Wildlife Biologist

State of Oklahoma•Oklahoma City, OK

40d

About The Position

Under supervision of the Regional or Research Supervisor, is responsible for the planning, development, and implementation of both short- and long-range wildlife management and research projects. Is responsible for planning, organizing, and directing the successful completion of assigned projects within predetermined guidelines. Must prepare and submit annual project budgets including salaries, equipment, supplies, maintenance, etc. for assigned projects, and is required to have a state issued purchase card, make purchases of needed materials, supplies and services, and oversee purchasing and expenditures of subordinates, following all applicable state and federal purchasing rules and guidelines. Must be familiar with the principles and procedures of wildlife management and research. Supervise both full-time and temporary employees. Accurately observe, record, and analyze scientific data and prepare and submit detailed reports. Serve as advisor or department representative in areas of special expertise. May have extensive contact with a variety of public and private individuals and groups. Conduct audio and visual wildlife surveys, day/night. Position: Wildlife Biologist, WMA Location: Wister WMA WMA Biologist: Has primary responsibility for the management of and is primary POC for assigned Wildlife Management Areas (WMA), Proactively manages wildlife and native plant communities, and operates and maintains facilities, equipment, infrastructure, and lands, including wetlands/wetland development units and shooting ranges within assigned WMA(s). Serves as burn boss for WMA prescribed burning program writes prescribed burn plans, is responsible for safely conducting prescribed burns, fire containment, and reducing smoke impacts, and assists with prescribed burns across management region. Designs, implements, and monitors agriculture, grazing, hay and/or timber leasing or harvest programs, evaluates lease site, prepares leases for bidding, supervises lessee contract compliance, and prompts/monitors lessee for payments. Prepares and implements annual and long-term management plans, utilizing GIS for data entry, management, and analysis, and for monitoring, planning, and reporting management activities and results.

Requirements

EDUCATION: Requires a bachelor's degree or higher in Wildlife Management or closely related field from an accredited college or university.
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EXPERIENCE: No previous experience is required.
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS: Must have knowledge of principles, practices, and techniques of wildlife management.
Understand basic farming operations and equipment use and basic supervision principles.
Must have skills in exercising good judgement in analyzing situations and making decisions.
Be proficient in the use of computers and various software applications.
Operate boats, motor vehicles, lawn mowers, tractors, and ATVs with various attachments.
Operate and use firearms, cutting torches, and welding equipment.
Lift and carry a minimum of 50 pounds for a distance of 100 yards.
Ability to push/pull a minimum of 50 pounds to hook up trailers, load boats and various other equipment.
Walk and jog over rough terrain for extended periods of time.
Must be able to swim.
Work alone in remote areas.
Endure various extremes of outdoor weather conditions.
Work extended hours, weekends and stay overnight out of town.
Handle wild animals in live and dead conditions, including dressing field game.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships, work independently, and be professional and courteous with the public.
Communicate clearly and effectively in public speaking situations and be able to express oneself clearly and concisely in writing.
Operate and use small and handheld equipment and supplies.
Use personal computers and various office equipment.
Operate and use field traps, survey gear, and lab equipment.
Conduct day and night audio and visual surveys.

Nice To Haves

Experience with GIS applications is preferred.

Responsibilities

Participate in planning, development, coordination and implementation of wildlife research and management projects.
Assist in establishing project goals and participate in the development of the Division objectives.
Collects and evaluates data and develops annual reports that document survey results and population trends.
Interpret policies to subordinates and interested public.
Develop or implement existing procedures for accomplishing assigned projects.
Assist with the development of management or research plans which include definition of proposed projects, specifications, time schedules, expenses, equipment, supplies, and personnel needed to complete the projects.
Schedule work to be completed by contractors, cooperators, or subordinates during appropriate time of year to meet project objectives.
Establish liaison and work closely with intergovernmental agencies and groups of private and public landowners.
Assist in conducting public hearings on season, regulations, and other Department actions.
Present programs to local civic, educational, youth, professional, sportsmen and environmental groups.
Review professional wildlife management literature to stay abreast of advances in the professional wildlife management field.
Conduct surveys of assigned species of wildlife or plants and hunter access surveys on assigned species of wildlife.
Assist in supervision and management of hunting seasons and controlled hunts as directed.
Assist with regional projects, prescribed burns, and programs.
Plant food plots, mow, build/repair fences, maintain roads, and control or eliminate nuisance species.
Conduct habitat surveys to evaluate grazing or browsing pressure, habitat quality and potential for production of various wildlife species.
Make recommendations on management and other non-wildlife issues.
May perform other duties, management, or non-management, as assigned by supervisor.