BIOLOGIST

Overview

Position is located in Fallon within the Game Management Division. Incumbent will be responsible for coordinating with Game Division and field staff to effectively and efficiently conduct both field and data management work for the monitoring, collection, and management of big game radio and satellite collars. Monitor bighorn sheep for disease, recruitment, and movement, as well as collecting and transporting biological samples.

Position will also assist Area Biologists with big game and upland game surveys including helicopter surveys, ground surveys, fixed-wing surveys, and surveys from ATVs. Individual will also be responsible for performing other duties as assigned. Position will be recruited at Biologist 2 and Biologist 3 levels and can be filled at either level.

• Biologists conduct fisheries, wildlife, botanical and/or habitat management projects and research studies including data collection, analysis and interpretation; develop and implement project proposals and work plans; prepare recommendations; and participate in public relations activities.
• Create and execute project proposals for fisheries, wildlife and/or habitat management projects; organize and implement surveys; collect data using a variety of techniques and equipment.
• Supervise and participate in wildlife, botanical and habitat studies to protect and preserve the State’s wildlife and natural resources; conduct wildlife surveys and inventories to determine population composition, productivity, reproductive status and condition to develop recommendations regarding hunting seasons, stocking practices and bag limits; or determine conservation status.
• Organize and implement fish, wildlife, botanical and habitat surveys; identify survey areas and schedule required personnel, equipment and supplies; collect data using field observation, helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft, electroshocking, population marking, tagging, questionnaires, bag checks and creel surveys.
• Analyze data by applying mathematical and statistical formulas to calculate population status; prepare species distribution and density maps; evaluate trend data and document status and management needs; prepare species and habitat management recommendations and technical reports.
• Provide survey data and analysis as input to land management planning processes; review and evaluate established and proposed land, water and resource use documents; prepare correspondence and technical reports; appear before regulatory, governing and advisory boards and commissions to explain and defend the agency’s position and answer questions.
• Manipulate fish and wildlife populations and habitats by introducing species into suitable habitats; bait and trap, tranquilize, radio collar or band wildlife and transport to selected locations; modify habitats to meet resource needs and uses; monitor released animals to assess project results.
• Investigate and assess damage caused by wildlife upon private property and public lands; recommend appropriate courses of action to mitigate or resolve the problem.
• Draft species management plans; develop season and harvest recommendations and implement related regulations; analyze and evaluate data, reports and proposals; make program recommendations in accordance with consumptive, non-consumptive and recreational needs of the public and the preservation of wildlife resources and habitats.
• Coordinate State and regional level activities with other federal and state agencies, special interest groups and the public; represent the department and provide information to the public and governmental entities; make presentations; appear before governmental and regulatory bodies; prepare press releases and interact with the media; may serve on committees for the Board of Wildlife Commissioners.
• Perform related duties as assigned.
• Under general supervision, incumbents perform the duties outlined above. This is the journey level in the series.
• This job specification lists the major knowledge, skills and abilities of the job and is not all inclusive. Incumbent(s) will be expected to have knowledge, skills and abilities from a previous level.
• Working knowledge…