IF&W Resource Biologist (Fisheries) - 0895 - Strong

IF&W RESOURCE BIOLOGIST

Opening Date:

July 01, 2025

Closing Date:

August 01, 2025 

Location:

Strong

Position #:

01868-0895

Position Type:

Permanent Full Time 

Class Code:

9386

Grade/Salary:

Grade 26 - $56,264.00 - $78,998.40 Per Year*

*This is earning potential over the course of nine step increases based on annual performance reviews. New hires start at Step 1.

Have you dreamed of working for the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife? Do you have a passion for managing Maine’s inland fisheries resources? Want to make a difference in Maine? Then this opportunity is for you! 

BRIEF JOB DESCRIPTION: This position is housed within the Fisheries Section and works out of the Strong headquarters, serving Fisheries Management Region D - the Rangeley Lakes Region. This is professional services and scientific work at the biologist level, involving management of the State’s inland fisheries by protecting, preserving, and enhancing Maine’s natural resources. This position works in a three-person team and reports to the IF&W Resource Supervisor in carrying out departmental goals and objectives. 

Work is performed under limited supervision, outside in all weather conditions, and periodically during nights and weekends.

The position responsibilities include the following tasks:

• Conducts scientific studies by surveying fish populations, performing analysis, and assessing impacts that inform decision making. 


• Establishes and maintains effective partnerships with agencies internal and external to state government. 


• Performs research, investigation, analysis, and monitoring of fish species and their habitats to support planning and management. 


• Interacts and confers with other biologists, professionals, and advocacy groups. 


• Leads and coordinates the work of contract and temporary non-state employees and volunteers.


• Assists senior level resource biologists in planning and coordinating fisheries assessment activities.


• Writes environmental assessments to meet state and federal compliance and permitting requirements.


• Interprets, explains, and promotes programs, policies, and concerns to the public, other agencies, private organizations, and the media.


• Implementing regional and statewide work programs to protect, enhance, and restore inland fisheries resources.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: A Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, Fisheries or Wildlife Management, or related field -AND- two (2) years of progressively responsible related laboratory or field research and/or management experience. Equivalent experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.

Preference will be given to candidates that successfully demonstrate: 

• Strong interpersonal skills and leadership qualities, including experience communicating orally and in writing to both technical and nontechnical audiences. 


• Strong commitment to work respectfully and collaboratively as part of a team dedicated to responsible management of Maine's inland fisheries.


• Experience sampling fish populations through a variety of methods.


• Experience working with members of the public on freshwater fisheries issues.

The Supplemental Questions below MUST be answered and submitted with your application:

1.      Summarize your education in fisheries management, biology, and ecology, and how it relates to this position.

2.      Summarize your experience in freshwater fisheries management as related to:

a.      Inventorying, surveying, and monitoring inland fisheries resources.

b.      Promulgation and evaluation of fishing regulations.

c.       Habitat restoration, improvement, and protection.

d.      Providing agency comments on Environmental Reviews for state/federal agencies.

3.      Summarize your experience communicating both orally and in writing with lay and technical audiences.

4.      Summarize your experience working with fisheries related data, including acknowledgement of the database and analysis software programs with which you have direct experience.

5.      Discuss your experience and role in creating and/or maintaining relationships with State/Federal/Tribal governments/agencies, outside partners, and public interest groups on fisheries related issues.

                                  INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED

HOW TO APPLY: Interested applicants need to apply online by selecting the "APPLY" button below along with uploading a Cover Letter, Answers to the Supplemental Questions, and a current Resume. In order for us to properly determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for any posting, you must be sure your Resume includes month and year for any experience listed along with the duties and responsibilities associated with each particular time period. Any experience that was not full-time employment should be identified as such. 

If you can't apply online and you require a paper application, please download and print one here: https://www.maine.gov/bhr/state-jobs/application-process. Paper applications for this posting should be submitted along with a Cover Letter, Answers to the Supplemental Questions, and a detailed Resume, before the closing date, to: Natural Resources Service Center, c/o Kristin McCamish, 32 Blossom Lane, Marquardt Building, Augusta, ME 04333-0155. Please be sure that the title, and position number, of the job you are applying for is included.

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No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:

• Work-Life Balance – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave. 


• Health Insurance Coverage– The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($11,196.96-$13,172.88 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.  


• Health Insurance Premium Credit– Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements. 


• Dental Insurance– The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($358.08 annual value). 


• Retirement Plan– The State of Maine contributes 13.29% of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee.  


• Gym Membership Reimbursement– Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense. 


• Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts– Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses. 


• Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness– The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid office. 


• Living Resources Program – Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program.


• Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including fathers and adoptive parents—receive forty-two (42) consecutive calendar days of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act.  


• Voluntary Deferred Compensation– Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions. 


• Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness. 

There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role.

As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics. 

If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you.  Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

Thinking about applying?
Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting.  If you’re currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your lived experience and passion set you apart.