Aquatic Habitat Biologist

SALARY
$6,171.35 – $6,857.05 Monthly

JOB TYPE
Full Time

JOB NUMBER
2023-02413

DEPARTMENT
040-Game & Fish

OPENING DATE
12/19/2023

Description and Functions

Open Until Filled

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: 

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department seeks an Aquatic Habitat Biologist located in the Lander region. This position works to conserve and enhance the aquatic resources of northwestern Wyoming.  The position plans, designs, conducts, implements, and directs activities which maintain or enhance habitat for all aquatic wildlife on a watershed basis.

Human Resource Contact: Alice Saldana / alice.saldana2@wyo.gov 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:  The listed functions are illustrative only and are not intended to describe every function which may be performed in the job level.

• Designs and develops project plans, obtains funding and permits, supervises, coordinates, and completes habitat restoration or enhancement activities to restore or improve aquatic habitat or minimize loss of habitat.
• Collects, analyzes, and evaluates habitat and biological data, prepares reports, and makes recommendations for management actions on a watershed basis.
• Provides habitat extension services to landowners, conservation organizations, and the general public.
• Implements the Wyoming Game & Fish Department’s Statewide Habitat Plan, including reviewing and ranking regional projects.
• Provides expert evaluation of environmental impacts associated with various proposed developments suggesting remedial or mitigating actions when appropriate.
• Provides public awareness and knowledge of the value of healthy habitats and the desirability of maintaining diverse, productive, and sustainable watersheds.
• Coordinates and communicates with federal land management agencies and other federal, state, and local agencies on habitat-based projects and efforts.
• Participates in federal land management planning efforts.
• Attends department, state, and professional society-sponsored meetings and training to improve watershed and stream habitat management and restoration knowledge and skills.
• Provides presentations on aquatic habitat-related topics to public and professional groups.
• Keeps updated on new aquatic habitat, stream restoration, and watershed management practices and skills through reading literature and interacting with other professionals.

Qualifications

PREFERENCES: 

• Preference may be given to those with a master’s degree in natural resource/fisheries management, biology, hydrology, fluvial geomorphology, zoology, or a closely related field, plus two years of professional work experience in wildlife or fish resource management, research, or habitat development.
• Preference may be given to applicants who submit a cover letter and resume to Lara Gertsch, Assistant Aquatic Habitat Manager (lara.gertsch@wyo.gov), in addition to submitting the state application.

KNOWLEDGE: 

• Knowledge of river mechanics, stream restoration principles, and hydraulic relationships.
• Knowledge of habitat quality and condition, habitat management, and habitat manipulation, as well as habitat requirements of fish and wildlife species.
• Knowledge of environmental permitting regulations and processes for aquatic habitat restoration projects.
• Ability to communicate (orally and written) clearly and effectively with technical people, private landowners, the general public, supervisory staff, and decision-making staff.
• Skilled in Word, Excel, and GIS technologies (ArcView, All-Topo, GPS).
• Ability to effectively work in team settings and listen to partners and cooperators.
• Ability to apply diverse technical information for planning, designing, directing, and monitoring activities relative to habitat management and watershed restoration.
• Ability to track and manage budgets.
• Ability to prepare and complete work plans.
• Skill in designing and implementing scientifically valid research and monitoring investigations.
• Knowledge of State and Department policies, procedures, guidelines, and regulations.
• Ability to write clear and concise project proposals and technical reports on time.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
 
Education:

Bachelor’s Degree (typically in Wildlife Management)

Experience:
1-2 years progressive work experience (typically in Wildlife Management) with acquired knowledge at the level of a Wildlife Biologist II
 
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:
None
 
OR
 
Education & Experience Substitution:
4-6 years of progressive work experience (typically in Wildlife Management) with acquired knowledge at the level of a Wildlife Biologist II
 
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:
None

PHYSICAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Must have a flexible schedule and be able to work long hours and different times and days (including weekends and nights, as needed).
• Ability to work in inclement weather.
• Will work and camp in the field for up to 8 days at a time.
• Moderate amounts of travel across the state is required.
• Ability to safely operate motorized equipment, including 4X4 pickup trucks, ATVs, and towing trailers.
• The position requires lifting heavy objects and strenuous exertion at times.
• Travel is required.

NOTES: 

FLSA:  Exempt
Successful applicants for employment must pass a background check prior to appointment. 
CDL is NOT required for this position.

Supplemental Information

040-Game & Fish- Fish  Division

Click here to view the State of Wyoming Classification and Pay Structure.

URL: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/wyoming/default.cfm 

The State of Wyoming is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively supports the ADA and reasonably accommodates qualified applicants with disabilities.

Class Specifications are subject to change, please refer to the A & I HRD Website to ensure that you have the most recent version.