Wildlife Biologist III

Employment Type: Executive Branch | Full Time | Eligible for Overtime Pay | 37.5 hr/wk

About the Role

Join the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR) in conserving the Commonwealth's fish and wildlife resources. This position within the Wildlife Division's Purchase Region Branch involves specialized biological work in habitat and wildlife population management across over 17,000 acres of Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs). The role focuses on wildlife disease monitoring, nuisance mitigation, biological surveys, and research on species such as deer, wild turkey, small game, and waterfowl.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with regional, division, and program staff, as well as conservation groups, to design and deploy habitat enhancement projects.
• Provide technical support on conservation and habitat management to private and public landowners.
• Lead regional initiatives, biological research, and public outreach efforts.
• Serve as the primary liaison between wildlife division programs and regional staff within an assigned district.
• Conduct wildlife surveys, disease sampling, and habitat surveys for various species.
• Resolve wildlife nuisance, damage, and injured or sick wildlife complaints.
• Deliver public presentations and represent the agency at meetings and workshops.
• Manage public land and conservation agreements, enhancing regional conservation footprints.
• Partner with KDFWR staff, organizations, and individuals to integrate wildlife habitat practices into agreements.
• Administer program resources, reporting, and special projects; evaluate progress of regional management and research assignments.
• Write comprehensive technical reports, surveys, and project evaluations.

Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in biological science, wildlife biology, fish and wildlife management, conservation biology, natural resources, environmental sciences, or a related field.

Experience, Training, or Skills: Three years of professional experience in wildlife management, wildlife biology, or a related field.

• A master’s degree in wildlife management, wildlife biology, or a related field substitutes for one year of required experience.
• A PhD in wildlife management, wildlife biology, or a related field substitutes for two years of required experience.

Special Requirements: Must possess a valid driver’s license prior to employment and maintain it for the duration of employment.

Skills

• Experience using computer mapping software and writing detailed management plans.
• GIS-related skills and knowledge of common computer applications.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work with diverse constituents and user groups.
• Previous supervisory experience preferred.

Benefits

• 37.5-hour work week (occasional overtime required).
• Paid Time Off (sick and vacation) plus paid holidays.
• Overtime and compensatory time.
• Affordable health insurance with optional Health Reimbursement Account.
• Life insurance.
• Retirement benefits.
• Wellness incentives program.
• Training and career development opportunities.
• Optional deferred compensation program (401K).
• Employee discounts on electronics, health & wellness, retail, travel/events/entertainment, services, and education.

Pay

$3,960.94 - $7,922.04 monthly.

Schedule

37.5 hours per week.

Working Conditions

Majority of time spent outdoors. This job has an initial and promotional probationary period of 6 months.