Habitat Biologist Technician

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:  

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department, in partnership with the United States Forest Service – Shoshone National Forest, is seeking a Habitat Biologist Technician to support the implementation and monitoring of several key projects, including the South Pass Aspen Project, the Long Creek Early Seral Aspen and Riparian Enhancement Project, and the Whiskey Basin Bighorn Sheep Management Plan.

In this role, you will conduct habitat and invasive species inventories, monitor both current and past habitat treatments, and assist with planning habitat enhancement projects. Responsibilities also include live-trapping and relocating beavers to support habitat improvement efforts, as well as assisting in the analysis of habitat data associated with these initiatives.

This position requires extensive coordination with partners, including the U.S. Forest Service, Wyoming State Forestry, private landowners, and other state, local, and federal agencies, as well as project stakeholders.

This is a 5.5-month temporary position.

Human Resource Contact: Dezzaree Schott / dezzaree.schott@wyo.gov 

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

• Conduct fine-scale vegetation monitoring on select sites to evaluate long-term vegetation and habitat objectives associated with grazing management or previous vegetation treatments such as fire, mechanical, or chemical applications.  Data analysis and written reports for the department and public use will be completed.
• Utilize existing digital land cover resources, GIS data, and habitat enhancement data from various sources to develop and assess specific vegetation enhancement projects.  Project specifics could include developing vegetation objectives for new treatments.
• Field evaluation of sites will be required to determine the appropriate treatment to produce the desired habitat objectives.  Newly proposed habitat treatment sites will require delineation of treatment boundaries, acreage calculations, and treatment cost calculations.
• Function independently in the field and also as a team member with private landowners and various interagency personnel working collectively on habitat-related projects.
• Complete a written report on projects developed and data collected, including but not limited to a GIS-based map including potential project polygons, associated data sets and photos, and narrative addressing additional NEPA requirements, project partner contracts, time tables, and funding required to implement projects.
• Communicate with a variety of individuals from various agencies, as well as private landowners, for project planning and development.
• Live trapping and relocating beaver, including cleaning the holding facility daily, feeding, and preparing the release site.

Qualifications

PREFERENCES/**AGENCY REQUIREMENTS:

Preference may be given to those with a bachelor’s degree in wildlife management, range management, biology, zoology, ichthyology or closely related field, PLUS one to two years of professional work experience in wildlife or fish resource management, research or habitat development. 
 
 **Agency requires that the successful applicant possess a valid driver’s license.

**Please submit a cover letter, resume and transcripts in addition to application materials.

KNOWLEDGE: 

• Understanding of ecosystem function and identification of plants to the species level in sagebrush, mixed mountain shrub, riparian, and aspen communities.
• Knowledge and understanding of vegetation response to a variety of manipulation techniques, such as mechanical, prescribed fire, and herbicide application, as well as vegetation responses to browsing and grazing.
• Knowledge and experience with mule deer, elk, moose, pronghorn, and bighorn sheep nutritional and seasonal use requirements.
• Some knowledge and experience with livestock grazing management strategies.
• Knowledge of ArcPro, ArcGIS Online, and the development of story maps and map packages. Knowledge of Avenza Maps, Survey123, and OnXMaps is also useful.

PHYSICAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

• The ability and willingness to work with minimal supervision in remote locations with difficult terrain.
• Extensive experience with 4-wheel drive vehicles and ATV/UTV safety and operation.

NOTES: 

• FLSA: Non-exempt

Supplemental Information
040-Game & Fish-Wildlife Division

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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.