HABITAT MANAGEMENT BIOLOGIST I (Job ID: 53426)

Sowela; Concord (NH); On-site; USD 35,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

State of New Hampshire Fish and Game Department in Concord seeks a Habitat Management Biologist I to oversee habitat improvement projects on Wildlife Management Areas, develop management plans, and support inter-agency land management goals. The role involves field work, data analysis, and coordinating with contractors and staff to achieve conservation objectives.

The position requires a bachelor’s degree in biology or related field and experience in wildlife or fisheries management, with

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 1.5 years of experience OR equivalent combination of 5.5 years of education and experience after completion of high school.
• Education and experience must be in biology, wildlife or fisheries management, wildlife or fisheries research, or related field.
• License/Certification: Valid Driver’s license
• MVR must meet minimum standards as established by the agency
• Must be able to lift a minimum of 50 pounds.
• Must be able to work long hours in hot, cold, or wet conditions.
• Requires medium to heavy work including frequent reaching, bending or lifting and operating machines or equipment

Responsibilities

• Identifies, plans, implements and supervises habitat improvement projects on Wildlife Management Areas with a focus on early successional habitats.
• Develops contracts and supervises the work of contractors, seasonal employees and volunteers to meet long term objectives of the Wildlife Habitat Program.
• Assists with infrastructure projects such as sign installations, gate installations, and repairs of woods roads and stream crossings.
• Coordinates agriculture leases on WMAs including issuing requests for farming proposals and monitoring farming activities for compliance.
• Provides technical expertise and support to landowners, town, state, and federal officials on wildlife habitat management.
• Operates and maintains Department tractors and other equipment to mow, spread seed and fertilizer, and conduct other land management activities.
• Coordinates invasive plant management projects on WMAs and other state land through planning, treatments, and supervision of contracts.
• Participates in wildlife data collection and activities such as goose banding and deer checks as assigned.
• Represents the Department at committees and meetings and may assist with testimony regarding proposed legislation.
• Manages, maintains, and updates information on habitat and forest resources in the state land database and prepares reports for habitat and WMA programs.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biology / Wildlife or related field

Job description

State of New Hampshire Job Posting

NH Fish and Game Department

Wildlife Division

11 Hazen Drive Concord NH 03301

HABITAT MANAGEMENT BIOLOGIST I

Position #43037

Starting pay range: $25.40/hour - $34.14/hour

See total compensation information at the bottom of announcement.

The State of New Hampshire, NH Fish and Game Department has a full-time vacancy for Habitat Management Biologist I

Summary

To perform field work, research, collect data, organize, and implement habitat improvement projects on state lands as part of the inter-agency cooperative state land management program. Develops management plans, analyzes data, and prepares documents for the purpose of achieving management goals on state lands, Wildlife Management Areas, and to assess environmental impacts. Assists with general stewardship of Wildlife Management Areas.

YOUR EXPERIENCE COUNTS

Each additional year of approved formal education may be substituted for one year of required work experience and/or each additional year of approved work experience may be substituted for one year of required formal education.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Experience: Bachelor's degree and 1.5 years of experience OR equivalent combination of 5.5 years of education and experience after completion of high school. Education and experience must be in biology, wildlife or fisheries management, wildlife or fisheries research, or related field.

License/Certification: Valid Driver’s license

Other Requirements

1. 1. Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) must meet the minimum standards as established by the agency
2. 2. Must be able to lift a minimum of 50 pounds.
3. 3. Must be able to work long hours in hot, cold, or wet conditions.
4. 4. Requires medium to heavy work, including continuous strenuous activities such as frequent reaching, bending or lifting as well as performing work activities which require fine manual dexterity or coordination in operating machines or equipment

Trainee Option: Candidates with an equivalent combination of 4.5+ years of relevant education and experience after completion of high school may be considered and hired in 'trainee status' for this position.

AFTER-HIRE REQUIREMENTS

1. 1. Must possess and maintain a valid Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) or obtain within 12 months of hire.
2. 2. Must possess and maintain certification as a Prescribed Firefighter I as defined by the New Hampshire Prescribed Fire Council or obtain within 12 months of hire.
3. 3. Must possess and maintain a State of New Hampshire Commercial Pesticide Applicator License at the supervisory level or obtain within 12 months of hire.

