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.

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 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.

• 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
• Understands principles of fish population dynamics and approaches for conducting fish stock assessments
• Experience with advanced statistical methods and analyzing data in Program R, SAS, or similar statistical software
• Ability to perform basic functions in GIS platforms
• A working knowledge of Google and Microsoft-based programs
• Experience publishing scientific literature and proficient technical writing skills
• Experience using boat-mounted electrofishing gear and knowledge of its applications and limitations
• Experience working in riverine systems
• Ability to operate a boat and back a trailer
• Knowledge of basic boat and trailer maintenance requirements
• 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
• Supervisory experience
• Ability to observe and classify aquatic wildlife species, including native and invasive fish
• Experience working with or managing invasive carp species (Bighead, Silver, Black, and Grass Carp) and an advanced knowledge of their biology, ecology, and management
• Ability to make independent decisions and act decisively on the determined course of action
• Ability to swim or learn to swim
• Ability to lift small boats, outboard motors, canoes, and kayaks
• Basic knowledge of the commercial fishing industry and gears used for commercial fishing
• Grant writing experience

AGFC Programs Biologists must be self-starters, problem solvers, critical thinkers, and independent operators.

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

Plans and conducts various biological surveys to investigate population, habitat, and ecology of game and fish species and conducts studies of game and fish propagation, cultivation, and harvest.

Analyzes and evaluates survey and sampling data and writes reports describing the results of the data and makes recommendations on game and fish populations.

Directs the development of various wildlife management areas or fish propagation and cultivation and treatment plans based on district management plans.  Assists supervisor with districts’ annual budgetary projections, prepares various reports and purchase orders, requisitions for equipment, supplies, and parts, and prepares monthly activity reports.

Makes presentations to civic groups, schools and clubs, and conducts public meetings to explain new and/or proposed rules and regulations and/or to hear complaints about wildlife management.

Writes articles for news releases on game and fish activities in district.

Assists supervisor in the development of game and fish management plans and proposals to expand or improve management areas.

Performs other duties as assigned.

This biologist will oversee the Invasive Carp Harvest Incentive Program, state wideand will also: 

• Write grants to support the program within the Arkansas-Red-White and Lower Mississippi River basins
• Coordinate with the US Fish and Wildlife Service and Invasive Carp Advisory Committee working groups on behalf of AGFC 
• Assist with ANS Program budget development and management
• Purchase equipment and supplies within state and federal procurement policies
• Administer the Arkansas Invasive Carp Harvest Incentive Program
• Supervise and hire extra-labor staff
• Design and implement an invasive carp monitoring program
• Oversee and assist with data collection
• Manage invasive carp datasets and databases
• Analyze data, using statistically valid  and scientifically sound methods
• Develop annual grant reports and internal agency reports
• Present research findings to peers, the public, Administrators, the Commission orally or in writing
• Produce social media content to inform and educate others about invasive carp issues
• Perform other duties as assigned

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This position often requires overnight travel, working weekends, long hours, and in poor weather conditions.

For additional information, please contact Matt Horton, ANS Program Coordinator at matthew.horton@agfc.ar.gov.