BIOLOGIST 1-3 : MINDEN/WEBSTER

Grambling State University; Minden (LA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries seeks a Biologist to coordinate aquatic plant management on Lake Bistineau and nearby waters. You will be part of a team responsible for northern Louisiana aquatic plant control, overseeing contractors and conducting fieldwork.

Ideal candidates will have a biological sciences background, strong data skills, and the ability to work independently or as a team member to achieve goals. Certification training may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a biological sciences field is required.
• Experience identifying aquatic plant species preferred.
• Strong data collection, entry and analysis skills required.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate management activities for aquatic plants on Lake Bistineau and other waters.
• Oversee herbicide contractor activities and monitor performance.
• Conduct aquatic herbicide applications as needed.

Skills

Identify aquatic plant species

Data entry and verification

Data analysis and reporting

Vessel operation and maintenance

Work planning and efficiency

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Biological/Environmental Sciences

Job description

This position will be primarily responsible for coordinating management and control activities for aquatic plants on Lake Bistineau, primarily, and other waterbodies, as assigned in NW Louisiana. It serves as part of a larger team of biologists and technicians that are responsible for aquatic plant control throughout the northern part of Louisiana.

Highlight Your Experience:

Be sure to include complete and detailed information about your relevant education and work experience. Resumes may be included as supplemental information but cannot replace the required application sections. Incomplete applications may not be considered.

Ideally, the successful candidate for this position would be adept at:

• Identifying aquatic plant species at various life stages.
• Conducting data entry, editing, and verification.
• Compiling and analyzing data.
• Preparing written reports and/or presentations on results.
• Performing skilled vessel operation and standard maintenance
• Planning and conducting work duties with a high level of efficiency and effectiveness so as to achieve the maximum results possible

Preferred qualities of the ideal candidate include, but are not limited to:

• Highly motivated with strong initiative to successfully perform work duties at a high level, sometimes without direct supervision
• Experience with aquatic plant control techniques
• Boating experience, and experience towing trailered boats
• Ability to work independently, and both as a member or a leader of a team to set, track, and achieve goals
• Organized, responsible, and ability to problem-solve

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:

Specific duties include, but are not limited to:

• Oversees herbicide contractor activities and monitors activities for performance
• Conducts aquatic herbicide applications as needed.
• Collects field data related to aquatic plant control
• Designs and directs environmental/biological investigations as necessary and assigned.
• Conducts aquatic vegetation surveys, and monitors environmental conditions, to help guide control efforts/activities
• Assists in research to improve aquatic plant control management methods
• Evaluates information to determine aquatic plant coverage, and prepares maps showing such.
• Assists with the placement and management of boom to augment aquatic plant control efforts.
• Assists with public access improvement projects, as needed and assigned.
• Participates in fisheries-related conservation programs, as needed and assigned.

Position-Specific Details:

Work Location: The position will be domiciled at the LDWF Inland Fisheries Section, District 1 office located near Minden, Louisiana in Webster Parish. Multiple positions may be hired from this job posting.

Appointment Type: Job appointment (open to all statewide classified and agency wide permanent status employees)

Career Progression: This position may be filled as a Biologist 1, 2, or 3.

Compensation: The salary offered will be determined based on qualifications and experience

Current permanent status classified state employees may be required to accept a Probational appointment if selected. If filled as a Job Appointment, there is a possibility that this position may be converted to a Probational Appointment should funding become available.

Special Requirement: The successful candidate will be required to complete and maintain certified herbicide applicator license and training.

The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is a State As a Model Employer (SAME) agency 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 (Download PDF reader)

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

Wildlife & Fisheries is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Contact Information:

Department of Wildlife & Fisheries

Human Resources

P.O. Box 98000

Baton Rouge, LA 70898

Pascha Turner

[e-mail]