The knowledge, skills, and abilities of this position are normally attained through a combination of education and experience equivalent to a master’s degree in Fish and Wildlife Management, Wildlife Biology, Range Management, Zoology or Biology, including completion of a field research project presented in a successfully defended thesis.
Equivalent experience is five (5) years of progressively responsible experience as a wildlife biologist or senior wildlife technician that includes: Literature review and development of a problem statement and/or hypothesis for a particular issue; Development of a detailed study plan or sampling protocol for a field-oriented project based on the above-noted hypothesis; Data collection and the effective management of data with an appropriate application; Interpretation and analysis of data, including a quantitative assessment of that information; Completion of a final report in a peer-reviewed publication or a publication comparable to a refereed journal; If appropriate to the project, formulation of any recommended changes in management prescriptions and/or actions; Oral presentation on results of investigation to agency staff or public audience.
Responsibilities
Tho Wildlife Biologist is responsible for the implementation of the department’s wildlife management program, including the State Wildlife Action Plan in Jordan.
This includes designing and conducting field investigations on wildlife populations and habitats, preparing wildlife management recommendations, communicating department programs and policies, informing the general public of wildlife and habitat matters, maintaining, enhancing, and protecting wildlife habitat and hunting access on private and public lands and maintaining proficiency as a professional wildlife scientist.
Please remember to attach the required documents listed in this announcement.
Resume
Cover Letter
References
Applications missing the requested documents will be considered incomplete and may not progress further in the process. Documents not requested will not be considered in the recruitment process. The State Application is not a substitute for a Resume. This position is open until filled. You must apply through the State of Montana Career site.
Special Information\:
Identity of applicants who become finalists may be releases to the public if the Department deems it necessary. Employees who exceed 1,040 hours in a calendar year are also provided health, dental and life insurance. Other benefits include retirement, paid vacation, sick and holidays. This position may be covered by a VEBA (Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association).
A successful applicant will be subject to a background investigation.
Women and minorities are under-represented in this job category and are encouraged to apply.
Specific Job Information\:
We are seeking to fill an area wildlife biologist position to be located in southeastern Montana in Jordan. Jordan is located in Garfield County and covers a large area of prime habitat that includes portions of the Charles M Russell National Wildlife Refuge in Montana FWP Region 7. Jordan is a small town in and the county seat of Garfield County with a population of approximately 360 people. The area is part of the Hell Creek Formation which has been intensively studied with many fascinating archaeological discoveries. The vast and dynamic grasslands and arid forests that constitute SE Montana provide some of the best hunting for birds, antelope, elk, and mule deer, while the riparian areas of the prairie rivers sustain turkeys and white-tailed deer.
Job Dutes\:
Tho Wildlife Biologist is responsible for the implementation of the department’s wildlife management program, including the State Wildlife Action Plan in Jordan. This includes designing and conducting field investigations on wildlife populations and habitats, preparing wildlife management recommendations, communicating department programs and policies, informing the general public of wildlife and habitat matters, maintaining, enhancing, and
protecting wildlife habitat and hunting access on private and public lands and maintaining proficiency as a professional wildlife scientist.
Physical and Environmental Demands\:
Survey, capture, and handling methods frequently involve stressful and dangerous situations. Surveys require use of low-level fixed wing and helicopter flights in mountain valley, foothill and high mountain habitats. Capturing and handling big game animals involves the use of controlled substances and potentially lethal immobilization chemicals and handling big game animals such as deer, elk, bears, lions, moose, and sheep. Wildlife surveys and inventories often require use of light aircraft and helicopter at low altitudes and in hazardous flying conditions, sitting in confined spaces with exposure to high noise levels.
Field work is often carried out alone in rugged terrain during unpredictable and inclement weather conditions. Hours of work are often long and irregular and include evening meetings and occasional weekend work.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (Behaviors)\:
This position requires a creative and energetic person who is a life-long-learner, and capable of pioneering now approaches to wildlife conservation that address issues of the day, and issues or the future. A demonstrated interest in and working knowledge of the natural history of a broad array of wildlife species is essential. The position also requires proven "people skills" (interpersonal, relationships, communications, networking, team building, coaching, facilitation), an ability to maintain good working relationships with the breadth of stakeholders in wildlife issues (agriculture interests, conservation community, industry, state and federal agencies, and
Tribes) and a demonstrated record of accomplishment in conflict management and collaborative problem solving. Patience and persistence are necessary traits. Leadership, and collaborative skills and ability to pioneer data management systems are just as important to this position as an aptitude and ability to conduct fieldwork. Good organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects concurrently are essential to this position.
Must have a thorough knowledge and ability to integrate the arts and sciences of wildlife population biology, plant and animal ecology, soil science, research techniques and the principles of wildlife management.Must have the essential skills and knowledge to determine management parameters that must be inventoried.In order to fulfill the duties of a field biologist, an individual must have a thorough knowledge of the biology, behavior and ecology of a diversity of wildlife including 10 species of big game, 7 upland game birds, 9 furbearers and numerous non-game species.Knowledge of animal anatomy and physiology is necessary for sex and condition analysis and investigation of cause of death.The biologist must have a clear understanding of the habitat requirements of important endemic and introduced wildlife species and how those requirements vary across a broad range of ecotypes.The biologist must be familiar with and be able to implement a variety of habitat and vegetation survey techniques.Knowledge of plant identification and physiology and ecology is required.
Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience)\:
The knowledge, skills, and abilities of this position are normally attained through a combination of education and experience equivalent to a master’s degree in Fish and Wildlife Management, Wildlife Biology, Range Management, Zoology or Biology, including completion of a field research project presented in a successfully defended thesis. Other combinations of education and experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Equivalent experience is defined as five (5) years of progressively responsible experience as a wildlife biologist or senior wildlife technician that includes the examples of\:
Literature review and development of a problem statement and/or hypothesis for a particular issue.
Development of a detailed study plan or sampling protocol for a field-oriented project based on the above-noted hypothesis.
Data collection and the effective management of data with an appropriate application.
Interpretation and analysis of data, including a quantitative assessment of that information.
Completion of a final report in a peer-reviewed publication or a publication comparable to a refereed journal.
If appropriate to the project, formulation of any recommended changes in management prescriptions and/or actions.
Oral presentation on results of investigation to agency staff or public audience.
If you feel you meet the equivalent experience, please provide a supplemental document in your application that indicates your experience level relative to each point listed above.
The State of Montana has a decentralized human resources (HR) system. Each agency is responsible for its own recruitment and selection. Anyone who needs a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the agency's HR staff identified on the job listing or by dialing the Montana Relay at 711. Montana Job Service Offices also offer services including assistance with submitting an online application.
State government does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth or medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, creed, political beliefs or affiliation, veteran status, military service, retaliation, or any other factor not related to merit and qualifications of an employee or applicant.
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