BIOLOGIST DCL-A/ WATERFOWL

Nunez Community College; Louisiana (MO); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries seeks a Biologist to coordinate the North American Waterfowl Management Plan in Louisiana, focusing on planning, funding, delivering, and evaluating wetland and upland habitat projects. The role supports waterfowl monitoring, banding, and research, and communicates results to staff and the public.

The ideal candidate brings extensive waterfowl biology and habitat management experience, strong independent work skills, and ability to coordinate

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biological science, marine science, environmental science, wildlife or fisheries, animal science, forestry, or natural resources plus four years of experience in wildlife or fisheries, forestry, or environmental science; OR
• A non-thesis master’s degree in a biological science, marine science, environmental science, wildlife or fisheries, animal science, forestry, or natural resources plus three years of the required specialized experience; OR
• A master’s degree with a completed thesis or a doctorate in a biological science, marine science, environmental science, wildlife or fisheries, animal science, forestry, or natural resources plus two years of the required specialized experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage LDWF affiliated NAWCA projects and other waterfowl habitat initiatives
• Plan, implement, and monitor annual waterfowl habitat management on state-owned lands
• Coordinate with Farm Bill staff to improve project delivery and management on Wetland Reserve Easement enhancement projects
• Prepare annual and cumulative program reports
• Participate in population waterfowl surveys via aerial surveys
• Develop and maintain waterfowl banding sites on WMA and private lands
• Participate in mottled duck research, banding, and management
• Train staff in rocket netting methods and bird handling/banding procedures

Skills

Waterfowl biology experience

Habitat management experience

Independent work

Written communication

Field data collection

Physical ability to lift 50 pounds

Education

Bachelor's degree in biological sciences

Four years of wildlife/fisheries/environmental science experience

Non-thesis master's with three years specialized experience

Master's with thesis or doctorate in biological sciences with two years specialized experience

Job description

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 DCL-A/ WATERFOWL-STATEWIDE

The incumbent (Waterfowl Biologist) will coordinate the North American Waterfowl Management Plan (NAWMP) in Louisiana, with primary responsibility for planning, funding, delivering, and evaluating wetland and associated upland habitat projects. The position works with Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) staff, landowners, government agencies, and conservation organizations. It also supports waterfowl population monitoring, banding, and research, and communicates project results to agency staff and the public.

IDEAL CANDIDATE

• Experience in waterfowl biology, wetland habitat management, and development or oversight of habitat restoration projects
• Experience working with private landowners and partners on government or nonprofit wetland habitat enhancement projects
• Ability to work independently, coordinate several projects, and communicate effectively in writing and in person
• Experience with waterfowl capture and banding, field data collection, and aerial survey methods
• Self-motivated individual with strong interest in wetlands, waterfowl and other migratory game birds and ability to work independently on a variety of simultaneous tasks
• Ability to lift 50 pounds

A bachelor’s degree in a biological science, marine science, environmental science, wildlife or fisheries, animal science, forestry, or natural resources plus four years of experience in wildlife or fisheries, forestry, or environmental science; OR

A non-thesis master's degree in a biological science, marine science, environmental science, wildlife or fisheries, animal science, forestry, or natural resources plus three years of the required specialized experience; OR

A master's degree with a completed thesis or a doctorate in a biological science, marine science, environmental science, wildlife or fisheries, animal science, forestry, or natural resources plus two years of the required specialized experience.

Supplemental Qualifications:

• Four years of experience in waterfowl biology, wetland habitat management and development, or oversight of habitat restoration projects.

The official job specifications for this role, as defined by the State Civil Service, can be found here.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Under the direction of the Waterfowl Study Leader, the incumbent will develop and manage LDWF affiliated North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) projects and other waterfowl habitat initiatives such as the Louisiana Mottled Duck Project and Coastal Grasslands Restoration Incentive Program
• Work with operations staff to plan, implement, and monitor annual waterfowl habitat management on state owned lands
• Coordinate with LDWF Farm Bill staff to improve project delivery and management on Wetland Reserve Easement enhancement projects. Work with regional staff to plan and implement wetland habitat management on wildlife management areas (WMAs
• Prepare annual and cumulative program reports
• Participate in population waterfowl surveys via aerial surveys in fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters
• Develop and maintain waterfowl banding sites on WMA and private lands to capture and band wood ducks, black-bellied whistling ducks, and other species as necessary
• Participate in mottled duck research, banding, and management
• Train staff in rocket netting methods, other trapping techniques, and bird handling/banding procedures to maintain a cost-effective and humane program providing high-quality data

POSITION- SPECIFIC DETAILS:

DOMICILE: This position will be domiciled statewide and will be determined once candidate is selected. Potential domiciles include LDWF Field Offices and LDWF Headquarters, Minden (Webster Parish), Monroe (Ouachita Parish), Pineville (Rapides Parish), Lake Charles (Calcasieu Parish), Lafayette (Lafayette Parish), Baton Rouge (East Baton Rouge Parish), and Hammond (Tangipahoa Parish).

APPOINTMENT TYPE:

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.

Wildlife & Fisheries is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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.

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]