Biologist 3

State of Nevada • Las Vegas, NV

17h

About The Position

This position within the Fisheries Division at Nevada Department of Wildlife is responsible for sportfish, native fish, and other native aquatic resources at Lake Mead, Virgin River, and Muddy River. Primary sportfish duties generally include: population inventory, fish introductions, angler surveys, writing field trip reports and annual reports, review and development of fishing seasons and regulations, and coordination with local County Advisory Boards and sportsmen’s groups. This position functions as the principal coordinator for implementing recovery actions for several endangered and threatened species in Lake Mead, Muddy River, and Virgin River. Recovery activities may consist of population surveys, analyzing survey results, drafting reports, nonnative fish eradication projects, reintroductions and translocations, developing and implementing management strategies, aquatic habitat restoration, reviewing and evaluating land management plans and activities, and participating in interagency work groups. Other responsibilities include presenting Department recommendations, informal programs, and some conservation education to the public. This position will be Department representative/liaison to partnering state, federal, and local agencies pertaining to the waters and species this position is responsible for. This position is being recruited at the Biologist 2 and 3 levels. Apply for any or all levels that you are interested in and meet minimum qualifications. Biologists conduct fisheries, wildlife, botanical and/or habitat management projects and research studies including data collection, analysis and interpretation; develop and implement project proposals and work plans; prepare recommendations; and participate in public relations activities.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in biology, wildlife management or closely related field and three years of professional wildlife management experience such as conducting research studies including data collection, analysis and interpretation; development and implementation of project proposals for fisheries, wildlife and/or habitat management projects; OR two years of experience as a Biologist II in Nevada State service; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience as described above.
• Working knowledge of: principles of ecology required to analyze the effect of environmental changes and land use practices on specific fish, wildlife and plant species; survey techniques and equipment; statistical concepts and principles used to analyze data and develop a management strategy; methodology and equipment required to capture, restrain and transport wild animals; pharmacology and use of a variety of drugs administered to capture and treat animals; animal anatomy and physiology; operation of hand and power tools used in construction of wildlife enhancement projects.
• Ability to: write clear and concise technical reports and recommendations; present information to various audiences concerning ecological relationships, division policies and recommendations, and wildlife control; maintain and operate various types of equipment such as nets, clover traps, tranquilizer equipment, gill net, and others; operate and maintain specialized equipment such as 4-wheel drive vehicles, boats, snowmobiles, optical instruments, animal marking and tagging equipment; conduct surveys from the ground, water or air; operate a computer including word processing, spreadsheet, database management and other software; organize and prioritize work assignments.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and participate in wildlife, botanical and habitat studies to protect and preserve the State’s wildlife and natural resources; conduct wildlife surveys and inventories to determine a population’s composition, productivity, reproductive status and condition in order to develop recommendations regarding hunting seasons, stocking practices and bag limits or determine conservation status.
• Organize and implement fish, wildlife, botanical and habitat surveys; identify survey areas and schedule required personnel, equipment and supplies; collect data using a variety of techniques and equipment such as field observation, helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft, electroshocking, population marking, tagging, angler/hunter questionnaires, bag checks and creel surveys.
• Analyze data by applying mathematical and statistical formulas to calculate population status; prepare species distribution and density maps; evaluate trend data and document the status and management needs of fish, wildlife, botanical and habitat resources; prepare species and habitat management recommendations and technical reports.
• Provide survey data and analysis as input to land management planning processes; review and evaluate established and proposed land, water and resource use documents; prepare correspondence and technical reports concerning the issues and consequences of proposed actions; appear before regulatory, governing and advisory boards and commissions to explain and defend the agency’s position and answer questions.
• Manipulate fish and wildlife populations and habitats by introducing species into suitable habitats consistent with biological and social constraints; bait and trap, tranquilize, radio collar or band wildlife and transport to selected locations; modify habitats in order to meet resource needs and associated uses; monitor released animals to assess project results.
• Investigate and assess damage caused by wildlife upon private property and public lands; recommend appropriate courses of action to mitigate or resolve the problem.
• Draft species management plans; develop season and harvest recommendations and implement related regulations; analyze and evaluate data, reports and proposals; make program recommendations in accordance with consumptive, non-consumptive and recreational needs of the public and the preservation of wildlife resources and habitats.
• Coordinate State and regional level activities with other federal and State agencies, special interest groups and the public; represent the department and provide information to the public and governmental entities; make presentations; appear before governmental and regulatory bodies; prepare press releases and interact with the media; may serve on committees for the Board of Wildlife Commissioners.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level