Biologist

State of Indiana•Bloomington, IN

10d

About The Position

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources is recruiting a Furbearer and Gamebird Research Biologist to work with the Furbearer and Gamebird Program Leader. The position coordinates and analyzes surveys, indices, and internal research projects to inform program decisions. Examples include wild turkey brood data, autonomous recording unit research, gamebird call counts, drone flight surveys, hunter and trapper harvest and survey data, Archer’s Index, and Paddlecraft Wildlife Index. The position also responds to questions about survey efforts, furbearers, wild turkey, pheasant, and northern bobwhite quail; provides program support for communications such as social media content, website updates, and outreach events; and performs administrative work. It may supervise one or more temporary technicians. Occasional weekend or evening work may be required. The position is exempt from overtime compensation, and may require work beyond 75 hours per pay period without additional compensation. The role develops and directs research or management programs covering large resources or geographic regions, coordinates with other states and research partners, designs surveys, analyzes data, and presents scientific findings. It may also involve environmental and habitat project administration, federal grants, permitting, court testimony, and employee supervision. Other duties may be assigned. The State of Indiana describes its DNR mission as protecting, enhancing, preserving, and wisely using the state’s natural, cultural, and recreational resources. DNR Fish & Wildlife seeks to balance the biological, ecological, recreational, and economic benefits of Indiana’s fish, wildlife, and habitats.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a natural-resource-related field.
Demonstrated leadership and problem-solving abilities.
Thorough knowledge of biological principles, ecological variables, and species interactions.
Knowledge of state and federal laws pertaining to the environment and habitat management.
Comprehensive knowledge of scientific methods, procedures, and theories, and ability to apply them.
Ability to operate and maintain a wide variety of work, shop, and office equipment.
Ability to prepare and present evidence and act as an expert witness in a court of law or hearing.
Ability to adapt methods and equipment for specialized tasks.
Ability to read, use, and manipulate topographic maps, aerial photographs, wetland delineation maps, soils maps, and ArcGIS mapping systems.
Ability to use R as a statistical package for data analysis.
Ability to communicate with and influence stakeholders concerning species, habitat, and recreational-value management.
Ability to budget and allocate resources effectively.
Ability to delegate work, set direction, and manage workflow.
Ability to give feedback, provide guidance or corrective action, coach, and develop employee skills.
Ability to obtain and hold an Indiana driver’s license.
Ability to obtain and maintain professional licenses or certifications required by specific duties.
Ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Nice To Haves

Organizational skills and solid quantitative skills, especially using R.
Ability to interact positively with volunteers assisting with surveys and cooperate with other programs and partners.

Responsibilities

Coordinate and analyze surveys, indices, and internal research projects within the Furbearer and Gamebird Program.
Coordinate surveys and research efforts, including work involving wild turkey brood data, autonomous recording units, gamebird call counts, drone flight surveys, hunter and trapper data, Archer’s Index, and Paddlecraft Wildlife Index.
Respond to questions about surveys, furbearers, wild turkey, pheasant, and northern bobwhite quail.
Support program communication through social media content, website updates, and outreach events, and perform administrative work.
Develop, execute, and direct research or management programs covering large resources or geographic regions across multiple districts.
Coordinate with other states and participate in multistate management teams for interjurisdictional resources.
Identify resource and research priorities using input, strategic plans, work plans, statewide surveys, and public input.
Coordinate university and multistate research projects.
Administer environmental and habitat projects, including applying for and managing federal grants and environmental permitting processes.
Design, develop, and implement surveys to analyze and track data and present scientific findings.
Coordinate scientific investigations and research findings through internal and external forums.
Review technical materials and attend professional meetings to keep up with developments.
Prepare and present evidence exhibits in court and act as an expert witness in courts or hearings.
May recruit, select, onboard, train, supervise, and develop employees, set expectations, provide feedback, and evaluate performance.
Ensure work meets quality standards, deadlines, and proper procedures.

Benefits

Three medical plan options, including prescription coverage, as well as vision and dental plans.
Wellness Rewards Program with gift-card rewards for completing wellness activities.
Health savings account with a biweekly state contribution.
Deferred compensation 457(b) account with employer match.
Two fully funded pension plan options.
Leave policies including paid new-parent leave, childbirth recovery leave for eligible mothers, community service leave, and combined vacation, personal, and sick leave.
12 paid holidays, or 14 in election years.
Education reimbursement program.
Group life insurance.
Referral bonus program.
Employee assistance program with covered behavioral health visits.
Qualified employer for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
Free parking for most positions.
Free LinkedIn Learning access.