BIOLOGIST I

About the Department

As the largest industry in Arkansas, the Arkansas Department of Agriculture is dedicated to the development and implementation of policies and programs for Arkansas agriculture and forestry to keep its farmers and ranchers competitive in national and international markets while ensuring safe food, fiber, and forest products for the citizens of the state and nation. The Department is organized into five Divisions: Forestry Division, Livestock and Poultry Division, Natural Resources Division, Plant Industries Division, and Shared Services Division.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience handling animal bodily fluids, tissues, and microbiological cultures.
• Experience performing both conventional and real-time PCR.
• At least one year of verifiable experience working within a formal quality management system, including authoring, revising controlled documents, and performing root cause and corrective action analysis.
• Ability and willingness to regularly wear personal protective equipment and to comply with respirator fit-testing requirements, which is a fundamental requirement of this position.
• Rabies vaccination is required, along with documented maintenance of an adequate antibody titer.
• Ability to perform precise, repetitive work in a high-throughput environment, including pipetting, cutting of animal tissues, and weighing specimens.
• This is an on-site, essential position and is not approved for remote work.

Job Summary

The Biologist I is an entry-level scientific position responsible for assisting in biological research, data collection, environmental monitoring, and supporting conservation or natural resource programs across the state.

Primary Responsibilities

• Assist in conducting biological field surveys for wildlife, aquatic life, plant species, and/or habitats.
• Collect samples and observational data using standard scientific methods and tools (e.g., GPS, sampling nets, binoculars).
• Perform routine environmental measurements and inspections under the guidance of senior staff.
• Accurately record, enter, and maintain data collected in the field.
• Assist in preparing reports, charts, and documentation used for internal analysis, public reporting, or compliance purposes.
• Support conservation, habitat restoration, wildlife management, or environmental protection programs through logistical assistance and data processing.
• Maintain equipment, organize supplies, and ensure field tools are properly stored and calibrated.
• Participate in activities that help ensure agency compliance with environmental regulations and permits (e.g., wetland delineation support, threatened species monitoring).
• Conduct preliminary reviews or assessments under the supervision of a higher-level biologist.

Knowledge and Skills

• Detail-oriented in data gathering, field observations, and documentation.
• Reliable in completing tasks on time and following protocols with minimal supervision.
• Able to clearly report findings both orally and in writing to colleagues and supervisors.
• Works well in field teams or interdisciplinary groups in both structured and remote settings.

Minimum Qualifications

At least six months of experience in biology, or a related field. Satisfaction of the minimum qualifications, including years of experience and service, does not entitle employees to automatic progression within the job series. Promotion to the next classification level is at the discretion of the department and the Office of Personnel Management, taking into consideration the employee's demonstrated skills, competencies, performance, workload responsibilities, and organizational needs.