Overview

AGFC BIOLOGIST SPECIALIST/ STREAM HABITAT COORDINATOR (22096098)
DIVISION: FISHERIES
LOCATION: HOPE REGIONAL OFFICE; HOPE, AR
SALARY: (Q287U) $45,274

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.

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: 

Preference will be given to applicants with a bachelor’s degree in hydrology, hydro-geomorphology, environmental engineering or a related field, or at least four years of experience in stream restoration.  Completion of Rosgen’s Natural Channel Design, levels I, II, III and IV courses may be substituted for two years of experience.

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 to assign and direct the work of subordinate supervisors. Ability to conduct scientific game and fish surveys and studies, analyze and evaluate collected data, and prepare written narrative report of findings. Ability to direct, coordinate, and maintain wildlife management programs.

PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS:

Applicants for this position should be able to demonstrate a knowledge of environmental science, aquatic ecology, lotic hydrology, fisheries science principles and surveying techniques. They should also be prepared to communicate their experiences of natural channel design, riparian and stream bank bio-engineering, stream fish habitat improvement, stream bank stabilization techniques, GIS software, and drone technology. Extensive training in Natural Channel Design and barrier inventory techniques is required of the selected applicant. Stream Habitat Coordinators are responsible for coordinating a volunteer conservation network and educating the public about water conservation in large group settings. Therefore, the ability to communicate clearly and logically through oral presentations and written media platforms to technical and non-technical audiences are a necessity of this job. Stream Habitat Coordinators must be self-starters, problem solvers, critical thinkers, and independent. However, they must also be willing and able to work cooperatively with other staff members to accomplish team goals and objectives, and accept instruction from superiors. Working weekends, long hours, and/or in poor weather conditions and overnight travel are common for this position. Experience backing trailers with a vehicle and applying surveying methods would be beneficial.

TYPICAL FUNCTIONS:

Plans and conducts various biological surveys to investigate population, habitat, and ecology of game and fish species and conducts studies of game and fish propagation, cultivation, and harvest. Analyzes and evaluates survey and sampling data and writes reports describing the results of the data and makes recommendations on game and fish populations. Directs the development of various wildlife management areas or fish propagation and cultivation and treatment plans based on district management plans. Assists supervisor with districts’ annual budgetary projections, prepares various reports and purchase orders, requisitions for equipment, supplies, and parts, and prepares monthly activity reports. Makes presentations to civic groups, schools and clubs, and conducts public meetings to explain new and/or proposed rules and regulations and/or to hear complaints about wildlife management. Writes articles for news releases on game and fish activities in district. Assists supervisor in the development of game and fish management plans and proposals to expand or improve management areas. Performs other duties as assigned.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The AGFC South Arkansas Stream Habitat Coordinator is responsible for program activities in the Coastal Plain of Arkansas and parts of the Ouachita Mountains and Mississippi Alluvial Plain ecoregions, which covers about 25% of the state. The Coordinator is responsible for working with the general public on stewardship and educational projects throughout the region relative to stream, river, and watershed conservation. Private landowners in the region are provided technical, administrative, and resource assistance by the Coordinator to enhance aquatic habitat conservation on their land. Coordinators frequently conduct workshops and in-service trainings for various groups to address problems and issues in a watershed, provide information, or instruct new procedures. Coordinators must work with Federal, State, NGO, and other AGFC personnel to identify and prioritize critical aquatic habitat resource issues in the region, and communicate the need for conservation and/or rehabilitation to administrators, landowners, and the public. Common writing assignments for this position include social media posts, detailed project plans, and technical project completion reports. They also manage the activities of multiple Stream Team citizen scientist groups including:  development, coordination, and implementation of team activities.  This position represents the agency on internal and external committees to further the conservation goals and objectives of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.

SPECIAL JOB DIMENSIONS:

Frequent in-state travel and field work with exposure to inclement weather is required. Occasional exposure to hunters and dangerous animals may be required.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

Must possess a valid driver’s license.

Successful candidates possessing Certified Fisheries Professional status with the American Fisheries Society are eligible for a 6% salary increase.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Stream Habitat Coordinators are members of a highly motivated team of natural resource professionals within the Fisheries Division of Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. This team focuses on aquatic species conservation in Arkansas by assisting landowners with stream restoration efforts, acting as consultants and project designers. In this capacity they frequently assist with federal farm-bill program administration, grant acquisition, and permit applications. Coordinators also work with citizen scientists to create and maintain Arkansas Stream Teams. These volunteer groups adopt stream and river segments to implement a wide variety of stream conservation actions. Stream Teams may also work with Coordinators to conduct stream habitat and erosion inventories, stream clean-ups, streambank restoration projects, stream habitat improvements, and water quality monitoring.  Extensive travel will be required for the first 3-6 months to facilitate on-the-job training under the tutelage of the West-Central Stream Habitat Coordinator. Frequent travel will be required after that period for project coordination, meetings, and training.

All applicants are subject to a criminal background check.

Applications must include complete work history and references. Applicants may apply online at https://jobs.agfc.com. Applications must be submitted by midnight on October 24, 2022.

“AS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER, THE COMMISSION WILL MAKE ANY REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS NECESSARY TO ENSURE EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES”