Instream Flow Project Biologist

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:  

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is seeking to hire a contract Fisheries Biologist to coordinate and supervise a project to conduct instream flow studies on native cutthroat trout streams in western Wyoming. The biologist will be responsible for planning and implementing instream flow studies, leading a 2-4 person field crew, performing hydrologic analyses and hydraulic habitat modeling, and co-authoring reports. This is a contract position funded through June 31, 2027, with the possibility of extension. This position will be based out of Cheyenne, Wyoming.

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.

• Lead a field crew in using land surveying equipment, GPS devices, and flow meters to collect stream channel morphology, depth, velocity, discharge, substrate, cover, temperature, and other stream habitat data in remote areas.
• Use regional regression analysis to estimate the natural hydrology of ungauged streams.
• Use the System for Environmental Flows Analysis software and habitat suitability curves to perform hydraulic habitat modeling.
• Use Excel, R, and related tools to enter, organize, quality-check, and compute complex equations for large datasets.
• Communicate (orally and in writing) clearly and effectively with technical people, private landowners, the general public, supervisory staff, and decision-making staff.
• Write clear technical reports to summarize results and provide instream flow recommendations in a timely manner.
• Draft and submit instream flow water rights applications.
• Maintain a positive attitude, strong work ethic, and be able to work well with others in a team setting.
• Work well with the public and private landowners and represent the WGFD in a professional manner.
• Make purchases for the project and file appropriate paperwork.

Qualifications

PREFERENCES/**AGENCY REQUIREMENTS: 

Preference will be given to those with a master’s degree in natural resource/fisheries management, biology, ecology, hydrology, watershed science, or another closely related field, AND at least one year of applicable field experience in aquatic habitat and/or channel morphology assessment. Preference will be given to applicants who submit college transcripts, a resume, and a position-specific cover letter to Sydney McAndrews (sydney.mcandrews@wyo.gov), Instream Flow Biologist. The cover letter should include career plans, suitability for the job, and dates of availability.

**Must have a valid driver’s license.
**Candidates must have a Bachelor of Science degree and at least one season of applicable field experience.

KNOWLEDGE: 

• Knowledge of habitat quality and condition and habitat requirements of fish and wildlife species.
• Knowledge of river mechanics and hydraulic relationships.
• Experience working in the field in remote areas.
• Experience leading a field crew in collecting biological, habitat, or hydrologic data.
• Ability to apply diverse technical information for planning, designing, and conducting activities relative to quantifying habitat quality and stream flow needs of a fishery.
• Ability to design and implement scientifically valid instream flow investigations.
• Skilled in Word, Excel, and GIS technologies (ArcMap, GPS).

PHYSICAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Ability to perform fieldwork under adverse weather conditions.
• Ability to wade swift streams.
• Ability to carry a 40 lb. backpack while hiking into and out of the backcountry.
• Must be willing to perform extensive travel across the state in Department vehicles.
• Overnight travel and camping in remote areas will be required.
• Weekend and holiday work may be required.
• Must be willing to work irregular hours, including early mornings and late evenings.

NOTES: 

• FLSA: Non-exempt
• Successful applicants for employment must pass a background check before appointment.
• Lodging, waders, rain gear, uniform, and all other necessary field equipment and expenses will be provided when in the field. Off-duty housing is not provided.
• Contact Sydney McAndrews, Instream Flow Biologist at 307-777-4555 or sydney.mcandrews@wyo.gov for additional information about the position or application process.

Supplemental Information

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.