BIOLOGIST 2 - UNDERFILL

Nevada Department of Wildlife is recruiting for a Biologist within the Biodiversity Division. This position works on a variety of taxa including mammals, birds, bats, and reptiles with surveys, monitoring efforts, and management activities that shift from year to year. The position is part of a dynamic team working collaboratively across the state on wildlife conservation and management implementing the goals and actions described within the State Wildlife Action Plan.

About the role

The primary duties of this position involve the coordination and implementation of non-game wildlife management in the western region. This position is responsible for species and habitat management activities, wildlife resource review activities with the NDOW Technical Review Program, compiling, analyzing, and summarizing data, as well as preparing data into various reports. The incumbent will coordinate with partners and other NDOW divisions to implement conservation actions, education and outreach, and adherence to wildlife management. The role also includes assisting with coordination of endangered species management and recovery actions.

Effective communication and interpersonal skills are essential as this position regularly works across jurisdictional boundaries interacting with outside agencies, private industry, and the general public. Regular travel is required. Applicants should be comfortable with physically demanding outdoor work, camping in remote places, hiking long distances, and exposure to inclement weather.

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, bag limits, or 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 the issues and consequences of proposed actions; appear before regulatory, governing, and advisory boards and commissions to explain and defend the agency’s position.
• Manipulate fish and wildlife populations and habitats by introducing species into suitable habitats consistent with biological and social constraints; 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 upon private property and public lands; recommend appropriate courses of action to mitigate or resolve the problem.
• 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 and one of the following:

• One year of professional wildlife management experience such as conducting research studies including data collection, analysis, and interpretation; development and implementation of project proposals for fisheries, wildlife, and/or habitat management projects.
• One year of experience as a Biologist I in Nevada State service.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience as described above.

Skills

• General knowledge of principles of ecology required to analyze the effect of environmental changes and land use practices on specific fish, wildlife, and plant species.
• Knowledge of survey techniques and equipment; statistical concepts and principles used to analyze data and develop a management strategy.
• Knowledge of methodology and equipment required to capture, restrain, and transport wild animals; pharmacology and use of a variety of drugs administered to capture and treat animals.
• Knowledge of animal anatomy and physiology; operation of hand and power tools used in construction of wildlife enhancement projects.
• Ability to write clear and concise reports; make oral presentations to various groups.
• Ability to maintain and operate various types of equipment such as entrapment devices; operate and maintain vehicles used in field surveys.
• Ability to participate in surveys from the ground, water, or air; operate a microcomputer effectively.

Benefits

• Health Insurance: Medical, dental, life, and disability insurance programs for employees and their dependents/family through the Public Employees’ Benefits Program (PEBP).
• Vacation: Accrual of three weeks of annual leave each year.
• Sick Leave: Accrual of three weeks of sick leave each year.
• Holidays: 12 paid holidays per year.
• Retirement: Participation in the Nevada Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). Employees do not contribute to Social Security but will contribute to PERS if their position is at 50% or more full-time equivalency.
• Deferred Compensation: Voluntary Deferred Compensation Program.
• No Nevada state income tax.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness: Eligible due to public sector employment.
• Longevity Payments: Employees who have received a performance rating of “standard” or better and have completed eight (8) or more years of continuous service are eligible for longevity pay.

Additional benefits may apply to employees covered under a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), depending on their designated bargaining unit.