BIOLOGIST 3

State of Nevada (NV); Reno (NV); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Nevada Department of Wildlife is seeking Biologist positions within the Game Management Division to lead fisheries, wildlife and habitat projects, collect data, and provide analyses and recommendations for management strategies.

Incumbents will coordinate with field staff, monitor populations, respond to conflicts, and contribute to land management planning and regulatory actions using field and data management techniques.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biology/wildlife management and 3 years of wildlife management experience.
• Experience with data collection, analysis, and interpretation for field projects.
• Ability to develop project proposals and work plans.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate with Game Division and field staff for field and data management work.
• Conduct population monitoring and collect biological samples.
• Respond to human-wildlife conflicts in urban and resource areas.
• Organize and conduct wildlife, botanical and habitat surveys.
• Prepare reports, maps and management recommendations.
• Represent the department to the public and regulatory bodies.

Skills

Ecology knowledge

Survey techniques

Data analysis

Wildlife handling

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in biology/wildlife management

Tools

Field equipment

GPS

Electroshocking equipment

Job description

Nevada Department of Wildlife Game Management Division is recruiting for Biologist position(s). Biologists conduct fisheries, wildlife and/or habitat management projects, data collection, analysis, and interpretation; develop and implement project proposals and work plans; prepare recommendations; and participate in public relations activities. Incumbents possess a degree of knowledge and proficiency sufficient to perform work independently with little or no additional training. Incumbent will be responsible for coordinating with Game Division and field staff to effectively and efficiently conduct both field and data management work. Population monitoring, data collection, and management of game species within their jurisdiction. Monitor wildlife for disease, recruitment, and movement, as well as collecting and transporting biological samples. Individuals are responsible for responding to Human-wildlife conflicts for predatory and non-predatory wildlife throughout resource area and in the urban setting. Position will also assist other Area Biologists with big game and upland game surveys including helicopter surveys, ground surveys, fixed-wing surveys, and surveys from ATV’s.

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 as 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