Biologist 1-3 Minden- Wma

State of Louisiana•Minden, LA

About The Position

The Biologist works in the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries’ Office of Wildlife, which provides stewardship of Louisiana’s wildlife and associated habitats and promotes wildlife conservation awareness. Based in the Minden field office and domiciled in Webster Parish, the position receives direct supervision from a Biologist Supervisor. The incumbent supports management, research, maintenance, and development projects on Minden Region Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs)—Bayou Pierre, Bodcau, John Franks, Loggy Bayou, and Soda Lake—and may assist with WMA projects and Species Program work statewide. The position is advertised in a Career Progression Group as Biologist 1, 2, or 3; the level will be determined by the selected candidate’s qualifications. The appointment may be a job appointment, probational appointment, promotional appointment, or detail to special duty. A job appointment may be converted to a probational appointment if funding becomes available. Salary is determined by qualifications and experience.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in biological science, marine science, environmental science, wildlife or fisheries, animal science, forestry, or natural resources.
Physical ability to operate boats, ATVs/UTVs, tractors, and other heavy equipment.
Ability to perform moderate to strenuous physical activity, including climbing, lifting objects over 50 pounds, and crouching or crawling in restricted areas.
Ability to work outdoors in varied conditions and inclement weather, and with a variety of wildlife.
Ability to work irregular hours periodically, including weekends, overnight stays, early morning departures, and day and night work.
May be subject to 24-hour nuisance animal call-out.
Selected applicants must undergo a criminal background check; required degrees, certificates, special licenses, or DD-214 must be verified by official documentation before hire.

Responsibilities

Participate in and oversee land stewardship and habitat management practices on regional WMAs, including browse and habitat surveys and moist-soil and shallow-water management.
Participate in and oversee regional WMA or regional projects involving maintenance, research, and development.
Maintain infrastructure and make recommendations for infrastructure improvements.
Participate in and, as applicable, oversee biological data collection through hunter bag checks, managed public hunts, operation and maintenance of self-clearing permit stations, and trapping and banding of ducks and doves.
Assist with population surveys to inform wildlife management decisions.
Assess wildlife populations and habitat conditions through standardized surveys and general reconnaissance.
Collect biological samples for wildlife disease monitoring.
Collect, compile, analyze, and present data to establish management or research programs and set harvest seasons and bag and size limits.
Participate in lethal and nonlethal wildlife collection and sampling for management, research, and nuisance response or control.
Assist with WMA projects and Species Program work statewide.