WILDLIFE STAFF SPECIALIST

Job Summary

The Nevada Department of Wildlife in the Fisheries Division is recruiting for one position that will coordinate and direct the aquatic species management program for the prevention, monitoring, and control of aquatic invasive species (AIS) in Nevada. Incumbent will be responsible to work with other agencies to maintain and implement a statewide watercraft inspection and decontamination program, update and maintain a risk assessment on priority waters to focus prevention and outreach efforts, and assist in development and dissemination of AIS outreach messages. Incumbent will develop science-based monitoring and watercraft inspection protocols for use by regional crews, volunteers and other agencies/entities while coordinating with state, federal and tribal agencies and the public in implementing the state program and in coordinated regional efforts for AIS containment and prevention. The incumbent will implement the Nevada Aquatic Invasive Species Management Plan and represent the agency on various state and regional committees and working groups. The incumbent will train, supervise and evaluate the performance of subordinate staff as assigned. Under general direction, Wildlife Staff Specialists perform program research, planning, analysis and evaluation; draft proposed legislation, policies, procedures and regulations related to wildlife management programs and activities throughout the State.

Essential Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in wildlife management, biology or closely related field and four years of professional experience that included organizing, planning and completing management studies, writing technical reports and preparing species or land use management plans and recommendations related to wildlife management;
• One year of experience as a Biologist III in Nevada State service;
• An equivalent combination of education and experience as described above.

Job Duties

• Develop drafts of policies, procedures, position statements, policy plans, regulations and agreements;
• Review current information, procedures, policies and plans;
• Evaluate needs and research alternatives;
• Identify problems and assess potential solutions;
• Write and revise proposals and submit for final approval in order to resolve problems and issues and implement new methods.

• Participate in developing program budgets;
• Collect and analyze financial and statistical data;
• Assess needs and available resources;
• Develop and institute schedules and procedures for data collection;
• Ammend federal aid grants based on program changes and direction.

• Coordinate and direct assigned programs;
• Compile, analyze and interpret research and survey data;
• Develop and maintain databases;
• Document facts, draw conclusions and submit recommendations for action;
• Prepare summary narrative and statistical reports;
• Establish training requirements and document training needs;
• Coincordinate findings and plans with other governmental agencies;
• Disseminate information to field personnel, federal and State agencies and the general public;
• Present and defend final proposals before special interest groups, community organizations, commissions, committees and other groups.

• Provide the public and scientific community with information by developing pamphlets, wildlife plans, technical papers and other publications;
• Research, compile and organize information;
• Respond to inquiries or requests for information;
• Communicate with governmental agencies and organizations and concerned special interest groups;
• Coordinate and plan printing, publishing and distribution;
• Prepare information for release to the media to educate the public regarding wildlife issues and enhance community relations.

• May train, supervise and evaluate the performance of subordinate staff as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Working knowledge of: the general life histories, ecology, habitats and population dynamics of wildlife species; statistical analysis and techniques; research techniques/principles such as population modeling, etc.; federal aid manuals and guidelines.
• General knowledge of: current technological solutions related to wildlife management applications.
• Ability to: read, understand and interpret documents, technical papers, manuals and scientific journals; collect, tabulate and analyze data; communicate effectively both orally and in writing with various groups who have diverse interests to respond to inquiries regarding programs and policies; apply theoretical principles into practical applications for research and management programs; interpret field data and formulate appropriate management strategies; identify management problems and develop procedural solutions; identify research needs and develop programs to meet management needs; maintain effective working relationships with the public, staff and other agencies.

Recruiter Contact Information

Kristin Bowling
klbowling@ndow.org

Benefits

• Health Insurance: Medical, dental, life, and disability insurance programs for employees and their dependents/family are offered through the Public Employees’ Benefits Program (PEBP).
• Vacation: Accrual of three weeks of annual leave each year.
• Sick Leave: Accrual of three weeks of sick leave each year.
• Holidays: 12 paid holidays per year.
• Retail: Participation in the Nevada Public Employees Retirement System (PERS).
• Deferred Compensation: The State offers a voluntary Deferred Compensation Program.
• No Nevada state income tax.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness: Eligible due to public sector employment.
• Longevity Payments Eligibility: Employees who have received a performance rating of “standard” or better and have completed eight (8) or more years of continuous service are eligible for longevity pay.

Additional Benefits

• For more details about your rights and responsibilities as a State of Nevada employee, please review the State of Nevada Employee Handbook (PDF).
• When January 1, June 19, July 4, November 11, or December 25 falls on a Saturday, the preceding Friday is the observed legal holiday. If these days fall on Sunday, the following Monday is the observed holiday.