Southeast District Aquatic Biologist

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Southeast District Aquatic Biologist

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

Job Opening:
The Department of Fish and Game, Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) is accepting applications for the MassWildlife Aquatic Biologist (Aquatic Biologist III) position to perform the following duties. The position is assigned to the Southeast District Office in Bourne, MA. 

The Southeast District Aquatic Biologist (Aquatic Biologist III) coordinates seasonal trout stocking; analyzes data on fish, plants, and various types of aquatic life; collects biological and hydrological field samples; assists project leaders with reviews of various reports, proposals and permit applications; engages with stakeholders interested in aquatic systems conservation and recreational freshwater fishing and provides technical assistance to public and private individuals and groups; participates in agency efforts to recruit, retain, and reactivate recreational freshwater anglers; is capable of maintaining District vehicles and equipment; assists with game checking and Wildlife Management Area projects and performs related work as required.

Detailed Statement of Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manages Southeast District lake, ponds, stream, and river fisheries resources, including cold, cool, and water fish species and their habitats.
• Works with the five state fish hatcheries to plan, coordinate, and implement spring and fall trout stocking throughout the District.
• Implements aquatic systems conservations, restoration projects, and fisheries enhancements independently and with partners.
• Provides technical assistance to state and federal agencies, private consultants, and the general public.
• Engages in a variety of outreach activities with staff, sportsmen’s groups, lake associations, conservation commissions, and others to advance understanding of aquatic systems and fisheries management, threats, and conservation needs.
• Works to increase participation in recreational freshwater fishing.
• Represents the agency in media interviews, meetings, and legislative hearings on such matters as programs, policies, activities and services provided.
• Analyze data, prepare reports, review proposals and permit applications for impact on fish and wildlife communities.
• Plans and coordinates District fisheries activities and programs undertaken mutually by the Division and other organizations by reviewing the progress of various field studies or projects to ensure compliance with established deadlines, standards and procedures.
• Operates, maintains, and repairs motorized equipment for transporting fish.
• Planned and executed fish population and aquatic systems monitoring, research, and evaluation with the use of standard fisheries sampling gear and other applicable techniques; evaluated fish stocking procedures by use of creel census, tagging studies and sampling programs.
• Reviews daily itineraries, monthly and annual reports and inventories for completeness and accuracy.
• Performs related duties as assigned. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of fisheries biology and management.
• Knowledge of the types and uses of equipment used in fisheries management and hatchery and fish pool maintenance.
• Knowledge of research methods and techniques followed in fisheries biology.
• Knowledge of the techniques of fisheries management.
• Knowledge of safety practices and procedures followed in a biological laboratory, including the methods used in the disposal of contaminated laboratory materials.
• Ability to read, interpret and apply the policies, procedures, guidelines, laws, rules and regulations governing agency operations and assigned unit activities.
• Ability to analyze and determine the applications of biological data, to draw conclusions and make appropriate recommendations.
• Ability to perform arithmetic and statistical computations (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division; and calculate mean, mode, median and standard deviation).
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment.
• Ability to prepare general and technical reports, charts, graphs and tables.
• Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written expression.
• Knowledge of the types and uses of equipment used in fisheries management, marine biology and hatchery and fish pool maintenance.
• Advanced studies in fisheries biology or aquatic biology with four years of professional fisheries management experience or studies in fisheries biology or aquatic biology with five years of professional fisheries management experience.  

 Qualifications
 
First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:
Applicants must have at least (A) four years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional, para-professional or technical experience in marine biology or fisheries management work, of which (B) at least two years must have been in a professional capacity and of which (C) at least one year must have been in a supervisory capacity, or (D) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.

Substitutions:
I. A Bachelors degree with a major in marine, fisheries or wildlife biology; fisheries or wildlife management; marine science or oceanography may be substituted for a maximum of two years of the required (A) experience on the basis of two years of education for one year of experience.*

II. A Graduate degree with a major in marine, fisheries or wildlife biology; fisheries or wildlife management, marine science or oceanography may be substituted for a maximum of one year of the required (A) experience on the basis of two years of education for one year of experience.*

*Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Based on assignment, possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Class D Motor Vehicle Operator’s license.