BIOLOGIST 1-3 MINDEN- WMA

State of Louisiana; Baton Rouge (LA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries is seeking a Wildlife Biologist (Biologist 1–3) primarily based in the Minden area. The role involves land stewardship, habitat management, and field research across Bayou Pierre, Bodcau, John Franks, Loggy Bayou and Soda Lake WMAs, with statewide involvement.

The position requires a bachelor’s degree in a biological or related science and entails duties from data collection to population assessment, with potential for probationary appointment and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a biological, environmental, wildlife, or related field.
• Criminal background check required for all selected applicants.
• Degree verification via official documentation prior to hire.

Responsibilities

• Participates in land stewardship and habitat management on Region WMAs.
• Oversees projects on WMAs including maintenance and research.
• Collects biological data through surveys, sampling, and population studies.
• Assists in data analysis and contributes to management decisions.

Skills

Wildlife biology

Fieldwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in biological science

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/ MINDEN WMA

This position is a Wildlife and Fisheries Biologist position that receives direct supervision from a Biologist Supervisor based in the Minden field office. This incumbent is responsible for and assists with management, research, and maintenance/development projects on Minden Region WMAs (Bayou Pierre, Bodcau, John Franks, Loggy Bayou, and Soda Lake). This position will also assist with WMA projects and Species Program work statewide.

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 And Other Information

• 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

DOMICILE:

This position will be domiciled in Webster 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.

COMPENSATION:

The salary offered will be determined based on qualifications and experience.

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 below links to learn more about this position.

BIOLOGIST 1

BIOLOGIST 2

BIOLOGIST 3

PHYSICAL REQUIRMENTS:

• 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-out.

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 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

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

Wildlife & Fisheries is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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

More information can be found at https://www.civilservice.louisiana.gov/Parental-Leave/Default.aspx

Holidays and Leave

State employees receive the following paid holidays each year:

• 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

State employees earn sick and annual leave which can be accumulated and saved for future use. Your accrual rate increases as your years of service increase.

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