Biologist

About the Role

Incumbent serves as a biologist in the Division of Fish, Wildlife and Nature Preserves within the Department of Natural Resources. This position applies professional biological knowledge and techniques by planning and conducting evaluations of the public fisheries resources of the State of Indiana. Upon completion of evaluations, the incumbent will make decisions regarding implementation of any fisheries management practices deemed appropriate. Major roles include data collection and analysis, customer service, report writing, work planning, implementation of fish management projects, equipment maintenance, public relations, and field supervision of an assistant biologist and seasonal field sampling crews as needed.

This position is stationed at the Fawn River State Fish Hatchery in Orland. Occasional weekend and evening work is required. Direct supervision is provided by the Regional Supervisor.

Responsibilities

• Conduct field investigations to gather data on fish & wildlife habitat and population status, resource utilization, and management needs.
• Provide technical assistance and verbal/written management recommendations to private landowners, other state and federal agencies, and local units of government regarding the development, enhancement, restoration, and management and recreational values of fish & wildlife habitat and fish & wildlife populations.
• Investigate fish & wildlife damage complaints, providing suggestions for alleviating problems, and issue permits for the trapping, removal, destruction, or relocation of specific fish & wildlife according to state/federal laws and policies.
• Administer financial incentive programs for the development, enhancement, or restoration of fish & wildlife habitats on private lands, and for recreational access to private lands.
• Provide technical assistance to District Foresters for the implementation of the Classified Forest and Wildlands Act.
• Conduct environmental reviews and provide recommendations to the Department for the mitigation of fish & wildlife losses resulting from construction projects in floodways and wetlands.
• Assist other biologists on large-scale research and management projects.
• Perform general administrative and clerical office duties such as answering mail and telephone requests, writing reports, recording data on various forms, and other operational paperwork.
• Review technical bulletins, research, and management reports, and attend professional meetings to keep abreast of new developments.
• Maintain working relationships with other biologists, various state and federal agencies, accredited academic agencies and communities, and the general public utilizing public speaking, mass media, written communication, and professional communication techniques.
• Prepare and present evidence exhibits in court and perform as an expert witness in courts of law and/or hearings.

The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time. This position is exempt from overtime compensation for additional work hours which may be required to complete essential functions or other assigned work.

Requirements

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree within a Natural Resource related field.
• Specialized knowledge of biological principles, ecological variables and interactions, and life histories of fish & wildlife species developed through on-the-job training and relevant experience with a minimum of a Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited college in fish or wildlife management or a closely related field.
• Specialized knowledge of scientific methods, procedures, and theories and the ability to apply them in the management and study of fish & wildlife populations.
• Ability to operate and maintain a wide variety of work, shop, and office equipment such as trucks, trailers, boats, farm machinery, power tools, hand tools, typewriter, calculator, GPS units, fax machine, copiers, and computers.
• Ability to prepare and present evidence or act as an expert witness in a court of law and/or hearing.
• Ability to improvise and adapt methods and equipment for specialized tasks.
• Ability to read, use, and manipulate topographic maps, aerial photographs, wetland delineation maps, soils maps, and ArcGIS mapping systems.
• Knowledge of general administrative and clerical procedures.
• Ability to communicate in proper written and oral form including the use of audio-visual equipment.
• Ability to communicate and influence landowners, other state and federal agencies, the general public, and local units of government concerning the management of species and their habitats and their recreational values.
• Knowledge of state and federal laws pertaining to the environment and the management of fish & wildlife.
• Ability to budget and allocate cost-share funds.

To continue employment, the following requirements must be satisfied:

• Ability to obtain and maintain a commercial pesticide applicator’s license.
• Ability to obtain and possess a valid Indiana driver’s license.
• Ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Pay

The salary for this position traditionally starts at $47,320.00 but may vary based on education and work experience.

Benefits

• Three medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans.
• Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards.
• Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution.
• Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match.
• Two fully-funded pension plan options.
• Robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including:
  • 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers.
  • Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave.
  • Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off.
  • 12 paid holidays, 14 on election years.
• Education Reimbursement Program.
• Group life insurance.
• Referral Bonus program.
• Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits.
• Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
• Free parking for most positions.
• Free LinkedIn Learning access.