Wildlife Biologist III

Hiring Agency: Tourism, Arts, & Heritage Cabinet | Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Resources

Location: 7619 South Region 365, Sturgis, KY 42459, USA

Employment Type: Full-time, executive branch, eligible for overtime pay, 37.5 hours per week

About the role

Join the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR) and work with a team dedicated to conserving the Commonwealth's fish and wildlife resources. This position supports outdoor activities such as fishing, hunting, boating, recreational shooting, and wildlife watching. The Wildlife Biologist III will work within the Purchase Region Branch, managing over 17,000 acres of Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) with a focus on habitat and wildlife population management.

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.
• 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.
• Complete special projects.

Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in a 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, and/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.
• Previous supervisory skills, 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 an 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, and services/education.

Pay

Monthly salary range: $3,960.94 - $7,922.04

Schedule

37.5 hours per week