HIRING BIOLOGIST PROGRAM SPECIALIST (Quail Program Coordinator): Arkansas

Agency
Arkansas Game & Fish Commission
Location
Negotiable
Job Category
Full time Positions
Website
http://www.arstatejobs.com/
Salary
$43,217 annually
Last Date to Apply
October 3, 2016
Description
AGFC BIOLOGIST PROGRAM SPECIALIST (Quail Program Coordinator)
POSITION NO. 22164583
WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT DIVISION

CLASS SUMMARY:
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) Biologist Program Specialist is responsible for the management and life processes of fish, wildlife, and their habitats; collecting and analyzing biological data; and, specializing in fish and wildlife research, management, husbandry, and/or habitat management. This position is governed by state and federal laws and agency policy.

SPECIAL JOB DIMENSIONS:
Frequent in-state travel required.

TYPICAL FUNCTIONS:
Provides program and project supervision by developing program curriculums, monitoring facilities and personnel, and coordinating program maintenance and protocols. Makes recommendations on management, regulation, and planning of fish and wildlife populations and habitats, consulting with stakeholders and the public at large to explore options. Studies characteristics of fish and wildlife, such as population dynamics, life histories, diseases, genetics, and distribution. Prepares collections of preserved specimens or microscopic slides for species identification and study of development or disease. Implements state and federal preventative programs to monitor and control fish and wildlife diseases and invasive, exotic species. Disseminates information by writing reports and making presentations to schools, clubs, interest groups, and agency administration. Promotes hunting and fishing through a variety of outreach programs. Directs the operation and maintenance of various public lands, waters, and/or fish propagation facilities, based on program management plans. May testify as an expert witness in legal proceedings. Performs other duties as assigned.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Provides statewide intra-and interagency leadership and coordination regarding AGFC’s management/research activities for quail. Primarily coordinates division and agency quail management and research/survey programs including but not limited to the following: gathers and analyzes baseline data on the distribution, trends, and abundance of quail. Develops and implements monitoring programs to track and evaluate population changes and impacts of management programs. Leads an interdivisional team in implementing and updating long range strategic and operational plans for quail. Develops research projects and oversees contracts for cooperative research projects. Coordinates with private companies, other state agencies, landowners, federal agencies and other AGFC agency staff in the statewide management of quail and their habitat. Develops annual statewide quail harvest/hunting regulation recommendations. Coordinates statewide data collection. Emphasis will be placed on a habitat-based approach to statewide quail restoration including a focus on the beneficial impacts to all early-successional species including grassland songbirds. Conducts technical in-service training for agency field personnel on research/survey procedures and management techniques. Presents educational programs to schools, civic groups, sportsmen’s groups, the Commission and agency staff. Prepares technical presentations and scientific papers on quail management for professional meetings. Serves as Arkansas’s representative on state, regional and national committees involving quail management. Writes news releases and magazine articles and participates in television and radio shows. Performs administrative duties including but not limited to the following: develops and manages program budgets. Administers federal, state and private research, and conservation grants. Supervision of employee (s). Develops and maintains databases. Writes project reports and in-service documents. Other duties will be carried out as assigned. This position has statewide duties and will involve some overnight travel both in and out-of-state. Frequent field work with exposure to inclement weather is required. Occasional exposure to hunters and dangerous animals may be required.

All applicants subject to a criminal background check.
Qualifications
MINIMUM EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:
The formal education equivalent of a bachelor's degree in biology, zoology, botany, or a related field; plus three years of experience in biology, wildlife management, or a related field. Additional requirements determined by the agency for recruiting purposes require review and approval by the Office of Personnel Management. Other job related education and/or experience may be substituted for all or part of these basic requirements, except for certification or licensure requirements, upon approval of the qualifications review committee.

PREFERRED MINIMUM EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:
A master’s degree in wildlife management, biology, zoology, or a related field, ideally with a thesis on Northern Bobwhite. Experience in wildlife management/research dealing with Northern Bobwhite. Experience in a leadership capacity is preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS:
Knowledge of the principles of biology, ecology, and related environmental sciences. Knowledge of methods and techniques of scientific testing, data collection, and analysis. Knowledge of the effects of pollution on plants, fish, animals, and human life. Knowledge of fish/wildlife management programs, including propagation, cultivation, and harvesting techniques. Knowledge of wildlife/fish management laboratory techniques, equipment, and procedures. Ability to communicate in oral and written forms. Ability to make public presentations. Ability to conduct scientific wildlife and/or fish surveys/studies, analyze and evaluate collected data, and prepare written narrative reports of findings. Ability to direct, coordinate, and maintain wildlife and/or fish management programs. Ability to operate and maintain fishery and wildlife equipment.

PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS:
Strong interest in and knowledge of the biology, ecology, and management of Northern Bobwhite. Knowledge of Northern Bobwhite habitat requirements and habitat management techniques is essential. Knowledge of Northern Bobwhite trapping, banding, survey, and research techniques. Must be proficient with a variety of computer software applications including ArcView/ArcGIS/ArcMap, Microsoft. The ability to work efficiently and effectively with others within and outside the agency (e.g., USFWS, USFS, NRCS, FSA, etc.) as well as independently, and be able to prioritize a heavy and varied workload. Possess effective organizational, written, and verbal communication skills. Ability to facilitate large and diverse groups to accomplish large goals.

Applicants may apply online at www.arstatejobs.com.
Applications must include complete work history and references. Applications will be accepted via online, US mail or fax (501-223-6444) and must be received by 4:30 p.m. on October 3, 2016.
Arkansas Game and Fish Commission
Attn: Human Resources Division
2 Natural Resources Drive
Little Rock, AR 72205

“AS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER, THE COMMISSION WILL MAKE ANY REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS NECESSARY TO ENSURE EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES”

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