BIOLOGIST SUPERVISOR : PINEVILLE / RAPIDES

State of Louisiana; Pineville (LA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries in Pineville, LA is seeking a supervisor of biologists and technical staff to oversee data collection, analysis and field monitoring of freshwater fisheries and habitats.

The role requires leadership, strong knowledge of fisheries science, and the ability to manage large teams while collaborating with agencies and stakeholders. The position emphasizes QA/QC and effective communication.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Supervises and establishes operational priorities for the organizational or work unit/geographical area.
• Performs administrative functions including correspondence, budget request, inventory control, and fleet management.
• Manages personnel: hiring, promotions, performance reviews, training, counseling and discipline; approves time/attendance and leave.
• Directs fisheries, aquatic vegetation and habitat monitoring, production and/or research activities to gather data on species distribution and habitat quality.
• Investigates fish kills, oil spills, hurricanes and other natural resource damage and assesses injury to populations and habitats.
• Supervises projects to mitigate impacts of natural disasters on resources and fishing industries.
• Ensures QA/QC protocols for all data collected.
• Designs and directs management and/or research projects related to status of injuries to fisheries or habitats.
• Analyses data, prepares and presents technical reports, and recommends management measures and seasons.
• Presents information to media, public, officials, industry, and groups.

Skills

Fisheries management

Aquatic habitats

Laboratory & field sampling

Data collection methods

Research & statistics

Staff supervision

Written & oral communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in biological or environmental sciences

Master's degree with 3+ years experience

PhD or terminal degree in related field with 2+ years experience

Tools

Statistical software

GIS

Laboratory equipment

Job description

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.

• 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

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.

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.

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

The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is a State As a Model Employer (SAME) agency 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 http://www.laworks.net/Downloads/LRS/EmploymentResourceGuide_2018.pdf (Download PDF reader)

Wildlife & Fisheries is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Contact Information

Department of Wildlife & Fisheries

Human Resources

P.O. Box 98000

Baton Rouge, LA 70898

Pascha Turner

[e-mail]