BIOLOGIST 1-3 : MINDEN/WEBSTER

State of Louisiana; Minden (LA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is seeking a Biologist to support inland fisheries near Minden, LA. You will oversee contractor activities, conduct aquatic herbicide applications, and collect field data to guide control efforts.

The role requires a relevant degree and the ability to obtain a herbicide applicator license. You will participate in environmental investigations, vegetation surveys, and collaborative research, contributing to public access and fisheries program

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biological sciences or related field.
• Must be able to obtain certified herbicide applicator license and training.
• Experience with aquatic plant control is preferred.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Aquatic plant ID

Data entry

Data analysis

Report writing

Vessel operation

Education

Bachelor's degree in biological sciences or related field

Job description

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:

• 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)

Any qualifying experience that is based on college credit/college hours should have an accompanying transcript for verification. A criminal background check will be required of all selected applicants. Any degrees, certificates, 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.

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]