Job Details
Advertisement Opens: Jan. 11, 2022 |
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Advertisement Closes: April 8, 2022 |
Full Time: Yes |
Salary: $49,526.00 - $49,526.00 Annually |
Minimum Education and/or Experience: The formal education equivalent of a Bachelor's degree in fisheries, biology, zoology or related field and one year employment experience in the field of aquaculture. 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 Education and/or Experience: Master of Science degree from an accredited college in one of the following programs: biology, fisheries management, natural resource management, or other related biological sciences. |
Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills: Knowledge of or experience in current fish propagation techniques. Good oral and written communication skills and ability to work well with others. Good computer skills especially in Microsoft Office and Google. Requires experience operating boats, motors, trucks and other heavy farm-type equipment. Ability to learn quickly and work independently as well as under direct supervision. Willingness to work nights and weekends is necessary. Occasionally will be required to work long hours under harsh conditions. |
Preferred Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills: Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public, stakeholders, and Arkansas Game and Fish Commission staff. Ability to implement project management techniques and practices (scheduling/task management) to ensure completion of programs and projects in an effective and timely manner. Ability to analyze data and apply relevant fisheries management and ecological principles to resolve conservation issues. Experience with advanced statistical methods and analyzing data in Program R, SAS, or similar statistical software. Ability to operate a boat and back a trailer. Knowledge of basic boat and trailer maintenance requirements. Experience publishing in scientific literature. A working knowledge of Google and Microsoft based programs. Ability to perform basic functions in GIS platforms and collaborate with agency GIS staff on projects. Ability to observe and classify wildlife species, fish species, and aquatic plants, and identify nonnative aquatic species. Ability to express oneself clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing to various groups including scientific peers, commercial industry constituents, and administration in the Division and Agency. Ability to make independent decisions and act decisively on the determined course of action. Ability to utilize and maintain issued equipment. Ability to swim or learn to swim. Lift small boats, outboard motors, canoes, and kayaks. Walk in rough terrain. |
Position Location: City: Central Arkansas Office: Statewide Position; Location to be determined at time of hire. Division: Fisheries |
Job Summary: The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) Jim Hinkle Spring River State Fish Hatchery Biologist is part of a team of professionals that operate one of the largest state agency-owned hatchery systems in the US. This team collectively raises millions of fish annually, comprised of several species. While the job is located at one hatchery, this position will get to experience many other places in Arkansas while interacting with fish professionals around the state.This position is governed by state and federal laws and agency policy. |
Typical Functions: This position will be responsible for participating in the planning, scheduling and record keeping involved in the operation of an intensive culture, coldwater fish hatchery. Spawn fish and monitor development of eggs and fry. Develop and implement feeding schedules. Monitor fish health and administer chemical treatments for disease. Monitor water quality.
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Specific Duties and Responsibilities: The successful candidate will join a progressive team of fisheries employees that values conservation of our resources, integrity, teamwork, innovation and professionalism. Continued professional development opportunities are supported. Coordinate routine monitoring and research on large river species with emphasis on: Catfish species, Paddlefish, Alligator Gar, Sturgeon species, Buffalo species, and large river Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN). Coordinate and implement research used to inform Species Status Assessments for petitioned Endangered Species Act aquatic species. Manage commercial harvest of fish, mussels, and aquatic turtles in the state, including assisting with population assessments, recommending regulation changes, and engaging stakeholders. Coordinate and implement research and data collection related to commercial harvest data including management of an electronic database system and population assessments for commercial species. Review Convention on the international Trade of Endangered Species (CITES) Applications for paddlefish and sturgeon products and any other species for which a permit is required. Participate in the development and execution of the Paddlefish/Sturgeon, Catfish, or Alligator Gar Species Management Plans. Serve as the AGFC liaison for three USACE Districts' large river habitat projects, specifically dike notching on the Arkansas River. Serve as the AGFC liaison to the Lower Mississippi River Conservation Committee (LMRCC) for habitat projects conducted in the Lower Mississippi River by the USACE or other entity. Serve as the Agency Representative to one or more MICRA species committees. Serve as Agency representative to NGO's such as the Red River Valley Association, Ouachita River Valley Association, Ouachita River Commission, etc. Develop partnerships with NGO's such as TNC, River keepers, etc. to conserve and enhance fish | habitat in large rivers. AGFC Programs Biologists must be self-starters, problem solvers, critical thinkers, and independent operators. |
Certificates, Licenses, or Registrations: Must possess a valid Arkansas driver’s license.
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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. This position often requires overnight travel, working weekends, long hours, and/or in poor weather conditions. All applicants are subject to a criminal background check.
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Other Specific Information: This position has the designation of a safety-sensitive position. Applicants being considered for this position are subject to pre-employment drug and alcohol testing. Refusal to submit to testing will result in disqualification of further employment consideration. If offered a position, employees in this position will be subject to periodic drug and alcohol testing. |
As an equal opportunity employer, the Commission will make any reasonable accommodations necessary to ensure equal employment opportunities.