Conservation Biologist I

Job Code: 32000062
Salary Grade: NC14

Class Concept

This is professional work in wildlife (aquatic, marine, and terrestrial) culture, fisheries management, habitat management, forestry, field and laboratory research, disease management, wildlife management, commercial or recreational fishing industry enhancement, and access (such as gameland or waterway access) management. Work addresses the health, stability, restoration, and control of populations of terrestrial and aquatic wildlife and their habitats. Employees participate in a variety of major, well-defined programs or research projects. Work in this classification may involve the collection, analysis, and evaluation of biological and habitat data within a specified geographical area of the state. Employees may independently plan and conduct applied research, survey, and monitoring projects of limited scope that nevertheless includes all phases of the study process including problem identification, planning, organizing, scheduling, conducting, statistical analysis and reporting of results. Employees may provide routine or component technical guidance which includes working with the public and other partners to develop management plans. May manage projects or programs of limited complexity requiring technical knowledge, limited decision making, and of limited scope. The variety and scope of work may be limited by species type, geographic area, complexity of research managed, type of technical guidance provided, or a combination of these factors. Results of work may be used to inform policy or regulatory decisions or to assist members of the public either individually or in groups. Existing s guidelines, standards and practices guide most activities. Work requires the practical application of biological principles to research studies or technical guidance in wildlife, fisheries, or habitat management. Employees may supervise volunteers, temporaries, technicians, or trainees. Employee is supervised or guided by a higher-level biologist or forester who provides technical supervision.

Recruitment Requirements

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Considerable knowledge of biological principles and management practices as applied to marine or estuarine biology, and wildlife or fisheries management.
• Considerable knowledge of taxonomic identification procedures, field and laboratory techniques, and the operation of sampling and laboratory equipment.
• Knowledge of applicable federal and state fisheries and wildlife laws as well as US Coast Guard rules and regulations and knowledge of biological statistics, scientific principles, sampling techniques, GIS technology, and computerized data analyses.
• Knowledge of the types, habitats, and behavior of a variety of wildlife (aquatic, marine, and terrestrial) species and knowledge of wildlife (aquatic, marine, and terrestrial) habitats, wildlife management, wildlife disease, and species propagation.
• Knowledge of water level management, wetlands, water chemistry or quality and plant species succession and knowledge of the equipment and techniques associated with silviculture. Ability to prepare written technical reports for a variety of audiences.
• Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing.
• Ability to design and conduct moderately complex field studies.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other biologists, members of the general public, and members of groups interested in wildlife or fisheries management or commercial fishing interests.
• Ability to interpret and analyze data and contribute to written reports and ability to gather and compile materials from a variety of sources.
• Skill in operating standard scientific sampling equipment.

Minimum Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree in wildlife or fisheries management, fisheries science, zoology, or a biological science, or a closely related curriculum from an appropriately accredited institution and two years of experience in wildlife or fisheries management; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Some positions require coursework in forestry.