Job Description

Posting number: 513-226627-26

Department: Wildlife & Fisheries-Wildlife

Job classification: BIOLOGIST DCL-A

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Environmental Services, Agriculture, Parks and Recreation, Miscellaneous, Land Use, Wetlands, Forestry

Summary

LDWF supports a strong work ethic in its employees and incorporates the use of good science, accurate information and technology. The Office of Wildlife exists to provide wise stewardship of Louisiana's wildlife and associated habitats and increase wildlife conservation awareness.

BIOLOGIST DCL-A/ WATERFOWL-STATEWIDE

The incumbent (Waterfowl Biologist) will coordinate the North American Waterfowl Management Plan (NAWMP) in Louisiana, with primary responsibility for planning, funding, delivering, and evaluating wetland and associated upland habitat projects. The position works with Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) staff, landowners, government agencies, and conservation organizations. It also supports waterfowl population monitoring, banding, and research, and communicates project results to agency staff and the public.

IDEAL CANDIDATE

• Experience in waterfowl biology, wetland habitat management, and development or oversight of habitat restoration projects
• Experience working with private landowners and partners on government or nonprofit wetland habitat enhancement projects
• Ability to work independently, coordinate several projects, and communicate effectively in writing and in person
• Experience with waterfowl capture and banding, field data collection, and aerial survey methods
• Self-motivated individual with strong interest in wetlands, waterfowl and other migratory game birds and ability to work independently on a variety of simultaneous tasks
• Ability to lift 50 pounds

Examples of duties

A bachelor’s degree in a biological science, marine science, environmental science, wildlife or fisheries, animal science, forestry, or natural resources plus four years of experience in wildlife or fisheries, forestry, or environmental science; OR

A non-thesis master's degree in a biological science, marine science, environmental science, wildlife or fisheries, animal science, forestry, or natural resources plus three years of the required specialized experience; OR

A master's degree with a completed thesis or a doctorate in a biological science, marine science, environmental science, wildlife or fisheries, animal science, forestry, or natural resources plus two years of the required specialized experience.

Supplemental Qualifications:

Four years of experience in waterfowl biology, wetland habitat management and development, or oversight of habitat restoration projects.

Qualifications

The official job specifications for this role, as defined by the State Civil Service, can be found here.

Supplemental information

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Under the direction of the Waterfowl Study Leader, the incumbent will develop and manage LDWF affiliated North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) projects and other waterfowl habitat initiatives such as the Louisiana Mottled Duck Project and Coastal Grasslands Restoration Incentive Program
• Work with operations staff to plan, implement, and monitor annual waterfowl habitat management on state owned lands
• Coordinate with LDWF Farm Bill staff to improve project delivery and management on Wetland Reserve Easement enhancement projects. Work with regional staff to plan and implement wetland habitat management on wildlife management areas (WMAs
• Prepare annual and cumulative program reports
• Participate in population waterfowl surveys via aerial surveys in fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters
• Develop and maintain waterfowl banding sites on WMA and private lands to capture and band wood ducks, black-bellied whistling ducks, and other species as necessary
• Participate in mottled duck research, banding, and management
• Train staff in rocket netting methods, other trapping techniques, and bird handling/banding procedures to maintain a cost-effective and humane program providing high-quality data

POSITION- SPECIFIC DETAILS:

DOMICILE: This position will be domiciled statewide and will be determined once candidate is selected. Potential domiciles include LDWF Field Offices and LDWF Headquarters, Minden (Webster Parish), Monroe (Ouachita Parish), Pineville (Rapides Parish), Lake Charles (Calcasieu Parish), Lafayette (Lafayette Parish), Baton Rouge (East Baton Rouge Parish), and Hammond (Tangipahoa Parish).

APPOINTMENT TYPE: Job appointment, probational appointment, promotional, or detail to special duty.

If filled as a job appointment, there is a possibility that this position may be converted to a probational appointment should funding become available. Current permanent status classified state employees may be required to accept a probational appointment if selected.

COMPENSATION: The salary offered will be determined based on qualifications and experience.

HOW TO APPLY

No Civil Service test score is required in order to be considered for this vacancy.

To apply for this vacancy, click on the “Apply” link above and complete an electronic application, which can be used for this vacancy as well as future job opportunities. Applicants are responsible for checking the status of their application to determine where they are in the recruitment process. Further status message information is located under the Information section of the Current Job Opportunities page.

• Information to support your eligibility for the position must be included in the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education). Resumes WILL NOT be accepted in lieu of completed education and experience sections on your application. Applications may be rejected if incomplete.

Any qualifying experience that is based on college credit/college hours should have an accompanying transcript for verification. A criminal background check will be required of all selected applicants. Any degree, certificate, special license, or DD-214 must be verified by official documentation prior to hire.

If you are applying for a position which requires a baccalaureate and/or master’s degree you may apply 90 days prior to receipt of your degree, however, the effective date of the appointment cannot be prior to your graduation date.

Louisiana is a State as a Model Employer (SAME) that supports the recruitment, hiring and retention of individuals with disabilities. For more information on employment resources for individuals with disabilities, see the Louisiana Employment Resources Guide at

https://www.laworks.net/workforcedev/lrs/lrs_main.aspThis agency participates in the E-Verify system for verification of citizenship and employment authorization.

Wildlife & Fisheries is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT THIS VACANCY CONTACT:

Cassandra Louis

Department of Wildlife & Fisheries- Human Resources

P.O. Box 98000

Baton Rouge, LA 70898

clouis@wlf.la.gov