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

American Fisheries Society (UK); Hope (AR); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission in Arkansas seeks a Conservation Program Biologist II to supervise a district fisheries team and oversee management actions for aquatic resources across southwest Arkansas. You will lead field surveys, develop management plans, and coordinate budgets and stakeholder engagement.

Responsibilities include directing projects on streams and reservoirs, analyzing data, publishing results, and collaborating with agencies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, fisheries management or related field plus 3 years of fisheries experience including 1 year in a leadership capacity.
• Master's degree in fisheries management strongly preferred.
• Frequent in-state travel and fieldwork with exposure to inclement weather.
• Must possess a valid Arkansas driver’s license; Class A CDL may be required.
• All applicants subject to a criminal background check.

Responsibilities

• Supervises professional staff: interviews, hiring, assigning work, evaluating performance, and training.
• Directs planning and implementation of projects on streams, reservoirs, and fish culture facilities.
• Develops aquatic species management and conservation plans.
• Coordinates biological surveys and analyzes data; writes reports and publications.
• Engages public input through meetings and surveys; coordinates budgets and grants.

Skills

Supervisory leadership

Public presentations

Team coordination

Budget management

Education

Bachelor's in biology/ecology/fisheries

Leadership experience

Tools

Survey equipment

Laboratory techniques

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 will be 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 and analysis of survey data
• Preparation of annual fishery sample report management plans
• All district administrative duties
• Fishing access development
• Working with other agencies and elected officials on improving fisheries resources

This position is located in southwest Arkansas and spans the southern Ouachita Mountains and western South Central Plains ecoregions. Fisheries resources are abundant and include the Red, Cossatot, Little Missouri, and Saline rivers, as well as lakes Millwood, Dierks, DeQueen, Gillham, Bois D'Arc, and Mercer Bayou.

This position works under the supervision of the Fisheries District Coordinator in the Management Section of the Fisheries Division

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

PREFERRED 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 skills, 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 is strongly preferred.

SPECIAL JOB DIMENSIONS:

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

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

Must possess a valid Arkansas driver’s license.

A Class A CDL may be required based on assigned job duties.

Must acquire and maintain professional accreditation in the area of expertise.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

All applicants are subject to a criminal background check.

For questions or additional information about the position, please contact Sean Lusk, Fisheries District Coordinator, by email at [e-mail] or by phone at 501-802-1112.