SGCN Biologist/Herpetologist

Description of Work

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, Division of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) monitors the health and status of wildlife populations, and wildlife habitats.  Nearly halve of all (47) species in the combined classes Reptilia and Amphibia under the science herpetology are classified as Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN).   The DFW currently has a need for monitoring and managing species under the SGCN umbrella with special attention to herpetofauna as well as the few species (3) that are considered game species and are taken throughout the state under either hunting, trapping, or fishing licenses.  We are looking for a biologist, with specific focus on reptiles, amphibians, SGCN, and threatened and endangered species work throughout the state.   

The biologist /herpetologist is essential to development, revision, and implementation of the RI Wildlife Action Plan and other species conservation and management plans.  Development of information regarding the status, distribution, and conservation needs and priorities of reptiles, amphibians, other SGCN, and Federally listed species is critical to the Division’s conservation efforts. Such work includes conducting status and distribution surveys, systematic inventory and monitoring, investigating habitat use requirements and providing habitat modification suggestions for improved species distribution or species protections.  The selected candidate will be familiar with life histories and ecology of herpetofauna of the Northeast region of the US and will understand the special concerns associate with herps and other SGCN of the region.  Work will include establishing relationships within the conservation community, DFW partners, wildlife stakeholders, as well as working closely with The Department of Law Enforcement relative to illegal trade and confiscation of illegally held reptiles and amphibians.

 Identifying research project needs, collaborating with academic partners, and managing grants and contracts will be an important responsibility of this position.  This position is an essential member of the Wildlife Biology Team, which provides statewide leadership of all wildlife conservation and management. Working in partnership with biologists and programs that include Threatened and Endangered species will be essential.  Reviewing Federal documentation and signing off on cooperative project reviews for T&E species impacts will also fall into this purview.  

This position requires occasional travel to complete assignments and meetings based across the state. The candidate will represent the Division and State at Regional and species-specific meetings and conferences.  Excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential.  The selected person will be based out of the Great Swamp Wildlife Management Area with the potential for telework under the discretion of the Director.  A Monday-Friday schedule is associated with this position which involves working 35 hours per week (specific times set by manager). 

This is a contracted Biologist position in partnership with Wildlife Management Institute. This position will be classified as a contract biologist of the WMI.  Direct supervision of day-to-day activities will be provided by RIDEM.

Benefits: Through WMI you will be eligible for WMI 401(k) retirement plan with match, paid time off, including state holidays. WMI will provide health, dental and eye insurance, workers’ compensation, general liability protection, professional liability protection and unemployment insurance benefits. WMI will withhold taxes including social security.

This position is considered a DFW priority and perpetually renewable through WMI provided sufficient funding and satisfactory job performance. You will be expected to work no more than an average of 35 hours per week in any 12-month period. Requires satisfactory completion of a criminal background check.

Qualified applicants should possess:    

• Extensive knowledge of nongame and endangered wildlife identification and biology with an emphasis on herpetofauna of the coastal Northeast region and their associated environments, and wildlife management;
• Experience with the scientific method, biological techniques, herpetology, statistics, and ecology;
• Experience with wildlife habitat management and wildlife population management techniques;
• Experience with the development of advanced project designs, from project conception to project completion;
• Effective communication skills, including formal presentation experience;
• Proficiency in computer operation, database management, geographic information systems, and networking platforms;
• Experience managing grants, grant funding and writing competitive grants;
• Ability to function independently and with little direct supervision;
• Ability to coordinate and collaborate with in-state, out-of-state, international organizations, agencies, NGO’s and/or individuals;
• Ability to weigh the biological needs of endangered species with the needs and desires of the department and the public;
• Experience establishing effective working relationships with private landowners and conservation partners;
• Must have, or be able to obtain, a Class D Rhode Island driver’s license;
• Must be able to lift at least 50 pounds and be willing to travel within and outside the state. Total travel is not expected to exceed 15% of time requirements.
• The incumbent performs duties in a variety of different environments, including an office environment, field environment, rugged terrain, and various adverse weather conditions (extreme heat, cold, rain, snow, sleet, etc.).
• Requires satisfactory completion of a criminal background check.

Desired Qualifications/Requirements:

• Meet the qualifications of an Associate or Certified Wildlife Biologist from The Wildlife Society.
• Experience in wildlife management, surveys and analysis of survey data, particularly with upland game species.
• Experience designing and conducting wildlife research and publishing the results, particularly with upland game species.
• Experience planning, creating or developing, and/or managing wildlife habitat.
• Supervisory experience.
• Working knowledge of database management and Statistical software such as SAS or R.
• Working knowledge and experience using GPS, GIS and ArcView or related GIS Software, especially for spatial modeling.