AGFC BIOLOGIST SPECIALIST/Forester-Habitat Biologist
POSITION NO. 22096075
WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT DIVISION
SALARY:
(Q287U) $45,274 annually.
MINIMUM EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:
The formal education equivalent of a bachelor's degree in biology, zoology, botany, or a related field; plus
two years of experience in wildlife management or a related field. Other job-related education and/or
experience may be substituted for all or part of these basic requirements, except for certification or
licensure requirements, upon approval of the Human Resources Chief.
PREFERRED MINIMUM EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:
Bachelor's degree in Natural Resources Management or Forestry with a minimum of 1 year of experience
in forest management. Experience in bottomland hardwood management and in administering timber
sales is preferred. It is preferred for the applicant to be a licensed, registered forester with the Arkansas
Board of Registration or a reciprocal agreement with another state. It also is preferred for the applicant to
be familiar with forestry equipment, including hardware and software products, at use in today's forestry
and wildlife technologies.
KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS:
Knowledge of the principles of biology, ecology, and related environmental sciences. Knowledge of game
and fish management programs including propagation, cultivation, and harvesting techniques. Knowledge
of game and fish management laboratory and field survey equipment, techniques, and procedures.
Knowledge of supervisory practices and procedures. Ability to plan, organize, and oversee the work of
subordinates. Ability to make public presentations. Ability to plan work unit objectives and operational
activities and assign and direct the work of subordinate supervisors. Ability to conduct scientific game and
fish survey and studies, analyze and evaluate collected data, and prepare written narrative reports of
findings. Ability to direct, coordinate, and maintain wildlife management programs.
PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS:
Knowledge of the principles of forestry and wildlife biology. Knowledge of game and fish management
programs including resource inventories, prescribed burning, forest harvest methods and other silvicultural
techniques. Ability to plan, organize, oversee detailed management plans and the work of subordinates
and outside contractors. Ability to make public presentations. Ability to plan work independent of close
supervision that meets Wildlife Management Area objectives and operational activities and to assign and
direct the work of co-workers. Some basic firefighting training and prescribed burning experience is
preferred and a basic knowledge of wildlife management is necessary.
POSITION LOCATION:
Monticello Regional Office, Monticello, Arkansas
CLASS SUMMARY:
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) Biologist Specialist is responsible for supervising a
wildlife management program. This position is governed by state and federal laws and agency policy.
TYPICAL FUNCTIONS:
Coordinates and participates in conducting biological surveys and studies of fish and wildlife to determine
population growth, propagation rates, and the effect of environmental and human conditions on particular
species. Participates in developing wildlife management area recommendations and the development of
the five-year plan for future Game and Fish activities and acquisitions. Approves billings and projects
expenditures and assists supervisor in preparing the district budget. Conducts hunter safety classes or
public meetings on new and proposed rules and regulations. Writes news releases on activities in the
district. Performs other duties as assigned.
SPECIAL JOB DIMENSIONS:
Frequent field work with exposure to inclement weather is required. Occasional exposure to hunters and
dangerous animals may be required.
JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Develops, implements, directs, supervises, and monitors habitat management plans and habitat-related
activities on state-owned Wildlife Management Areas (WMA). Provides professional/technical advice and
direction to field staff regarding manipulation and management of both forested and open land habitat
types in the southeast portion of Arkansas. Evaluates and recommends WMA land acquisitions and
boundary line surveying/marking. Directs and conducts WMA silvicultural activities, including
comprehensive resource inventories, timber marking, chemical injection and other service contracts and
implements contract auditing procedures for these projects. Serves as a member of the regional
prescribed fire crew during planned burns on state-owned WMAs. Utilizes Global Positioning System
equipment and forestry software to complete job duties. Develops GIS maps and land information
databases for resource planning, management and agency databases. Submits oral and written reports
and maintains WMA management data files. Develops, directs, submits and monitors annual/project
budgets. Carries out professional and technical duties as assigned. Conducts public relations work with
various types of agencies, private industry, professional and civic organizations and outdoor recreational
groups. Must understand and be willing to function in a multi-faceted, team-oriented work environment.
Must maintain close individual contact with and develop solid working relationships with all Wildlife
Management Division personnel. Heavy physical demands in inclement weather may be frequently
required. Required physical fitness test for control burning includes successful completion of pack test.
Some overnight travel is required.
https://jobs.agfc.com . Applications will be accepted until filled.