BIOLOGIST 1-3/ LAFAYETTE

State of Louisiana; Lafayette (LA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Louisiana seeks a Wildlife Biologist to deliver and implement programs on private lands within Lafayette Parish. The role reports to a Biologist Supervisor in the Lafayette field office and supports a statewide effort as needed.

Responsibilities include assisting landowners with wildlife management, conducting surveys, and collecting data to inform harvest decisions and habitat improvements while coordinating with partner agencies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biological sciences or related field.
• Ability to deliver and implement programs for private lands.
• Experience with population surveys and habitat evaluations is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical assistance to landowners and DMAP participants.
• Conduct population surveys and habitat evaluations.
• Assist in data collection for wildlife disease monitoring.
• Support management decisions on harvest and bag limits.

Skills

Technical assistance to landowners

Population surveys

Habitat evaluations

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor’s degree in biological sciences or related field

Job description

About This Job

LDWF supports a strong work ethic in its employees and incorporates the use of good science, accurate information, and technology. The Office of Wildlife exists to provide wise stewardship of Louisiana's wildlife and associated habitats and increase wildlife conservation awareness.

BIOLOGIST 1-3 LAFAYETTE PRIVATE LANDS

This position is a Wildlife and Fisheries Biologist position that receives direct supervision from a Biologist Supervisor based in the Lafayette field office. This incumbent is responsible for delivery and implementation of programs for private lands. This position oversees activities that affect private lands in the assigned region and statewide, as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

A bachelor’s degree in a biological science, marine science, environmental science, wildlife or fisheries, animal science, forestry, or natural resources.

Job Specification

The official job specifications for this role, as defined by the State Civil Service, can be found here.

Job Duties

Job Duties and Other Information

Duties May Include Some Or All Of The Following

• Provides technical assistance to landowners, hunting clubs,sportsmen'sgroups,andothersrelative tothe management of wildlife
• Maintains contact with Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP) participants, especially pertaining to population surveys, habitat evaluations, harvest recommendations, special antlerless tag allotments, data analysis, and reports. Conducts meetings with landowners and informs DMAP clubs of upcoming regulatory changes
• Informs landowners of federal programs and fundsavailableforthe enhancementofhabitat ontheir lands. Works closely with agency counterparts, such as the Natural Resources Conservation Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and others in the enhancement of private lands habitat in the assigned area
• Participates in and may oversee the collection of biological data through hunter bag checks, managed public hunts, trapping and banding of ducks and doves, and assistance in population surveys for the purpose of providing information in the management decision-making process.Assesses wildlife populations and habitat condition through standardized surveys and general reconnaissance
• Collects biological samples for wildlife disease monitoring activities
• Collects, compiles, analyses, and presents data for establishing management or research programs and setting harvest season dates and bag and size limits
• Participates in lethal and nonlethal collection and sampling of wildlife species for management, research, and nuisance response/control
• Performs any duties necessary for the agency to accomplish its mission

Position-Specific Details

This position will be domiciled in Lafayette Parish.

Appointment Type

Job appointment, probational appointment, promotional, or detail to special duty. If filled as a job appointment, there is a possibility that this position may be converted to a probational appointment should funding become available. Current permanent status classified state employees may be required to accept a probational appointment if selected.

Career Progression

This position participates in a Career Progression Group (CPG) and is advertised as a Biologist 1, 2 or 3. The level at which the vacancy is filled will be determined by the qualifications of the candidate selected. Please click on the links below to learn more about this position.

BIOLOGIST 1

BIOLOGIST 2

BIOLOGIST 3

Additional Information

• Requires the physical ability to operate boats, ATV/UTVs, tractors, and other heavy equipment.
• Physical demands: Moderate to strenuous physical exertion is required for such activities as climbing, lifting objects over 50 pounds, crouching or crawling in restricted areas. Requires working outdoors in a variety of conditions, in inclement weather, and with a variety of wildlife.
• Requires periodically working irregular hours, including weekend work, overnight stays, and early morning departure, as well as day and night work.
• May be subject to 24-hour nuisance animal call-outs.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT THIS VACANCY CONTACT

Cassandra Louis
Department of Wildlife & Fisheries- Human Resources
P.O. Box 98000
Baton Rouge, LA 70898
[e-mail]

Louisiana State Government represents a wide variety of career options and offers an outstanding opportunity to make a difference through public service. With an array of career opportunities in every major metropolitan center and in many rural areas, state employment provides an outstanding option to begin or continue your career.

As a State Employee, You Will Earn Competitive Pay, Choose From a Variety Of Benefits, And Have Access To a Great Professional Development Program:

Insurance Coverage

More information can be found at https://info.groupbenefits.org/

Parental Leave

Up to six weeks paid parental leave

Holidays and Leave

• New Year's Day
• Martin Luther King, Jr. Day,
• Mardi Gras,
• Good Friday,
• Memorial Day,
• Independence Day,
• Labor Day,
• Veteran's Day,
• Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

Additional holidays may be proclaimed by the Governor

Retirement

State Of Louisiana Employees Are Eligible To Participate In Various Retirement Systems (based On The Type Of Appointment And Agency For Which An Employee Works). These Retirement Systems Provide Retirement Allowances And Other Benefits For State Officers And Employees And Their Beneficiaries. State Retirement Systems May Include (but Are Not Limited To):

• Louisiana State Employees Retirement System (www.lasersonline.org). LASERS has provided this video to give you more detailed information about their system
• Teacher's Retirement System of Louisiana (www.trsl.org),
• Louisiana School Employees Retirement System (www.lsers.net), among others