CAREER ADVANCEMENT OPPORTUNITIES

In-Band Advancement Available: Yes No

Criteria: None

Broad Group Level Advancement Available: Yes No

Criteria: None

When applicable, the work of an employee in trainee status in this position shall be overseen by a fully qualified individual. An employee in trainee status shall meet the minimum qualifications within the period of time specified on the SJD, not to exceed one year of being hired into this position.

Responsibilities

DETAILED TASKS (STANDARD): None

DETAILED TASKS (AGENCY/POSITION-SPECIFIC)

Identifies, plans, implements and supervises habitat improvement projects on Wildlife Management Areas (WMA) and other state-owned lands with a focus on early successional habitats. Habitat management activities to include, but not be limited to, prescribed burning, mowing, planting, and herbicide applications.

Develops contracts and supervises (accepts/rejects) the work of contractors, seasonal employees and volunteers, as appropriate, to meet long term objectives of the Wildlife Habitat Program ensuring work adheres to state and federal regulatory standards.

Assists the WMA Land Manager with infrastructure projects such as property sign and gate installations, and repairs of woods roads and stream crossings. Assists with general WMA stewardship including, but not limited to, evaluating public use of WMAs, making recommendations to address conflicting uses and implementing corrective actions, and assisting the Land Surveyor with boundary line maintenance as needed.

Coordinates agriculture leases on WMAs including issuing requests for farming proposals when relevant, and monitoring farming activities to ensure compliance with WMA wildlife habitat objectives and lease agreements.

Provides technical expertise and support to landowners, town, state, and federal government officials on wildlife habitat management as it pertains to wildlife, public safety, and recreational use goals.

Operates and maintains the Department tractor and other equipment to mow, cut brush, spread seed and fertilizer, and conduct other land management activities to achieve wildlife habitat improvement objectives. Operates and maintains Department equipment, such as vehicles, ATVs, saws and power tools, as needed, to accomplish program objectives.

Coordinates invasive plant management projects on WMA’s and other state land through surveying, site reviews, planning, applying mechanical or chemical treatments, developing and supervising contracts, and other activities.

Participates in wildlife data collection and activities such as goose banding, biological check stations for deer, pheasant stocking, and similar Wildlife Division duties as assigned.

Represents the Department as an official designee and primary contact to committees and other local, state, or regional meetings as assigned. May assist with perpetration of testimony regarding relevant proposed legislation as necessary.

Manages, maintains, and updates information on habitat and forest resources, stewardship issues, and infrastructure in the state land database and prepares documents and reports in support of habitat, WMA management, and related programs.

For further information please contact Hiring Manager, James Oehler [phone] or via email [e-mail]. or Dee Grimes Human Resource Administrator [phone] or via email [e-mail].

TOTAL COMPENSATION INFORMATION

The State of NH total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits, including:

HMO or POS Medical and Prescription Drug Benefits

The actual value of State-paid health benefits and the amount of employee health benefit contributions may vary depending on the type of plan selected and the bargaining unit with which a position is associated.

See this link for details on State-paid health benefits

https://www.das.nh.gov/hr/benefits.aspx

Value of State's share of Employee's Retirement: 12.87% of pay

Other Benefits

• *Dental Plan at minimal cost for employees and their families ($500-$1800 value)
• * Flexible Spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts
• *State defined benefit retirement plan and Deferred Compensation 457(b) plan
• *Work/life balance flexible schedules, paid holidays and generous leave plan
• *$50,000 state-paid life insurance plus additional low-cost group life insurance
• *Incentive-based Wellness Program (ability to earn up to $500)

Total Compensation Statement Worksheet:

https://www.das.nh.gov/jobsearch/compensation-calculator.aspx

Want the specifics? Explore the Benefits of State Employment on our website

https://www.das.nh.gov/hr/documents/BenefitBrochure.pdf

https://www.das.nh.gov/hr/index.aspx

EOE

TDD Access: Relay NH 1-800-735-2964