JOB TITLE: WILDLIFE BIOLOGIST 3

JOB CODE: 62130

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 supervisory and advanced professional wildlife management work designing, conducting, and supervising research projects related to wild birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates and their habitats.

An employee in this job supervises and participates in wildlife biology work in research, habitat management, population monitoring, damage mitigation, health monitoring, or impact assessment. Work involves developing and implementing project plans and research strategies; overseeing the development of statewide wildlife management plans; allocating resources for projects; and resolving project budgetary issues. Work includes proposing and managing budget allocations to accomplish program objectives, including initiating service and purchase contracts and ordering equipment and materials. Supervision is exercised over professional employees and may also involve supervision over technical or non-professional employees. Work is assigned in the form of general guidelines or objectives. Work is performed independently and reviewed by an administrator or director through direct observation, conferences, and reports.

   DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

     • Work is distinguished from lower-level jobs by the responsibility for supervising professional employees who participate in wildlife management research projects.

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.)

• Supervises the implementation of wildlife research projects involving wild bird and mammal population surveys, habitat management, impact assessments, health monitoring, and damage assessments.

• Oversees regional wildlife projects and monitors progress through reports and on-site inspections.

• Interprets rules, regulations, policies, standards, and objectives of the agency for lower-level staff.

• Supervises and participates in capturing, marking, and monitoring animals using scientific methods and equipment to support wildlife management programs.

• Supervises and participates in identifying wildlife habitat needs; and developing management plans and processes with landowners, land trusts, conservancies, and land managers to implement wildlife-related state and federal programs and conservation projects on public and private lands.

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

• Prepares wildlife management reports of findings for publication in scientific and governmental publications.

• Conducts surveys and assessments to determine wildlife impacts and develops or oversees mitigation alternatives.

• Develops and maintains wildlife databases and reports according to established work standards and objectives.

• Represents the agency at hearings and meetings involving wildlife and wildlife habitat research projects.

• Assists in preparing the annual budget, tracking expenses, preparing proposals for federal wildlife grants, and preparing third-party research and service contracts, such as roadkill deer contracts.

• Travels to field sites to supervise or collect survey data.

• Performs the full range of supervisory functions.

• Employees in this job may participate in the performance of subordinates’ work consistent with operational or organizational requirements.

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

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

• Knowledge of the ecology, life histories, and habitat requirements of wild birds and mammals including knowledge of the flora and fauna requirements to support habitat.

• Knowledge of the 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 methods and techniques used in conducting scientific surveys of wildlife populations and habitats, wildlife damage management, and wildlife diseases.

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

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

• 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 experience as a Wildlife Biologist 2 (commonwealth title);

or

• Three years of professional experience in wildlife management research, and a bachelor’s degree that 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

• Four years of technical wildlife research and evaluation experience and three years of professional experience in wildlife management research, 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 that 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.