Biologist 3

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 includes species and habitat management activities, wildlife resource review activities with the NDOW Technical Review Program, compiling, analyzing, and summarizing data, preparing reports, coordinating with partners and other NDOW divisions to implement conservation actions, education and outreach, and adherence to wildlife management. The incumbent will also assist 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. Applicant 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 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 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 to explain and defend the agency’s position.
• Manipulate fish and wildlife populations and habitats by introducing species, baiting and trapping, tranquilizing, radio collaring or banding wildlife, and transporting to selected locations.
• Modify habitats to meet resource needs and monitor released animals to assess project results.
• Investigate and assess damage caused by wildlife on private property and public lands; recommend 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 public needs and preservation of wildlife resources.
• Coordinate State and regional level activities with 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.
• 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.
• Three years 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.
• OR two years of experience as a Biologist II in Nevada State service.
• OR an equivalent combination of education and experience as described above.

Skills

• Working knowledge of principles of ecology required to analyze the effect of environmental changes and land use practices on specific species.
• Knowledge of survey techniques and equipment; statistical concepts and principles used to analyze data and develop management strategies.
• Methodology and equipment required to capture, restrain, and transport wild animals; pharmacology and use of drugs administered to capture and treat animals.
• Animal anatomy and physiology; operation of hand and power tools used in construction of wildlife enhancement projects.
• Ability to write clear and concise technical reports and recommendations.
• Ability to present information to various audiences concerning ecological relationships, division policies, and recommendations.
• Ability to maintain and operate various types of equipment such as nets, clover traps, tranquilizer equipment, gill nets, and others.
• Ability to operate and maintain specialized equipment such as 4-wheel drive vehicles, boats, snowmobiles, optical instruments, animal marking, and tagging equipment.
• Ability to conduct surveys from the ground, water, or air.
• Ability to operate a computer including word processing, spreadsheet, database management, and other software.
• Ability to organize and prioritize work assignments.

Recruiter Contact: Kristin Bowling - klbowling@ndow.org