Fish and Wildlife (AIS) Biologist I

State of Nebraska•Lincoln, NE

4d•Onsite

About The Position

This position will serve as a biologist in the statewide Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Program under direct supervision of the AIS Program Manager. The AIS biologist will lead zebra mussel early detection efforts statewide, including coordination of veliger sampling, microscope analysis, follow up surveys, and reporting. This position will also lead education/outreach efforts and strategies for the AIS Program including creating public educational materials through a variety of mediums and conducting pertinent public events. This position will also assist with the hiring, training, and coordinating AIS temporary technicians with respect to early detection AIS sampling, conducting watercraft inspections, and watercraft decontaminations. The AIS Biologist will be expected to attend regional AIS management coordination conferences/meetings and serve as an alternative state delegate when Program Manager is unable to attend. This position is expected to coordinate and collaborate with Fisheries Division staff regarding AIS management. Other AIS-related duties include assisting the AIS Program Manager with AIS sampling, conducting aquatic herbicide treatments, data entry/analysis, GIS database development and maintenance, microscope/lab analysis, conducting relevant AIS research, responding to media/public requests, and attending workshops/trainings beneficial to AIS management. Individuals will also be expected to conduct equipment maintenance and other related responsibilities as assigned to aid division and agency activities.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, fish or wildlife management or closely related field of biological science.
Experience may substitute for education on a year-for-year basis.
Possession of a valid driver’s license free any of any applicable restrictions.
Possession of or ability to obtain a valid Nebraska Pesticide Applicators License.
General knowledge of aquatic ecology and/or aquatic invasive species.
Good communication and public speaking skills.
Ability to work independently.
Ability to maintain, summarize, and analyze data using appropriate programs.
Ability to operate hand and power tools.
Ability to operate a pickup with trailer as well as a motorboat.
Ability to work independently in field and adverse conditions.
Ability to use critical thinking to make quick decisions with limited supervision.

Responsibilities

Lead zebra mussel early detection efforts statewide, including coordination of veliger sampling, microscope analysis, follow up surveys, and reporting.
Lead education/outreach efforts and strategies for the AIS Program including creating public educational materials through a variety of mediums and conducting pertinent public events.
Assist with the hiring, training, and coordinating AIS temporary technicians with respect to early detection AIS sampling, conducting watercraft inspections, and watercraft decontaminations.
Attend regional AIS management coordination conferences/meetings and serve as an alternative state delegate when Program Manager is unable to attend.
Coordinate and collaborate with Fisheries Division staff regarding AIS management.
Assist the AIS Program Manager with AIS sampling, conducting aquatic herbicide treatments, data entry/analysis, GIS database development and maintenance, microscope/lab analysis, conducting relevant AIS research, responding to media/public requests, and attending workshops/trainings beneficial to AIS management.
Conduct equipment maintenance and other related responsibilities as assigned to aid division and agency activities.