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 bachelor’s degree in wildlife biology, conservation biology, natural resources, environmental science or a related field plus two years of experience in a related field plus one year of forest habitat management experience OR

A master’s degree in wildlife biology, conservation biology, natural resources, environmental science or a related field plus one year of experience in a related field plus one year of forest habitat management experience.

AND

• Experience in ecosystem management and administering timber sales
• Current license as a registered forester with the Arkansas Board of Registration or a reciprocal agreement with another state
• Familiarity with forestry equipment, including hardware and software products at use in today's forestry and wildlife technologies.

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.

• Experience in forest resource management including; forest inventory software, ArcGIS, forest inventory, forest data interpretation, spatial analysis of forest data, principles of silviculture and Arkansas BMP monitoring and implementation
• Ability to assess forest health and interpret forest health data
• Knowledge of the principles of the Sustainable Forestry Initiative; Forest Management Standard
• Ability to plan, organize, oversee detailed management plans and the work of subordinates and outside contractors
• Ability to make public presentations
• Ability to plan work independent of close supervision
• Prescribed burning experience

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.

• Develops, implements, directs, supervises and monitors forested-habitat management plans and habitat-related activities on state-owned Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs)
• Provides professional and technical advice and direction to agency staff regarding manipulation and management of forested habitats
• Directs and conducts WMA silvicultural activities, including comprehensive resource inventories, timber marking, timber sale administration and audit, chemical injection and other services carried out by contractors
• Implements contract auditing procedures for such projects
• Uses relevant forestry equipment and software to complete job duties
• Develops detailed maps and maintains land information databases for resource planning, management and agency accomplishment tracking
• Coordinates and participates in conducting 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
• Participates in developing wildlife management area recommendations and the development of short- and long-term plans for future agency conservation activities
• 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
• Forecasts project expenditures and assists supervisor in preparing program budget
• Submits written and oral reports regarding current activities. 

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.

The Regional office for this position is located in Brinkley, AR.  The location of the official duty station is flexible with options available at AGFC work centers located near Bald Knob, AR, and Hazen, AR.

• Frequent in-state travel and field work is required
• Frequent interaction with hunters and other outdoor recreationists and exposure to live animals may be required
• Heavy physical demands in inclement weather are required
• Regular operation of heavy equipment and handling of chemicals that may be dangerous if handled improperly
• Specific physical fitness demands for prescribed burning are required
• Some overnight travel may be required