The formal education equivalent of a bachelor's degree in biology, zoology, botany, 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 bachelor’s degree in wildlife biology, conservation biology, natural resources, environmental science or a related field plus one year of experience in a related field; OR a master’s degree in wildlife biology, conservation biology, natural resources, environmental science or a related field.

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 laboratory and field survey equipment, techniques, and procedures

Ability to plan, organize, and oversee the work of subordinates

Ability to make public presentations and conduct hunter safety classes

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

• Knowledge of the biology, ecology and management of wetlands
• Knowledge of the biology, ecology and management of waterfowl and webless migratory birds and their habitats
• Ability to plan, organize, and oversee the work of colleagues
• Ability to make public presentations and to plan work unit objectives and operational activities and to assign and direct the work of colleagues
• Ability to conduct scientific game and fish surveys and studies
• Ability to work with private landowners to enhance wetlands
• Ability to operate/maintain heavy machinery (farm machinery such as: tractors, disks, rollers, sprayers, dozers, etc.) to accomplish habitat management objectives
• Demonstrated skill in the operation of or ability and willingness to learn operation of dirt-moving (tractors/scrapers/lasers/gps/software) equipment to accomplish habitat restoration and enhancement objectives
• Knowledge of migratory bird management and monitoring, including trapping, banding and survey techniques
• Must be proficient with a variety of computer software applications including but not limited to: ArcView/ArcGIS/ArcMap, MS Access, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint and MS Word
• Must be able to work efficiently and effectively with others as well as independently, and be able to prioritize a statewide, heavy, and varied workload
• Effective organizational skills, written and verbal communication skills, and strong public-speaking skills are essential.

Join the 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, you will get to experience many other places in Arkansas while  interacting with fish professionals around the state.

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) Biologist I is responsible for supervising wildlife and timber management in a wildlife management area.  This position is governed by state and federal laws and agency policy.

• Coordinates and participates in conducting biological surveys and studies of fish and wildlife to determine population growth, propagation rates, and the effect of environmental and human conditions on particular species.
• Participates in developing wildlife management area recommendations and the development of the five-year plan for future Game and Fish activities and acquisitions.
• Approves billings and projects expenditures and assists supervisor in preparing the district budget.  
• Conducts hunter safety classes or public meetings on new and proposed rules and regulations.
• Writes news releases on activities in the district.  
•  Performs other duties as assigned.

Responsible for assisting the Wetlands Coordinator and Biologist II in delivering a complex array of wetland habitat acquisition, restoration, enhancement and management projects statewide, primarily on Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs). Emphasis will be on assisting the Wetlands Program Coordinator and Biologist II with WMA moist-soil habitat management activities, including budgets, record keeping, coordination with other division staff and hands-on implementation of management techniques (e.g. disking, spraying, water-level manipulations).

Duties also will include: assisting with the implementation of the division’s waterfowl habitat delivery - with a focus on moist-soil habitat and greentree reservoirs - and the integration of game and non-game migratory bird habitat planning and wetland conservation projects associated with the North American Waterfowl Management Plan’s Lower Mississippi Valley Joint Venture; assisting with waterfowl habitat monitoring and data gathering; and assisting in migratory game bird management activities including bird and hunter surveys, trapping, banding, permits, data management, and other population monitoring and evaluation duties, as needed.

Frequently works with agency field personnel, other state and federal agencies, waterfowl-focused NGOs and contractors performing management activities. Other duties will be carried out as assigned.

Must possess a valid Arkansas driver’s license.

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

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