BIOLOGIST 1-3/ LAFAYETTE WMA

Nunez Community College; Lafayette (LA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries is seeking a Biologist 1-3 based in Lafayette to support wildlife and habitat management on Lafayette Region WMAs. The role reports to a Biologist Supervisor and may involve field projects statewide.

Position requires a bachelor’s degree in a biological or related science and skill in collecting and analyzing biological data, monitoring wildlife populations, and assisting with research and management decisions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a biological science, marine science, environmental science, wildlife or fisheries, animal science, forestry, or natural resources.
• Requires physical ability to operate boats, ATV/UTVs, tractors and other heavy equipment.
• Requires working outdoors in a variety of conditions, in inclement weather, and with a variety of wildlife

Responsibilities

• Participates in and oversees land stewardship and habitat management practices on Region WMA’s including browse and habitat surveys, moist soil management, shallow water and moist soil management, etc.
• Participates in and oversees projects on Region WMAs or projects within the region involving maintenance, research, and development.
• Maintains and makes recommendations for infrastructure improvements
• Participates in and may oversee the collection of biological data through hunter bag checks, managed public hunts, operation and maintenance of self-clearing permit stations, trapping and banding of duck and doves, 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

Education

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

Job description

LDWF supports a strong work ethic among its employees and uses sound 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 WMA

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 and assists with management, research, and maintenance/development projects on Lafayette Region WMAs. This position will assist with WMA projects and Species Program work statewide.

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

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

Job Duties:

Duties may include some or all of the following:

• Participates in and oversees land stewardship and habitat management practices on Region WMA’s including browse and habitat surveys, moist soil management, shallow water and moist soil management, etc.
• Participates in and oversees projects on Region WMAs or projects within the region involving maintenance, research, and development.
• Maintains and makes recommendations for infrastructure improvements
• Participates in and may oversee the collection of biological data through hunter bag checks, managed public hunts, operation and maintenance of self-clearing permit stations, trapping and banding of duck and doves, 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:

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.

Location: This position will be domiciled in Lafayette Parish.

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 stay, and early morning departure as well as day and night work
• May be subject to 24-hour nuisance animal call- outs

Wildlife & Fisheries is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

This agency participates in the E-Verify system for verification of citizenship and employment authorization.

A criminal background check will be required of all selected applicants.

Any degree, certificate, special license, or DD-214 must be verified by official documentation prior to hire.

If you are applying for a position which requires a baccalaureate and/or master’s degree, you may apply 90 days prior to receipt of your degree; however, the effective date of the appointment cannot be prior to your graduation date.

Louisiana is a State as a Model Employer (SAME) that supports the recruitment, hiring, and retention of individuals with disabilities. For more information on employment resources for individuals with disabilities, see the Louisiana Employment Resources Guide at https://www.laworks.net/workforcedev/lrs/lrs_main.asp

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]