BIOLOGIST DCL-A/ WATERFOWL

State of Louisiana; Oregon; Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

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

Ideal candidates will have deep waterfowl biology experience, habitat restoration skills, and the ability to work independently with private landowners and partners.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a biological science, marine science, environmental science, wildlife or fisheries, animal science, forestry or natural resources with 4+ years in wildlife or fisheries.
• Non-thesis master's degree in a biological science with 3+ years of specialized experience.
• Master’s with thesis or Doctorate in a biological field plus 2+ years of specialized experience.
• Experience in waterfowl biology and habitat restoration projects.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage NAWCA projects and other waterfowl habitat initiatives.
• Plan, implement, and monitor annual waterfowl habitat management on state lands.
• Improve project delivery with LDWF Farm Bill staff and plan WMAs habitat work.
• Prepare annual and cumulative program reports.
• Participate in population surveys via aerial methods.
• Develop waterfowl banding sites on public and private lands.
• Train staff in rocket netting and banding procedures.

Skills

Waterfowl biology

Wetland habitat management

Habitat restoration

Landowner liaison

Independent coordination

Written communication

Waterfowl capture

Field data collection

Aerial surveys

Lifting 50 pounds

Education

Bachelor's degree in biological sciences

Non-thesis master's in biological sciences

Master's with thesis or Doctorate in biological sciences

Tools

Rocket netting

Banding equipment

Aerial survey equipment

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: 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.

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

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.

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]