Biologist Manager Education And Outreach

State of Louisiana•Statewide, LA

About The Position

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) manages and protects the state’s renewable natural resources, including wildlife and aquatic life. The Biologist Manager leads and manages conservation education and outreach efforts that connect the public with Louisiana’s natural resources through fisheries education, hunter education, outreach, and access. The position supervises staff, oversees programs and activities, and works with partners to increase participation, promote safe and responsible use of natural resources, and enhance outdoor experiences statewide. The role supervises staff and establishes priorities for fisheries outreach, fisheries education, and hunter education programs. It collaborates with other Conservation Education and Outreach Managers, develops and supports programs, coordinates activities and events, trains staff and volunteers, and communicates resource-management information to diverse audiences. The manager also handles program records and administrative responsibilities, including personnel management, budgets, purchasing, inventory, and equipment. The position requires statewide travel for meetings, workshops, events, and other outreach activities, including occasional weekends and overnight travel. It involves moderate to strenuous physical activity, including lifting more than 50 pounds, setting up outreach equipment, and working from shore or boats in variable weather. A valid Louisiana driver’s license is required. Minimum qualifications are a bachelor’s degree in a specified biological, environmental, wildlife, fisheries, animal science, forestry, or natural resources field plus six years of qualifying experience; a non-thesis master’s degree in a qualifying field plus five years of required specialized experience; or a master’s degree with completed thesis or doctorate in a qualifying field plus four years of required specialized experience. Salary will be determined based on qualifications and experience. A criminal background check and verification of applicable credentials are required before hire.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in biological science, marine science, environmental science, wildlife or fisheries, animal science, forestry, or natural resources, plus six years of experience in wildlife or fisheries, forestry, or environmental science; OR a non-thesis master’s degree in one of those fields plus five years of required specialized experience; OR a master’s degree with completed thesis or doctorate in one of those fields plus four years of required specialized experience.
Knowledge of Louisiana aquatic resources, wildlife, and outdoor recreation.
Knowledge of fishing, hunting, and related outdoor activities.
Knowledge of education, outreach, and public engagement programs.
Strong supervisory, leadership, and organizational skills.
Good analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
Strong interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively with staff, volunteers, and partners.
Ability to coordinate statewide programs, events, and volunteers.
Valid Louisiana driver’s license.
Ability to travel statewide, including occasional weekends and overnight travel.
Ability to perform moderate to strenuous physical activity, including lifting more than 50 pounds, setting up outreach equipment, and working from shore or boats in variable weather conditions.

Responsibilities

Supervises staff and establishes operational priorities for fisheries outreach, fisheries education, and hunter education programs.
Collaborates with other Conservation Education and Outreach Managers to identify statewide needs, share resources and best practices, maintain consistent standards, and address regional needs and opportunities.
Oversees, evaluates, and supports the development of education and outreach programs that increase participation, improve access, and enhance outdoor experiences.
Coordinates and assists with fisheries education, hunter education, outreach programs, workshops, and events.
Provides leadership, training, and support to staff and volunteers involved in fisheries and hunter education programs.
Communicates Department programs, resource-management information, and safe and responsible use of natural resources to diverse audiences.
Develops and delivers presentations, demonstrations, and interactive educational activities for youth, families, educators, hunters, anglers, and other user groups.
Works with agency staff, volunteers, partners, and communities to expand fishing and hunting opportunities and participation.
Participates in committees, workgroups, and task forces supporting fisheries, wildlife, education, outreach, and access.
Maintains program records, databases, reports, website content, and social media content.
Performs administrative duties including personnel management, budgets, purchasing, inventory, and equipment management.
Performs other duties as assigned.