Wildlife Program Manager (Aquatic Stewardship Program Administrator) - 20058724

State of Ohio•Columbus, OH

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Wildlife Program Manager serves as the Aquatic Stewardship Program Administrator within the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Wildlife. The position is headquartered at the agency’s Central Office Fountain Square in Columbus, Ohio, and is part of the Fish Management section. It manages statewide aquatic diversity and aquatic invasive species programs and, in collaboration with the Wildlife Management section, manages the animal component of the Ohio Natural Heritage Database. The role works with the Inland, Lake Erie, and Hatchery organizational units, as well as federal agencies and university partners, to implement the Aquatic Stewardship program. It also communicates with and responds to requests from the public, other agencies, and Division of Wildlife staff. The position is permanent, full-time, classified, and exempt from the union. The schedule is 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, subject to change. Compensation starts at $36.75 per hour, with multiple increases over the first 6.5 years of service to $52.27 per hour; cost-of-living adjustments may also apply. Longevity pay supplements begin after five years of state service.

Requirements

Complete an undergraduate core program in a previously cited area and have 24 months of experience in wildlife program management; or complete a graduate core program in wildlife management, fisheries management, biology, zoology, or a related field and have 12 months of experience in wildlife program management; or have 12 months of experience as an Aquatic Biology Program Administrator (classification 22276); or have 12 months of experience as a Wildlife Biology Program Administrator (classification 22286); or provide alternative, equivalent evidence of the Major Worker Characteristics.
Demonstrate management, wildlife, verbal communication, and written communication skills.
Submit transcripts for coursework, degrees, or educational accomplishments claimed on the application by the posting deadline. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable until selection.
Clearly document how minimum qualifications are met in the application; supplemental-question responses must be supported by the application’s work experience and education sections.
The final candidate must undergo a criminal background check.

Responsibilities

Manage and coordinate the statewide aquatic diversity program in the agency’s Fish Management section.
Manage and coordinate the statewide aquatic invasive species program in the agency’s Fish Management section.
Manage the animal component of the Ohio Natural Heritage Database in collaboration with the Wildlife Management section.
Collaborate with Inland, Lake Erie, and Hatchery organizational units and federal agency and university partners to implement the Aquatic Stewardship program.
Communicate with and respond to requests related to the aquatic stewardship program from the public, other agencies, and Division of Wildlife staff.

Benefits

Medical coverage
Free dental, vision, and basic life insurance premiums after completion of the eligibility period
Paid time off, including vacation, personal and sick leave
11 paid holidays per year
Childbirth, adoption, and foster care leave
Education and development opportunities, including employee development funds and Public Service Loan Forgiveness
Public retirement systems, including OPERS, STRS, SERS, and HPRS
Optional deferred compensation through Ohio Deferred Compensation
Potential cost-of-living adjustments
Longevity pay supplements beginning after five years of state service