Wildlife Biologist

 The Role:

The Wildlife Biologist is responsible for the implementation of the Department's wildlife management program, including the State Wildlife Action Plan in Sidney. 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 new approaches to wildlife conservation that address issues of the day, and issues of 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 (agricultural 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.

A biologist must be capable of entering, analyzing, and summarizing data, as well as correlating complex data sets and analyzing and reconciling conflicting and often unclear relationships. Must have thorough knowledge of the laws, policies and regulations under which the agency operates. Must have the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and communicate verbally and in writing with employees, other agencies, corporations and various public and private factions.

A biologist must be familiar with a variety of specialized wild animal capture and handling techniques including chemical immobilization, helicopter drive nets, net guns, rocket propelled nets, clover traps, corral traps and foot snares. Experience with radio telemetry equipment including aerial and ground relocation techniques is necessary.

 Must have a demonstrated ability to conceptualize wildlife problems, design projects to test hypotheses, conduct field studies, compile and analyze wildlife data, interpret results, present conclusions and recommendations, communicate complex issues and ideas to diverse public; collectively in a way that effectively influences decision makers at the Federal, State, County and private landowner levels. Must have demonstrated ability in conflict resolution and negotiation skills. Must have demonstrated ability and desire to collaborate with others (researchers, managers, specialists) internal and external to the Department working in their area of responsibility. Ability to perform tasks independent of close supervision is essential.

Requires a thorough knowledge of FWP1s habitat program including: land conservation tools like conservation easements, grazing system design and management, upland game bird and waterfowl enhancement program, and approaches to evaluating habitat impacts by wildlife, livestock and human activities. Must have the skills and knowledge of appropriate and accepted wildlife survey techniques and the skills and abilities to select and utilize technical equipment essential for wildlife management operations in the Region.