: Hope
Office: Hope 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 will be 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 and analysis of survey data
• Preparation of annual fishery sample report management plans
• All district administrative duties
• Fishing access development
• Working with other agencies and elected officials on improving fisheries resources

This position is located in southwest Arkansas and spans the southern Ouachita Mountains and western South Central Plains ecoregions. Fisheries resources are abundant and include the Red, Cossatot, Little Missouri, and Saline rivers, as well as lakes Millwood, Dierks, DeQueen, Gillham, Bois D'Arc, and Mercer Bayou.

This position works under the supervision of the Fisheries District Coordinator in the Management Section of the Fisheries Division.

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:

All applicants are subject to a criminal background check. For questions or additional information on the position, please contact Sean Lusk, Fisheries District Coordinator, by email at [e-mail] or by phone at 501-802-1112.

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