Blackfoot Area Wildlife Biologist

State of Montana•Seeley Lake, MT

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Wildlife Biologist is responsible for the implementation of the Department's wildlife management program, including the State Wildlife Action Plan, in their assigned work area in Region 2. This includes developing and implementing adaptive wildlife and habitat management strategies; preparing wildlife management recommendations including hunting season regulations; working with various private landowners, various government agencies, other organizations and stakeholders to increase public enjoyment of natural resources; represent the Department on wildlife, habitat and access management matters; and maintain proficiency of a professional wildlife scientist. This is accomplished by: Designing and conducting ground and aerial field investigations and surveys; recording and analyzing survey data, species information statistical models and data from Department databases; formulating management strategies and plans that benefit wildlife populations and habitats; obtaining public support for proposals and submitting proposals through a public process which are often highly visible and controversial, involving the entire spectrum of interests and stakeholders in wildlife conservation issues; identify habitat conservation and access needs; utilize population models to predict adaptive harvest and changing environmental factors influencing wildlife conservation; establish hunter check stations and collect pertinent biological data to assist in evaluating population trends and status; respond to wildlife damage complaints following legal statutes and department policies; collaborate with Department staff to design, implement and interpret findings of wildlife and wildlife habitat related studies to further understanding and management of specific species; oversee and conduct habitat maintenance and improvement projects on department Wildlife Management areas; work with land management agency staff to identify and improve habitat management plans and actions on public lands; demonstrate the ability to safely capture, restrain and immobilize a variety of wildlife species; provide data and information to mitigate habitat development on private and public lands, maintain professional status through literature review and trainings, present findings and information to public and scientific audiences at various settings; and develop and maintain working relationships with Department staff, other agency staff, and the public to foster communication, cooperation and collaboration on projects. This position requires a creative and energetic person who is a life-long-learner, and capable of pioneering new approaches to wildlife conservation that address issues of the day, and issues of the future. A demonstrated interest in - and working knowledge of - the natural history of a broad array of wildlife species is important. The position also requires proven “people skills” (interpersonal relationships, communications, networking, team-building, coaching, facilitation), an ability to maintain good working relationships with the breadth of stakeholders in wildlife issues (agricultural interests, conservation community, industry, state and federal agencies, and Tribes) and skills in conflict management and collaborative problem solving. Patience and persistence are necessary traits. Leadership, and collaborative skills and ability to pioneer data management systems are just as important to this position as an aptitude and ability to conduct fieldwork. Good organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects concurrently are important.

Requirements

Master's Degree in Fish and Wildlife Management, Wildlife Biology, Range Management, Zoology or Biology, including completion of a field research project presented in a successfully defended thesis.
Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience as a wildlife biologist or senior wildlife technician.
Successful completion of a single research effort that includes: Literature review and development of a problem statement and or hypothesis for a particular issue; Development of a detailed study plan or sampling protocol for a field-oriented project based on the above-noted hypothesis; Data collection and the effective management of data with an appropriate application; Interpretation and analysis of data, including a quantitative assessment of that information; As primary author, completion of one or more publications in a peer-reviewed journal; If appropriate to the project, formulation of any recommended changes in management prescriptions and or actions; Oral presentation on results of investigation to agency staff or public audience.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated interest in - and working knowledge of - the natural history of a broad array of wildlife species.
Proven “people skills” (interpersonal relationships, communications, networking, team-building, coaching, facilitation).
Ability to maintain good working relationships with the breadth of stakeholders in wildlife issues (agricultural interests, conservation community, industry, state and federal agencies, and Tribes).
Skills in conflict management and collaborative problem solving.
Patience and persistence.
Leadership skills.
Collaborative skills.
Ability to pioneer data management systems.
Good organizational skills.
Ability to manage multiple projects concurrently.
Creative and energetic person who is a life-long-learner.
Capable of pioneering new approaches to wildlife conservation that address issues of the day, and issues of the future.

Responsibilities

Develop strong working relationships with landowners, stakeholder groups, city governments, local conservation non-government organizations, industry, and government agencies.
Manage diverse wildlife-related issues including game damage on private property and grazing leases on FWP property.
Serve as FWP’s representative for the Blackfoot Community Conservation Area (BCCA) and the Blackfoot Prescribed Fire Working Group.
Represent FWP on collaborative habitat projects with partner land management agencies.
Monitor FWP conservation easements in the watershed.
Serve as the Wildlife Management Area (WMA) manager on more than 48,000 acres of FWP lands on four WMAs.
Lead habitat improvement projects (e.g., forestry, prescribed fire, noxious weed management) on WMAs.
Oversee infrastructure maintenance and improvement (e.g., roads, buildings, irrigation, etc.) on WMAs.
Manage hunting and trapping seasons and public access issues on WMAs.
Collaborate with enforcement, maintenance, forestry, habitat, fisheries, and parks and outdoor recreation staff for WMA management.
Conduct annual wildlife surveys including aerial elk surveys, aerial mule deer surveys, spring green-up white-tail deer ground surveys, and spring mountain grouse surveys.
Run a game check station at Bonner for 6 weekends during the general rifle hunting season every year and oversee student volunteers at the check station.
Contribute to annual monitoring efforts for furbearer and non-game programs.
Inspect and seal harvested species including wolves, mountain lions, black bears, and numerous furbearer species during open seasons.
Design and conduct ground and aerial field investigations and surveys.
Record and analyze survey data, species information statistical models and data from Department databases.
Formulate management strategies and plans that benefit wildlife populations and habitats.
Obtain public support for proposals and submit proposals through a public process.
Identify habitat conservation and access needs.
Utilize population models to predict adaptive harvest and changing environmental factors influencing wildlife conservation.
Establish hunter check stations and collect pertinent biological data.
Respond to wildlife damage complaints following legal statutes and department policies.
Collaborate with Department staff to design, implement and interpret findings of wildlife and wildlife habitat related studies.
Oversee and conduct habitat maintenance and improvement projects on department Wildlife Management areas.
Work with land management agency staff to identify and improve habitat management plans and actions on public lands.
Safely capture, restrain and immobilize a variety of wildlife species.
Provide data and information to mitigate habitat development on private and public lands.
Maintain professional status through literature review and trainings.
Present findings and information to public and scientific audiences at various settings.
Develop and maintain working relationships with Department staff, other agency staff, and the public to foster communication, cooperation and collaboration on projects.