Overview

Under general direction, Wildlife Staff Specialists perform program research, planning, analysis and evaluation; draft proposed legislation, policies, procedures and regulations related to wildlife management programs and activities throughout the State.

Nevada has more than 890 species, the majority of which fall under the management responsibility of the Wildlife Diversity Division.  Wildlife Diversity has two staff-level positions that are dedicated to statewide management duties for these species.  This Staff Specialist position is the lead for coordinating Wildlife Diversity Division citizen science projects, assisting with education and outreach focused on Wildlife Diversity Division activities, building and maintaining strategic partnerships with other state, federal and non-governmental organizations, and developing and maintaining wildlife information for the public. This position assists with funding by seeking and developing new grants, implementing projects, and subsequent reporting of accomplishments.  In addition, this position assists with implementing the State Wildlife Action Plan – a comprehensive strategic plan that currently prioritizes 256 species and 22 key habitats in Nevada.  This plan is updated every ten years and is a key guidance document for work the Wildlife Diversity Division conducts.

Responsibilities

• Develop drafts of policies, procedures, position statements, policy plans, regulations and agreements; review current information, procedures, policies and plans; evaluate needs and research alternatives; identify problems and assess potential solutions; write and revise proposals and submit for final approval in order to resolve problems and issues and implement new methods.
• Participate in developing program budgets; collect and analyze financial and statistical data; assess needs and available resources; develop and institute schedules and procedures for data collection; assess and document budgetary requirements; prioritize needs; review, modify and draft budget proposals; develop equipment specifications; and submit to the supervisor in order to plan for future operations.
• Develop program plans; outline goals and program requirements; develop and implement research proposals andprojects; develop five-year, biennial and annual plans; establish timelines and objectives; and monitor and evaluate progress.
• Research, develop, prepare and coordinate grant application proposals to secure federal funding in accordance with federal guidelines; and amend federal aid grants based on program changes and direction.
• Coordinate and direct assigned programs; compile, analyze and interpret research and survey data; develop and maintain databases; document facts, draw conclusions and submit recommendations for action; prepare summary narrative and statistical reports; establish training requirements and document training needs; coordinate findingsand plans with other governmental agencies; disseminate information to field personnel, federal and State agencies and the general public; present and defend final proposals before special interest groups, community organizations, commissions, committees and other groups.
• Provide the public and scientific community with information by developing pamphlets, wildlife plans, technical papers and other publications; research, compile and organize information; respond to inquiries or requests for information; communicate with governmental agencies and organizations and concerned special interest groups;coordinate and plan printing, publishing and distribution; prepare information for release to the media to educatethe public regarding wildlife issues and enhance community relations.
• May train, supervise and evaluate the performance of subordinate staff as assigned.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in wildlife management, biology or closely related field and four years of professional experience that included organizing, planning and completing management studies, writing technical reports and preparing species or land use management plans and recommendations related to wildlife management; OR one year of experience as a Biologist III in Nevada State service; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience as described above.
• Working knowledge of: the general life histories, ecology, habitats and population dynamics of wildlife species; statistical analysis and techniques; research techniques/principles such as population modeling, etc.; federal aid manuals and guidelines.
• General knowledge of: current technological solutions related to wildlife management applications.
• Ability to: read, understand and interpret documents, technical papers, manuals and scientific journals; collect, tabulate and analyze data; communicate effectively both orally and in writing with various groups who have diverse interests to respond to inquiries regarding programs and policies; apply theoretical principles into practical applications for research and management programs; interpret field data and formulate appropriate management strategies; identify management problems and develop procedural solutions; identify research needs and develop programs to meet management needs; maintain effective working relationships withthe public, staff and other agencies.
• Working knowledge of: Nevada geography including agency game management areas; applicable Nevada Revised Statutes, Nevada Administrative Codes, State Board of Wildlife Commissioners’ policies and procedures, departmental and division policies and procedures and federal regulations; State budgeting and fiscalpractices needed to provide input into the agency program budget; funding structure and the federal aid budget requirements for proper fiscal documentation of new and continuing projects; State and agency contractual procedures to develop, obtain approval and control compliance with contracts for services; needed materials andequipment, vendors, pricing and purchasing procedures; other federal and State agencies’ policies and procedures as they interact with the goals and objectives of the agency.
• Ability to: make technical presentations for trainingseminars; manage training programs to include identifying needs, planning, and coordinating instructors; operatecomputers and associated software; and supervise and train staff as assigned.
• A valid drivers license is required at the time of appointment and as a condition of continuing employment.