Biologist 1 – Seasonal

This is a seasonal status permanent position within the Game Division in Elko, Nevada.

About the role

The incumbent will assist Area Biologists with big game and upland game surveys including helicopter surveys, ground surveys, and surveys from ATVs. As the primary regional flight crew member, the incumbent will generally follow the helicopter for all regional flights.

The position involves coordinating with Game Division staff, private landowners, and contractors to conduct Private Land elk use monitoring, fencing projects, damage assessments/claims, and documenting deer and antelope use of private land. The incumbent will also coordinate field and data management work for monitoring, collecting, and managing big game radio and satellite collars, as well as assist in upland game and big game trap, transplant, and/or collaring efforts throughout the year.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and participate in wildlife, botanical, and habitat studies to protect and preserve the State’s wildlife and natural resources.
• Conduct wildlife surveys and inventories to determine population composition, productivity, reproductive status, and condition to develop recommendations regarding hunting seasons, stocking practices, and bag limits or determine conservation status.
• Organize and implement fish, wildlife, botanical, and habitat surveys; identify survey areas and schedule required personnel, equipment, and supplies.
• Collect data using techniques and equipment such as field observation, helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft, electroshocking, population marking, tagging, angler/hunter questionnaires, bag checks, and creel surveys.
• Analyze data by applying mathematical and statistical formulas to calculate population status; prepare species distribution and density maps; evaluate trend data and document the status and management needs of fish, wildlife, botanical, and habitat resources.
• Prepare species and habitat management recommendations and technical reports.
• Provide survey data and analysis as input to land management planning processes; review and evaluate established and proposed land, water, and resource use documents.
• Prepare correspondence and technical reports concerning issues and consequences of proposed actions; appear before regulatory, governing, and advisory boards and commissions.
• Manipulate fish and wildlife populations and habitats by introducing species into suitable habitats; bait and trap, tranquilize, radio collar or band wildlife, and transport to selected locations.
• Modify habitats to meet resource needs and associated uses; monitor released animals to assess project results.
• Investigate and assess damage caused by wildlife on private property and public lands; recommend appropriate courses of action to mitigate or resolve problems.
• Draft species management plans; develop season and harvest recommendations and implement related regulations.
• Analyze and evaluate data, reports, and proposals; make program recommendations in accordance with consumptive, non-consumptive, and recreational needs of the public and the preservation of wildlife resources and habitats.
• Coordinate State and regional level activities with other federal and State agencies, special interest groups, and the public.
• Represent the department and provide information to the public and governmental entities; make presentations; appear before governmental and regulatory bodies; prepare press releases and interact with the media; may serve on committees for the Board of Wildlife Commissioners.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in biology, wildlife management, or a closely related field;
• OR graduation from high school and two years of technical wildlife management or fisheries experience;
• OR an equivalent combination of education and professional experience in conducting research studies; data collection, analysis, and interpretation; and development and implementation of project proposals for fisheries, wildlife, and/or habitat management projects.

Skills

Knowledge of:

• Technical and professional resource material such as biological abstracts and journals;
• Mathematics required for data analysis;
• Basic biological principles needed to formulate management recommendations;
• Basic principles of ecology;
• Scientific research methodology including data collection, analysis, and interpretation;
• Habitat requirements and life cycles of wildlife.

Ability to:

• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing;
• Participate in wildlife surveys and field operations;
• Interpret written materials such as regulations, policy statements, and scientific literature related to wildlife;
• Read and interpret a variety of maps;
• Organize data and prepare charts, tables, and graphs;
• Assist in developing and evaluating wildlife management options.

Recruiter Contact: Kristin Bowling - klbowling@ndow.org