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.

A master's degree in wildlife biology, conservation biology, natural resources, environmental
science or a related field plus five years of experience in a related field plus two years of
demonstrated leadership of wildlife management activities.

NWCG Prescribed Fire Burn Boss 2 with 5 years experience as a RXB2. 

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.

• Knowledge of Arkansas's fire dependent communities.
• Knowledge of habitat management techniques.
• Knowledge of National Wildland Coordinating Group (NWCG) prescribed fire qualification standards.
• Knowledge of the Sustainable Forestry Initiative.
• Ability to coordinate crews in inclement and hazardous conditions.
• Knowledge of best management practices for fireline installation and maintenance.
• Ability to operate atvs/utvs, torches, and fire engines.
• Ability to build and maintain partnerships.
• A working knowledge of Google and Microsoft based programs.
• Knowledge of GIS and basic map-making skills.
• Extensive documented experience in leadership positions that demonstrate effectiveness in leadership capacity.
• Burn Boss certified at AGFC policy standards or federal RXB3,TFLD or higher certified by NWCG standard. 

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) Conservation Program Biologist I is responsible for supervising a wildlife or fisheries management program.  This position is governed by state and federal laws and agency policy.

• Assists program coordinators, habitat biologists, other staff and agency partners in the planning, preparation, and implementation of projects on wildlife management areas.
• Participates in developing wildlife management area recommendations and the development of short- and long-term plans for future agency conservation activities.
• Coordinates and leads biological surveys and studies of wildlife to determine population growth, propagation rates, and the effect of environmental and human conditions on particular species. Summarizes data and prepares reports.
• Communicates regularly with the Regional Supervisor regarding oversight for budgets, contracts and grants, and assists in the supervision of professional and technical personnel, contractors, part-time employees, interns and volunteers.
• Oversees overall project operational duties and supervision of employees in the absence of Regional Supervisor. Assists with overall management of a region by submitting recommendations and reports to the Regional Supervisor.
• Assists with budget development by reviewing and recommending requests from regional personnel and submitting budget recommendations to the Regional Supervisor. Develops, submits, reviews, approves, and directs implementation of budgets, invoices, project plans, regulations and operational procedures.
• Reviews biological data to analyze trends affecting management priorities and program requirements.
• Drafts public land management plans and oversees their implementation through direct participation, assigning appropriate personnel, assembling data, submitting and approving final data products and reports.
• Assists with both regional and division administrative duties. Serves on statewide and broader working groups and teams.
• Conducts public relations work with various agencies, private industry, professional and civic organizations and outdoor recreational groups.
• Must understand and be willing to function in a multi-faceted, team-oriented work environment. Must maintain close individual contact with and develop solid working relationships with all Wildlife Management Division, agency and partner organization personnel.
• Participates in public outreach regarding management activities and regulations.
• Leads nuisance wildlife capture and relocation.

Serves as the AGFC statewide prescribed fire program coordinator. Works with staff to plan prescribed burns, conduct burns, and track accomplishments towards habitat restoration goals. Responsible for administering training and physical fitness tests to ensure staff meet qualifications for burning.  Coordinates with partners (US Forest Service, US Fish and Wildlife Service, The Nature Conservancy, Quail Forever etc.) to work towards achieving habitat restoration goals statewide. Assists the private lands habitat division to administer Qualified Prescribed Burner training and serves on the advisory board for the Qualified Prescribed Burner certification program.

Serves as the Arkansas representative on the Southern Fire Exchange and the Arkansas Fire Council board. Serves on a cooperative team to plan the Arkansas Wildland Fire Academy with partners. Work with staff to prioritize prescribed fire efforts on clearly defined habitat conditions, goals and objectives to ensure prescribed fire activities result in shifting habitats toward desired forest conditions as outlined in the Arkansas Wildlife Action Plan for terrestrial habitats. Assists with grant writing to secure funding for program implementation. Oversees purchase of all personal protective equipment and implements needed for prescribed burns.

Tracks and shares accomplishments with agency staff and partners. This position will be responsible for developing and overseeing a budget and performing other routine administrative duties required to comply with program, division and agency standards. Performs other duties as assigned. 

Must possess a valid Arkansas driver’s license.

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

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

Position will have statewide responsibilities. Duty location will be determined upon selection of the candidate.