JOB TITLE: WILDLIFE BIOLOGIST 1

JOB CODE: 62110

SERIES NATURE OF WORK: The Wildlife Biologist series describes professional work in biology, ecology, and species management as applied to wild animals and their habitats.

DEFINITION: This is professional wildlife management work participating in the research and evaluation of wild birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates and their habitats.

An employee in this job performs wildlife biology work in one or more areas of wildlife management including research, habitat management, population monitoring, damage mitigation, health monitoring, or impact assessment. Work involves assisting higher-level biologists in researching life histories, populations, harvest data, ecology, and habitat utilization of wild birds, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, and mammal species. Work includes collecting and analyzing wildlife data and specimens of selected wildlife species; assisting with developing environmental reviews; providing technical advice on wildlife habitat, damage management, health, or populations; and making wildlife management recommendations to landowners. Work is performed within established guidelines and principles, and is reviewed by a higher-level biologist through interim and final reports, direct observation, and conferences.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: (NOTE: The examples of work are representative of the work, but every position classified to this job may not perform all examples of work listed. Conversely, this is not an all-inclusive list of work examples.)

• Assists higher-level biologists in conducting statewide or regional wildlife research projects involving wild animal population surveys, habitats, impact assessments, and damage management.

• Captures, marks, and monitors animals using scientific methods and equipment to support wildlife management programs.

• Performs analysis of data on wildlife populations and habitat conditions, formulates recommendations, and writes reports of findings.

• Provides technical guidance to public agencies and private landowners on the implementation of wildlife habitat improvement projects.

• Writes habitat management plans for private landowners and other groups to gain support for wildlife conservation programs.

• Develops informational programs on wildlife species, wildlife management projects and wildlife habitat management projects; conducts related presentations for professional organizations, conservation organizations, landowners, civic groups, schools, and the public.

• Assists in preparing proposals for federal wildlife management grants.

• Prepares scientific reports of findings and recommendations and assists in preparing reports for scientific and governmental publications.

• Collaborates with wildlife biologists from state and federal agencies, academic institutions, and public and private contractors to identify problems, collect and analyze data, and report on wildlife research and habitat management projects.

• Serves as a lead worker for Wildlife Technicians, Wildlife Fisheries Biologist Aides, maintenance and trades employees, and clerical staff working on wildlife projects.

• Maintains accurate statistical records and databases and writes project reports in accordance with established work objectives provided by a higher-level biologist.

• Creates informational materials for agency social media platforms.

• Travels to field sites to collect data and conduct surveys.

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of wildlife biology and ecology.

• Knowledge of wildlife habitat management principles and improvement techniques.

• Knowledge of the ecology, life histories, and habitat requirements of wildlife, including the flora and fauna needed to support habitats.

• Knowledge of mathematical, statistical, and analytical methods used in wildlife management.

• Knowledge of the proper use and application of equipment used in wildlife research and management programs.

• Knowledge of the use and functionality of Microsoft Suite software.

• Ability to compile, analyze, and interpret wildlife data to prepare reports of findings.

• Ability to operate a motor vehicle.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: (NOTE: Based on the Entry Level Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities):

• One year of professional experience conducting wildlife management research, and a bachelor’s degree which includes thirty-six college credits in wildlife management, wildlife biology, animal or plant ecology, zoology, botany, or a closely related field, and six college credits in statistics or biometry;

or

• Five years of experience conducting wildlife management research, including one year in a professional capacity, and thirty-six college credits in wildlife management, wildlife biology, animal or plant ecology, zoology, botany, or a closely related field, and six college credits in statistics or biometry;

or

• An equivalent combination of experience and training which includes thirty-six college credits in wildlife management, wildlife biology, animal or plant ecology, zoology, botany, or a closely related field, and six college credits in statistics or biometry.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• All positions require possession of an active motor vehicle license.