Game biologist

Open Until 7/5/2024

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is seeking a Migratory Game Bird/Wetland Habitat Biologist. This position is responsible for coordinating, collecting, analyzing, and reporting migratory game bird data; developing management guidance for wetland habitats; seeking funding for wetland projects, and providing technical expertise in wetland and watershed planning. The position represents Wyoming on the Central Flyway Technical Committee; coordinates migratory game bird hunting season recommendations; and coordinates with diverse stakeholders interested in the conservation of migratory game birds and their habitats. The position offers an exceptional opportunity to collaborate with biologists from other states, provinces, agencies, NGOs, and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service specializing in migratory game bird management while providing the opportunity to develop project proposals to help create wetlands in Wyoming. Human Resource Contact: Alice Saldana / ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The listed functions are illustrative only and are not intended to describe every function which may be performed at the job level.  

• This position has responsibilities for management and conservation of migratory game bird resources and their habitats.
• Coordinate management responsibilities with the Department's non-game program for overlapping species, i.e., trumpeter swans and harlequin ducks.
• Compile and analyze migratory game bird and habitat data, and write Department reports and management plans.
• Represent Wyoming at Central Flyway Technical Committee Meetings. Provide information and briefings to a senior staff member who serves on the Central Flyway Council.
• Participate and chair flyway subcommittees and technical committees in accordance with scheduled state rotations and participate in the preparation of flyway management plans.
• Participate in the Wyoming Bird Habitat Conservation Partnership. Coordinate with other member organizations and agencies to further wetland conservation efforts.
• Department lead for wetland habitat management by providing technical expertise in wetland and watershed planning and wet meadow restoration techniques.
• Provide wetland resiliency management recommendations. 
• Develop management guidance for wetland impoundments based on the type and location of the wetland.
• Collect migratory game bird and related habitat data by ground and low-level aerial survey methods. 
• Coordinate migratory game bird hunting seasons and represent the Department at the Central Flyway Technical Committee meetings.
• Assist the Wildlife Division during public meetings and consider public input during the formulation of migratory game bird seasons.
• Review migratory game bird hunting regulations for accuracy and content. 
• Provide expert agency comments on development activities potentially affecting migratory game bird resources and habitats.
• Work cooperatively with interested citizens and organizations such as Ducks Unlimited to conserve and enhance wetland habitats.
• Recommend management practices to improve waterfowl use and production on Commission-owned wildlife habitat management areas.
• Write the Migratory Game Bird Program Annual Job Completion Report and wetland updates for the Strategic Habitat Plan.

Preference may be given to those with a Master's degree specializing in migratory game bird or wetland management/ecology, or applicants with two (2) or more years experience working in the field of migratory game bird management/ecology/habitat. **Agency requires that the successful applicant possess a valid driver's license. KNOWLEDGE:   

• Understanding of principles and practices of migratory game bird management and the federal framework regulating harvest.
• Understand the principles and practices of wetland habitat restoration and maintenance.
• Ability to prepare and draft wetland habitat plans.
• Knowledge of migratory game bird species life history and ecology. Knowledge of wetland and terrestrial ecology.
• Ability to identify waterfowl species and other migratory game birds in the field and in hand.
• Knowledge of basic statistical techniques and interpretation.
• Knowledge of published classic and contemporary waterfowl studies.
• The ability and willingness to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Strong written and verbal interpersonal communication skills.
• Knowledge of the U.S. Corp of Engineers permitting process.
• Ability to coordinate and work with federal, state, and local agencies on complex habitat management issues.
• Strong computer skills and knowledge of computer software packages, including ARCGIS.
•  Ability to track budget and grant expenditures in accordance with fiscal procedures.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs or more.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

 

Education:

Bachelor's Degree (typically in Wildlife Management) Experience:

1-2 years progressive work experience (typically in Wildlife Management) with acquired knowledge at the level of a Wildlife Biologist II

 

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

None

OR

Education & Experience Substitution:

4-6 years of progressive work experience (typically in Wildlife Management) with acquired knowledge at the level of a Wildlife Biologist II

 

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

None

PHYSICAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

• The candidate must be willing to be an observer in a small, single-engine fixed-wing aircraft. 
• The candidate may be required to navigate independently in remote locations using a topographic map, GPS unit, and compass.
• The candidate must be physically able and willing to hike moderate distances (1-3 miles/day) during diverse weather conditions.
• Ability to safely operate 4-wheel drive pickups, ATVs, motorized boats, canoes, and rafts. 
• Some overnight travel may be required.

NOTES:  

• FLSA: Exempt
• Statewide travel is required
• A CDL is NOT required for this position.
• May also consider Casper as the duty station, Lander is preferred.

Click here to view the State of Wyoming Classification and Pay Structure. URL: The State of Wyoming is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively supports the ADA and reasonably accommodates qualified applicants with disabilities.

Class Specifications are subject to change, please refer to the A & I HRD Website to ensure that you have the most recent version.