Conservation Program Biologist II - Arkansas Game and Fish Commission - Fisheries Division

American Fisheries Society (UK); Brinkley (AR); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is seeking a District Fisheries Supervisor to oversee a team of biologists, plan field surveys, and manage budgets across a nine-county area in east central Arkansas. You will lead population assessments, conduct stakeholder engagement, and coordinate with agencies and officials on management plans.

The role requires a bachelor’s degree in biology or related field plus 3 years of fisheries experience, including leadership.

Qualifications

• Formal education in biology, ecology, or fisheries management with 3+ years of experience including leadership.
• Leadership experience in a supervisory role is preferred.
• Ability to plan work unit objectives and manage budgets.

Responsibilities

• Supervise a professional staff, assign and review work, and evaluate performance.
• Plan and implement projects across streams, reservoirs, and hatchery facilities.
• Coordinate and lead biological surveys and data analyses; publish reports.

Skills

Biology principles

Fisheries techniques

Survey methods

Public presentations

Budget management

Team leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in biology/ecology/fisheries management

Master's degree in fisheries management

Tools

Laboratory equipment

Job description

SUMMARY:

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) Conservation Program Biologist II (FISHERIES DIVISION) is responsible for supervising a fisheries management resource. This position is governed by state and federal laws and agency/institution policy.

TYPICAL FUNCTIONS:

• Supervises a small to medium-sized professional staff by interviewing, recommending hire or termination, assigning and reviewing work, evaluating employee performance, and training employees.
• Addresses program, district, hatchery, and divisional administrative duties
• Directs the planning, preparation, and implementation of projects on Arkansas’ streams, rivers, reservoirs, and fish culture facilities.
• Develops aquatic species conservation plans, aquatic species management plans, stream and river management plans, and reservoir management plans.
• Coordinates and leads biological surveys and studies of aquatic fauna, determining vital rate functions that shape population structure and condition. Statistically analyzes data, writes summary reports, and publishes peer-reviewed journal articles.
• Coordinates the gathering of public input through public meetings, angler creel surveys, and other survey methods.
• Communicates regularly with the appropriate assistant chief and/or fisheries district coordinators regarding oversight for budgets, contracts, and grants.
• Develops and maintains program, district, or hatchery budgets.
• Serves on internal working groups, as well as external statewide, regional, and national working groups and teams.
• Coordinates public relations work with various agencies, private industry, professional and civic organizations, and outdoor recreational groups.
• Must understand and be willing to function in a multi-faceted, team-oriented work environment. Must maintain close individual contact with and develop solid working relationships with all Fisheries Division, agency, and partner organization personnel.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

SPECIFIC JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

As an AGFC District Fisheries Supervisor (Conservation Program Biologist II), you will join a highly-trained, progressive team of fisheries scientists working to improve conservation and management of aquatic resources in Arkansas.

You will receive outstanding training and competitive pay and benefits, and are responsible for fisheries management activities within a district, with opportunities to collaborate on projects throughout the state. Job duties include: standardized fish population surveys, onsite and offsite angler surveys, stakeholder engagement, fish habitat improvement projects, analysis of survey data, preparation of annual fishery sample report management plans, all district administrative duties, fishing access development, and working with other agencies and elected officials on improving fisheries resources.

This position serves as the Fisheries District 4 Supervisor in east central Arkansas, and other duties include:

• Coordinating field sampling in a nine-county area
• Managing district budget and assets
• Leading staff of full-time management biologist and part-time biological technician
• Providing management assistance to owners of private waterbodies
• Recommending changes to harvest regulations on public waterbodies
• Drafting waterbody management plans
• Leading district to meet the waterbody management plan, division, and agency strategic plan objectives

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS:

• Knowledge of the principles of biology, ecology, and related environmental sciences
• Knowledge of fisheries principles and techniques
• Knowledge of laboratory and field survey equipment, techniques, and procedures
• Knowledge of supervisory practices and procedures
• Knowledge of state purchasing procedures
• Ability to plan work unit objectives and operational activities and to assign and direct the work of subordinates
• Ability to make public presentations
• Ability to plan and direct scientific surveys and studies
• Ability to develop, implement, and monitor fisheries plans and programs

PRFERRED KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS:

• Knowledge of fish population dynamics, population simulation modeling, and common statistical analysis
• Skill in working with the public
• Experience in current fish sampling techniques
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Physically able to work long hours, sometimes under harsh or physically demanding conditions
• Strong teamwork concept, yet capable of completing a task without close supervision
• Strong organizational skills.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

The formal education equivalent of a bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, fisheries management, or a related field; plus three years of experience in fisheries or a related field, including one year in a leadership capacity. OTHER JOB-RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE HUMAN RESOURCES CHIEF.

PREFERRED MINIMUM EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

A master's degree in fisheries management

SPECIAL JOB DIMENSIONS:

Frequent in-state travel and field work with exposure to inclement weather are required.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

• Must possess a valid Arkansas driver’s license.Class
• A CDL may be required based on job duties assigned.
• Must acquire and maintain professional accreditation in the area of expertise.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The duty station for this position may be either the Brinkley Regional Office or the Joe Hogan State Fish Hatchery in Lonoke.

For additional information, contact Justin Homan at 870-318-5987.

All applicants are subject to a criminal background check.