Biologist 1 – Biodiversity Division

This position within the Biodiversity Division at Nevada Department of Wildlife works on a variety of taxa including mammals, birds, and reptiles with surveys, monitoring efforts, and management activities that shift from year to year. The position is part of a dynamic team working collaboratively across the state on wildlife conservation and management implementing the goals and actions described within the State Wildlife Action Plan, both within the Biodiversity Division and the Department as a whole. The primary duties of this position involve the coordination and implementation of non-game wildlife management in the southern region. This position is responsible for species and habitat management, wildlife resource review activities with the NDOW Technical Review Program, compiling, analyzing, and summarizing data. The incumbent will prepare data into various reports, coordinate with partners and other NDOW divisions to implement conservation actions, education and outreach, and adherence to wildlife management. Incumbent will also assist with coordination of endangered species management and recovery actions. Effective communication and interpersonal skills are essential as this position regularly works across jurisdictional boundaries interacting with outside agencies, private industry, and the general public. Experience in management of native reptiles a plus. Regular travel is required. Applicant should be comfortable with physically demanding outdoor work, camping in remote places, hiking long distances, and exposure to inclement weather. This position is being recruited at Biologist 1, 2 and 3 levels. Apply for any or all levels that you feel you meet the position minimum qualifications.

Biologists conduct fisheries, wildlife, botanical and/or habitat management projects and research studies including data collection, analysis and interpretation; develop and implement project proposals and work plans; prepare recommendations; and participate in public relations activities.Essential Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in biology, wildlife management or closely related field; OR graduation from high school and two years of technical wildlife management or fisheries experience; OR an equivalent combination of education and professional experience in conducting research studies; data collection, analysis and interpretation; and development and implementation of project proposals for fisheries, wildlife and/or habitat management projects.

Job Duties

• Supervise and participate in wildlife, botanical and habitat studies to protect and preserve the State’s wildlife and natural resources; conduct wildlife surveys and inventories to determine a population’s composition, productivity, reproductive status and condition in order to develop recommendations regarding hunting seasons, stocking practices and bag limits or determine conservation status.
• Organize and implement fish, wildlife, botanical and habitat surveys; identify survey areas and schedule required personnel, equipment and supplies; collect data using a variety of techniques and equipment such as field observation, helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft, electroshocking, population marking, tagging, angler/hunter questionnaires, bag checks and creel surveys.
• Analyze data by applying mathematical and statistical formulas to calculate population status; prepare species distribution and density maps; evaluate trend data and document the status and management needs of fish, wildlife, botanical and habitat resources; prepare species and habitat management recommendations and technical reports.
• Provide survey data and analysis as input to land management planning processes; review and evaluate established and proposed land, water and resource use documents; prepare correspondence and technical reports concerning the issues and consequences of proposed actions; appear before regulatory, governing and advisory boards and commissions to explain and defend the agency’s position and answer questions.
• Manipulate fish and wildlife populations and habitats by introducing species into suitable habitats consistent with biological and social constraints; bait and trap, tranquilize, radio collar or band wildlife and transport to selected locations; modify habitats in order to meet resource needs and associated uses; monitor released animals to assess project results.
• Investigate and assess damage caused by wildlife upon private property and public lands; recommend appropriate courses of action to mitigate or resolve the problem.
• Draft species management plans; develop season and harvest recommendations and implement related regulations; analyze and evaluate data, reports and proposals; make program recommendations in accordance with consumptive, non-consumptive and recreational needs of the public and the preservation of wildlife resources and habitats.
• Coordinate State and regional level activities with other federal and State agencies, special interest groups and the public; represent the department and provide information to the public and governmental entities; make presentations; appear before governmental and regulatory bodies; prepare press releases and interact with the media; may serve on committees for the Board of Wildlife Commissioners.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Under direct supervision, incumbents either:
1) receive training in performing the duties outlined above, or 
2) perform technical wildlife management duties. Positions may be permanently allocated at this level, and there is no progression to the next level.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

General knowledge of: technical and professional resource material such as biological abstracts and journals; mathematics required for data analysis; basic biological principles needed to formulate management recommendations; basic principles of ecology; scientific research methodology including data collection, analysis and interpretation; habitat requirements and life cycles of wildlife. 

Ability to: communicate effectively both orally and in writing; participate in wildlife surveys and field operations; interpret written materials such as regulations, policy statements and scientific literature related to wildlife; read and interpret a variety of maps; organize data and prepare charts, tables, and graphs; assist in developing and evaluating wildlife management options.