Fish and Wildlife Scientist II

State of Vermont

2d

About The Position

The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department (VFWD) is currently recruiting for a Fish and Wildlife Scientist II position for the Essex Junction District office. This position will work with fisheries professionals on Lake Champlain and inland ponds and streams in northwest Vermont. Work will focus on a wide variety of projects including assessment of Salmonid and Walleye fisheries on Lake Champlain, monitoring endangered Lake Sturgeon, sampling wild Brook Trout in headwater streams, and evaluating panfish populations in inland ponds

This position supports a wide range of fisheries management activities, including fieldwork, lab analysis, equipment maintenance, and data analysis and summarization. While projects are guided by supervising fisheries biologists, this role often involves independent coordination and execution. The ideal candidate will bring a solid foundation in fish biology and sampling techniques, mechanical aptitude, and strong communication and organizational skills.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or higher in biology or a natural resources field AND one (1) year or more in a natural resources field.
• One (1) year or more as a Fish & Wildlife Scientist I with the State of Vermont

Nice To Haves

• Experience with large boat operations in large lake systems.
• Experience leading sampling crews and direct project oversight.
• Experience multi-tasking multiple projects and work requirements.

Responsibilities

• Maintain, operate, and repair fisheries equipment such as motorboats, trailers, ATVs, electrofishing units, nets, and other sampling gear.
• Lead and implement diverse field projects as directed by fisheries biologists.
• Train and supervise seasonal staff, ensuring safety protocols are followed and data is accurately collected.
• Assist with operations aboard the Department's 31-foot research vessel Dore on Lake Champlain.
• Conduct angler surveys on various district waters.
• Extract and age fish structures in accordance with established lab protocols.
• Manage purchasing, contracts, and associated administrative paperwork.
• Engage in public outreach and serve as a professional representative of the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department.

Benefits

• 80% State paid medical premium and a dental plan at no cost for employees and their families
• Work/Life balance: 11 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan
• State Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FMLI)
• Two ways to save for your retirement: A State defined benefit pension plan and a deferred compensation 457(b) plan
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Flexible spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts
• Low cost group life insurance
• Incentive-based Wellness Program
• Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees