Biologist

State of Indiana; Orland (IN); On-site; USD 43,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid leave benefits

Free parking

Job summary

State of Indiana, Department of Natural Resources, is seeking a biologist for the Division of Fish, Wildlife and Nature Preserves in Orland. The role entails planning and evaluating fisheries resources, data collection, and supervision of field crews at the Fawn River State Fish Hatchery.

Occasional weekends/evenings required. The incumbent will apply professional biological knowledge, perform reports, and advise on management practices.

Qualifications

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree within a Natural Resource related field.
• Specialized knowledge of biological principles and life histories of fish & wildlife.
• Ability to operate a variety of field, shop and office equipment.
• Ability to prepare and present evidence; act as an expert witness in court.

Responsibilities

• Conduct field investigations to gather data on fish & wildlife habitat and populations.
• Provide technical recommendations to landowners and agencies on management and restoration.
• Investigate wildlife damage and issue permits for trapping, removal, or relocation.

Skills

Data collection

Field sampling

Public relations

Oral/written comms

ArcGIS knowledge

Budgeting funds

Education

Bachelor's degree in Natural Resource related field

Tools

GPS units

ArcGIS

Computers

Job description

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Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you\'ll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you\'ll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.

About the Department of Natural Resources (DNR):

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources protects, enhances, preserves, and wisely uses natural, cultural, and recreational resources for the benefit of Indiana\'s citizens through professional leadership, management, and education. DNR Fish & Wildlife enriches the quality of life for present and future generations by balancing the biological, ecological, recreational, and economic benefits of Indiana’s fish, wildlife, and their habitats.

The Fawn River State Fish Hatchery evolved from the Orland Conservation Club\'s 1933 fish rearing pond. The State of Indian assumed operations in 1939. The hatchery has 14 ponds with a total of 22.5 acres of water. The six indoor tanks are used for fish incubation units, rearing, and holding. The hatchery was listed on the National Register of Historic Sites in 1996.

Role Overview:

Incumbent serves as a biologist in the Division of Fish, Wildlife and Nature Preserves within the Department of Natural Resources. Incumbent applies professional biological knowledge and techniques by planning and conducting evaluations of the public fisheries resources of the State of Indiana. Incumbent, upon completion of the evaluations, will make decisions regarding implementation of any fisheries management practices deemed appropriate. Major roles include: data collection and analysis, customer service, report writing, work planning, implementation of fish management projects, equipment maintenance, public relations, and field supervision of an assistant biologist and seasonal field sampling crews as needed. This position is stationed at the Fawn River State Fish Hatchery in Orland. Occasional weekend and evening work is required. Direct supervision is provided by the Regional Supervisor.

The salary for this position traditionally starts at $47,320.00 but may be commensurate with education and work experience. Use our Compensation Calculator to view the total compensation package.

A Day in the Life:

The essential functions of this role are as follows:

• Conduct field investigations to gather data on fish & wildlife habitat and population status, resource utilization, and management needs.
• Provide technical assistance and verbal/written management recommendations to private landowners, other state and federal agencies, and local units of government regarding the development, enhancement, restoration, and management and recreational values of fish & wildlife habitat and fish & wildlife populations.
• Investigate fish & wildlife damage complaints, providing suggestions for alleviating problems, and issues permit for the trapping, removal, destruction, or relocation of specific fish & wildlife according to state/federal laws and policies.
• Administer financial incentive programs for the development, enhancement, or restoration of fish & wildlife habitats on private lands, and for recreational access to private lands.
• Provide technical assistance to District Foresters for the implementation of the Classified Forest and Wildlands Act.
• Conduct environmental reviews and provide recommendations to the Department for the mitigation of fish & wildlife losses resulting from construction projects in floodways and wetlands.
• Assist other biologists on large-scale research and management projects.
• Perform general administrative and clerical office duties such as answering mail and telephone requests, writing reports, recording data on various forms and other operational paperwork.
• Review technical bulletins, research, and management reports, and attends professional meetings to keep abreast of new developments.
• Maintain working relationships with other biologists, various state and federal agencies, accredited academic agencies and communities, and the general public utilizing public speaking, mass media and written communication, and professional communication techniques.
• Prepare and present evidence exhibits in court and performs as an expert witness in courts of law and/or hearings.

The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time.

This position is exempt from overtime compensation for additional work hours which may be required to complete essential functions or other assigned work. Exempt employees may work more than 75 hours in a pay period without additional compensation and must report a minimum of 75 hours per pay period of work hours and/or paid leave taken to receive their base biweekly salary.

What You\'ll Need for Success:

Individuals in this role should minimally be able to articulate or demonstrate the following:

• Minimum of a Bachelor\u2019s degree within a Natural Resource related field.
• Specialized knowledge of biological principles, ecological variables and interactions, and life histories of fish & wildlife species developed through on the job training and relevant experience with a minimum of a Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited college in fish or wildlife management or a closely related field.
• Specialized knowledge of scientific methods, procedures and theories and the ability to apply them in the management and study of fish & wildlife populations.
• Ability to operate and maintain a wide variety of work, shop, and office equipment such as trucks, trailers, boats, farm machinery, power tools, hand tools, typewriter, calculator, GPS units, fax machine, copiers, and computers.
• Ability to prepare and present evidence; or combine with the following requirement. Ability to act as an expert witness in a court of law and /or hearing.
• Ability to prepare and present evidence; or combine with the following requirement. Ability to act as an expert witness in a court of law and /or hearing.
• Ability to prepare and present evidence; or combine with the following requirement. Ability to act as an expert witness in a court of law and /or hearing.
• Ability to improvise and adapt methods and equipment for specialized tasks.
• Ability to read, use and manipulate topographic maps, aerial photographs, wetland delineation maps, soils maps, and ArcGIS mapping systems.
• Knowledge of general administrative and clerical procedures.
• Ability to communicate in proper written and oral form including the use of audio-visual equipment.
• Ability to communicate and influence landowners, other state and federal agencies, the general public, and local units of government concerning the management of species and their habitats and their recreational values.
• Knowledge of state and federal laws pertaining to the environment and the management of fish & wildlife.
• Ability to budget and allocate cost-share funds.

This person must satisfy the following requirements to continue employment:

• Ability to obtain and maintain a commercial pesticide applicator’s license.
• Ability to obtain and possess a valid Indiana driver’s license.

Individuals should have the ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:

This role may be utilized in a supervisory capacity based on agency needs.

Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:

The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes:

• Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
• Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
• Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
• Deferred compensation 457(b)account (similar to401(k) plan) with employer match
• Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
• A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:
  • 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
  • Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
• Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
• 12 paid holidays, 14 on election years
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Group life insurance
• Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
• Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
• Free Parkingfor most positions
• Free LinkedIn Learningaccess

The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at [e-mail] .