BIOLOGIST 3

State of Nevada (NV); Carson City (NV); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

The Division of Forestry in Carson City seeks a Biologist 3 to administer the state flora program, review NEPA and permitting, and oversee contracts and permits related to protected flora. The role includes on-site consultations, data analysis, and coordination with state, tribal, and local partners.

Requirements include a Bachelor's in biology or wildlife management and 3 years of wildlife management experience, or 2 years as Biologist II, with potential travel across the state.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biology, wildlife management or closely related field is required and three years of professional wildlife management experience.
• Or two years of experience as a Biologist II in Nevada State service; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Supervise and participate in wildlife, botanical and habitat studies to protect resources and determine management needs.

Responsibilities

• Organize and implement fish, wildlife, botanical and habitat surveys; plan personnel, equipment and supplies.
• Analyze data and prepare species distribution maps; evaluate trends for management needs.
• Coordinate with state and regional agencies and present information to boards and public.

Skills

Ecology

Survey techniques

Statistics

Wildlife management

Report writing

Education

Bachelor's degree in biology, wildlife management or closely related field

Tools

Word processing

Spreadsheet

Database management

Job description

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (NDCNR), protects, manages, and enhances the State's resources to provide the highest quality of life for Nevada's citizens and visitors. The NDCNR with over 900 employees consists of the Director's Office and the following divisions and programs: Environmental Protection, Forestry, State Lands, State Parks, Water Resources, Outdoor Recreation, Natural Heritage, State Historic Preservation Office, Off-Highway Vehicles, Sagebrush Ecosystem, and the Conservation Districts Program. The Department also provides support staff to the Nevada Tahoe Regional Planning Agency and has responsibility for numerous Boards, Commissions, and Councils. The Department has locations and/or provides program services in every community of the State.

The Division of Forestry (NDF) is recruiting for a Biologist 3 located in our Carson City office. The Biologist 3 position administers the state protected flora program, and is responsible to, administer, monitor, inspect, and evaluate Section 6 Grants, Critically Endangered Plant Permits, scopes of work, executed contracts, and requests for proposals as they relate to protected flora throughout the state. The position is responsible for reviewing NEPA and State Permitting processes. This position also establishes and collects performance bonds to ensure contractor performance, resource protection and is responsible to inspect all permitted activities for compliance with approved plans. Up to 50% of travel throughout the state may be occasionally required. Responsibilities include to pursue range, forest, and watershed actions that result in the accomplishment of the agency mission as allowed under NRS 472, 527, 528 or other applicable federal, state, and local laws and policies. Provide technical assistance to State, Tribal, Local Governments, NDF employees, and private landowners on natural resource matters through on-site consultations, educational materials, or workshops and/or coordinate with NDF and other agency staff. Provides professional and specialist grade knowledge and expertise in the areas of natural resource management, vegetation ecology, endangered/protected/threatened/sensitive species.

Biologists conduct fisheries, wildlife, botanical and/or habitat management projects and research studies including data collection, analysis and interpretation; develop and implement project proposals and work plans; prepare recommendations; and participate in public relations activities.Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in biology, wildlife management or closely related field and three years of professional wildlife management experience such conducting research studies including data collection, analysis and interpretation; development and implementation of project proposals for fisheries, wildlife and/or habitat management projects; OR two years of experience as a Biologist II in Nevada State service; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience as described above.Supervise and participate in wildlife, botanical and habitat studies to protect and preserve the State’s wildlife and natural resources; conduct wildlife surveys and inventories to determine a population’s composition, productivity, reproductive status and condition in order to develop recommendations regarding hunting seasons, stocking practices and bag limitsor determine conservation status.

• Organize and implement fish, wildlife, botanical and habitat surveys; identify survey areas and schedule required personnel, equipment and supplies; collect data using a variety of techniques and equipment such as field observation, helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft, electroshocking, population marking, tagging, angler/hunter questionnaires, bag checks and creel surveys.
• Analyze data by applying mathematical and statistical formulas to calculate population status; prepare species distribution and density maps; evaluate trend data and document the status and management needs of fish, wildlife, botanical and habitat resources; prepare species and habitat management recommendations and technical reports.
• Provide survey data and analysis as input to land management planning processes; review and evaluate established and proposed land, water and resource use documents; prepare correspondence and technical reports concerning the issues and consequences of proposed actions; appear before regulatory, governing and advisory boards and commissions to explain and defend the agency’s position and answer questions.
• Manipulate fish and wildlife populations and habitats by introducing species into suitable habitats consistent with biological and social constraints; bait and trap, tranquilize, radio collar or band wildlife and transport to selected locations; modify habitats in order to meet resource needs and associated uses; monitor released animals to assess project results.
• Investigate and assess damage caused by wildlife upon private property and public lands; recommend appropriate courses of action to mitigate or resolve the problem.
• Draft species management plans; develop season and harvest recommendations and implement related regulations; analyze and evaluate data, reports and proposals; make program recommendations in accordance with consumptive, non-consumptive and recreational needs of the public and the preservation of wildlife resources and habitats.
• Coordinate State and regional level activities with other federal and Stateagencies, special interest groups and the public; represent the department and provide information to the public and governmental entities; make presentations; appear before governmental and regulatory bodies; prepare press releases and interact with the media; may serve on committees for the Board of Wildlife Commissioners.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Under general supervision, incumbents perform the duties outlined above. This is the journey level in the series.

This job specification lists the major knowledge, skills and abilities of the job and is not all inclusive. Incumbent(s) will be expected to have knowledge, skills and abilities from a previous level.

Working knowledge of:

• principles of ecology required to analyze the effect of environmental changes and land use practices on specific fish, wildlife and plant species
• survey techniques and equipment
• statistical concepts and principles used to analyze data and develop a management strategy
• methodology and equipment required to capture, restrain and transport wild animals
• pharmacology and use of a variety of drugs administered to capture and treat animals
• animal anatomy and physiology
• operation of hand and power tools used in construction of wildlife enhancement projects

Ability to:

• write clear and concise technical reports and recommendations
• present information to various audiences concerning ecological relationships, division policies and recommendations, and wildlife control
• maintain and operate various types of equipment such as nets, clover traps, tranquilizer equipment, gill net, and others
• operate and maintain specialized equipment such as 4-wheel drive vehicles, boats, snowmobiles, optical instruments, animal marking and tagging equipment
• conduct surveys from the ground, water or air
• operate a computer including word processing, spreadsheet, database management and other software
• organize and prioritize work assignments.