Wildlife Biologist 2

West Virginia; Springfield (WV); On-site; USD 50,000 - 89,000; Full time

Job summary

West Virginia Wildlife Resources District 2 seeks a Classified-Exempt wildlife biologist to supervise eight staff and perform professional biological work at an advanced and supervisory level. The role includes developing operational and fire plans, administering budgets, and guiding habitat management on Wildlife Management Areas.

The position requires an MS in wildlife or related fields (or PhD/BS with six years of relevant experience), a valid driver’s license, and ability to travel

Qualifications

• MS degree in wildlife or fisheries management and biology, etc.
• Two (2) years of full-time wildlife or fishery management experience or equivalent.
• Substitution allows PhD or BS with six years of wildlife/fishery experience.

Responsibilities

• Supervises 8 wildlife resource specialists and laborers in District 2.
• Develops or assists with operating plans, budgets, prescribed fire plans and management plans.
• Conducts wildlife population surveys and analyzes biological data.
• Assists with wildlife research projects and implements habitat management projects.
• Represents the unit at meetings with sportsmen, landowners and agencies.

Skills

Communication

Education

MS in Wildlife Management

PhD in Wildlife or related field

BS in Wildlife Management

Tools

GIS

Statistical analysis

Job description

Classified-Exempt Position

Wildlife Resources/District 2

Under the supervision of the District Wildlife Biologist, the primary functions include performing professional biological and technical work at the advanced and supervisory level. Assists the District Wildlife Biologist with the supervision and administration of wildlife management activities within District 2; supervises 8 wildlife resource specialists and laborers within the district. Develops or assists with the development of operational plans, budgets, prescribed fire plans, capital improvement plans, P.S. & Es, special land use permits, equipment inventories, and WMA management plans. Work requires the collection and analysis of biological data. Assists with wildlife research projects as assigned. Investigates nuisance and diseased wildlife complaints and aids as needed (knowledge of chemical immobilization and restraint techniques is needed). Dispatches diseased wildlife and collects tissue samples. Assists with implementing prescribed fires. Prepares and executes timber sales on wildlife management areas. Assists with implementation of other habitat management projects such as planting, herbicide application, and mowing. Provides technical assistance/advice to landowners on habitat management and other wildlife-related issues. Conducts wildlife population surveys. Reviews, evaluates, and prepares documentation on potential land acquisitions. May be asked to prepare, review, and edit a variety of Wildlife Resources Section publications, news releases, popular magazine articles, and correspondence for the District Wildlife Biologist and the Supervisor of Game Management, Northern Region. Provides information and education to the public in the form of popular and technical publications, news releases, and verbal presentations. Attends and represents the Wildlife Resources Section at a wide variety of meetings, including sportsmen and landowner groups, and government agencies. Employee must have the ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, and to follow oral and written instructions and exercise sound judgment in decision-making. Employee should have good working knowledge regarding the use of topographic maps and aerial photography. Work requires overnight travel and is often performed outside, in varying weather conditions, over difficult terrain and/or state waters. A valid driver's license is required. Performs other work as required. Regular attendance is required.

Training

Master of Science degree from an accredited college or university with a major in wildlife or fisheries management and biology, fish culture, conservation biology, natural resources, aquatic biology, botany, biological sciences or environmental sciences. Preference will be given to educational and field experience as related to specific job postings.

AND

Experience

Two (2) years of full-time or equivalent part-time paid experience in wildlife or fishery management or related fields.

OR

Substitution

Doctor of Philosophy degree from an accredited college or university with a major in wildlife or fisheries management and biology, fish culture, conservation biology, natural resources, aquatic biology, botany, biological sciences or environmental sciences. OR Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited college or university with a major in wildlife or fisheries management and biology, fish culture, conservation biology, natural resources, aquatic biology, botany, biological sciences or environmental sciences. AND Six (6) years of full-time or equivalent part-time paid experience in wildlife or fishery management or related fields.

Special Requirements

A valid driver’s license is required. May be required to obtain a commercial driver’s license. Skill in swimming, scuba diving, snorkeling, rock-climbing, rappelling and/or trapping may be required for certain positions.

1. Possess an M.S. Degree in Wildlife Management or Wildlife Biology.

2. Experience with forest management, early successional habitat management, or vegetation measurement and inventory.

3. Experience with prescribed fire - training as a burn boss preferred.

4. Experience conducting necropsies and /or field research.

5. Experience with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and/or statistical analysis.

PG: 19 $50,242 - $88,526

Market Rate: $78,617