Wildlife Biologist III

Employment Type: Executive Branch | Full Time | Ineligible for Overtime Pay | 37.5 hours per week

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 Southeastern Region Branch focuses on specialized biological work in habitat and wildlife population management, including research, surveys, and habitat improvement initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Direct regional wildlife habitat and land management programs.
• Execute open land, forest management, and prescribed fire initiatives on public lands within an assigned district.
• Collaborate with regional, division, and program staff, as well as other conservation groups, to design and deploy focal habitat enhancement projects.
• Provide technical support on conservation and habitat management to private and public landowners.
• Lead regional initiatives, biological research, and public outreach.
• Serve as the primary liaison within an assigned district between wildlife division programs and regional staff.
• Complete wildlife surveys, disease sampling, and habitat surveys for a variety of 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.
• Develop and enhance public area agreements to expand regional conservation footprints.
• Partner with KDFWR staff, organizations, and individuals to integrate wildlife habitat practices into new and existing agreements.
• Administer program resources, reporting, and special projects.
• Determine resource requirements and evaluate the progress of regional management and research assignments.
• Write comprehensive technical reports, surveys, and project evaluations.
• Supervise interim staff, including managing daily operations and performance of Fish and Wildlife Technicians and professional biological staff.
• Review and approve interim staff time entries and leave requests.

Requirements

• Graduate of a college or university with a bachelor’s degree in a biological science, wildlife biology, fish and wildlife management, conservation biology, natural resources, environmental sciences, or a related field.
• Three years of professional experience in wildlife management, wildlife biology, and/or a related field.
• A master’s degree in wildlife management, wildlife biology, or a related field may substitute for one year of the required experience.
• A PhD in wildlife management, wildlife biology, or a related field may substitute for two years of the required experience.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license prior to employment and maintain it for the length of employment.

Preferred Skills

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

Benefits

• 37.5-hour work week (with 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 and wellness, retail, travel, events, entertainment, and services and education.

Pay

$47,531.28 - $71,298.00 annually.

Schedule

37.5 hours per week.

Working Conditions

Spends the majority of time outdoors.

Probationary Period

This job has an initial and promotional probationary period of 6 months.