BIOLOGIST SUPERVISOR : PINEVILLE / RAPIDES

State of Louisiana; Baton Rouge (LA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Parental Leave

Job summary

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is seeking a supervisor for a workgroup focused on freshwater fishery and habitat resources. The role oversees biologists and technical staff, gathering and analyzing data to support sustainable resources.

Broad supervision comes from a higher level biologist manager. Essential duties include supervising priorities, budgeting, personnel management, and directing field and laboratory activities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a biological or related field plus four years of relevant experience; or
• Non-thesis master's degree plus three years of experience; or
• Master’s with thesis or Doctorate plus two years of experience.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and set priorities for staff within the work unit.
• Manage personnel actions: hiring, performance reviews, training, and discipline.
• Direct data collection, monitoring, and habitat assessment activities.
• Analyze data and prepare reports to inform fisheries management decisions.
• Represent the unit in committees and with stakeholders.

Skills

Fisheries management

Aquatic habitats

Lab equipment

Data collection

Statistics

Delegation

Team collaboration

Communication

Analytical thinking

Work ethic

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in biological sciences

Non-thesis master's degree in biological sciences

Master's or Doctorate in related field

Tools

Field sampling equipment

QA/QC protocols

Data analysis software

Job description

About This Job

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is responsible for managing and protecting the state’s renewable natural resources, including all wildlife and aquatic life. LDWF supports a strong work ethic in its employees and incorporates the use of good science, accurate information and technology. The Office of Fisheries exists to ensure that aquatic resources are sustainable for present and future generations of Louisiana citizens by providing access and scientific management.

This position is domiciled in Pineville, Louisiana, serving as a supervisor of lower level biologists and/or technical staff in a workgroup that gathers and analyzes data to monitor, preserve, manage and enhance freshwater fishery and habitat resources. Broad supervision is received from a higher level biologist manager.

Key Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Knowledge and strong understanding of fisheries management techniques
• Knowledge and strong understanding of aquatic organisms and their habitats
• Knowledge of various laboratory and field sampling equipment, specifically in freshwater environments
• Knowledge of data collecting techniques
• Knowledge and strong understanding of research and statistical methods
• Ability to delegate tasks and effectively manage a large staff
• Ability to work independently, as well as collaboratively, in a team environment
• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing
• Ability to think analytically and problem-solve
• Possesses strong work ethic and initiative
• Possesses good interpersonal skills

Minimum Qualifications

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.

Job Specification

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

Job Duties

Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Supervises and establishes operational priorities for the organizational or work unit/geographical area
• Performs administrative functions in the area of responsibility, including correspondence, budget request, inventory control, fleet management, purchasing, equipment use and buildings and grounds
• Manages personnel: recommends hiring, promotions, conducts performance reviews, employee training, counseling and discipline; approves time/attendance and leave requests
• Directs fisheries, aquatic vegetation and habitat monitoring, production and/or research activities for species and habitats in the unit/area to gather data on species distribution and abundance and habitat quality
• Investigates fish kills, oil spills, hurricanes and other natural resource damage, and assesses injury to populations and related habitats
• Supervises projects to mitigate impacts of natural disasters on resources and fishing industries
• Ensures quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) protocols for all data collected
• Designs, implements and directs management and/or research projects related to status of or injuries to fisheries or related habitats
• Analyzes data, prepares and presents technical and informational reports, and recommends fisheries and habitat enhancement and conservation measures, opening and closing of harvest seasons, season extensions and special seasons
• Participates in state/local committees, workgroups, and taskforces to further resource management and fishing access
• Presents technical and other fishery research and management information to: news media, general public, state and local elected officials, seafood industry, recreational fishers, conservation organizations, school and civic groups and private industry

Position‑Specific Details

Appointment Type: Probational Appointment, Job Appointment, Detail to Special Duty, Promotion (open to all statewide classified and agency wide permanent status employees)

Career Progression: This position does not participate in a Career Progression Group

Compensation: The salary offered will be determined based on qualifications and experience

Current permanent status classified state employees may be required to accept a Probational appointment if selected. If filled as a Job Appointment, there is a possibility that this position may be converted to a Probational Appointment should funding become available.

Contact Information

Department of Wildlife & Fisheries

Human Resources

P.O. Box 98000

Baton Rouge, LA 70898

Pascha Turner

[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.

Benefits and Pay

Insurance Coverage More information can be found at https://info.groupbenefits.org/

• Parental Leave – Up to six weeks paid parental leave

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

Wildlife & Fisheries is an Equal Opportunity Employer

The agency participates in the E-Verify system for verification of citizenship and employement authorization.