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

OR 

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

A bachelor's degree in biology, fisheries management, or a related field, OR

A master's degree in biology, ecology, or fisheries management is preferred.

Knowledge of the principles of biology, ecology, and related environmental sciences. Knowledge of wildlife management principles and techniques.

Knowledge of laboratory and field survey equipment, techniques, and procedures. Ability to plan, organize, and oversee the work of subordinates.

Ability to make public presentations.

Ability to develop and implement wildlife research, monitoring or management projects. Ability to communicate orally and in writing.

Ability to make public presentations.

Ability to plan work unit objectives and operational activities and assign and direct the work of subordinate supervisors and applicable field personnel.

Ability to develop and implement wildlife research, monitoring or management projects. Ability to direct, coordinate, and maintain wildlife management programs.

• Knowledge of fish population dynamics, population simulation modeling, and common statistical analysis
• Skill in working with the public
• Experience in current fish sampling techniques
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Physically able to work long hours, sometimes under harsh or physically demanding conditions
• Strong teamwork concept, yet capable of completing a task without close supervision
• Strong organizational skills
• Ability to tow and operate boats

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) Conservation Program Biologist I is responsible for the overall management, protection and enhancement of fish, wildlife, and habitats on public lands and waters within a region. This position is also responsible for deployment, direct evaluation and/or coordination of specific professional, technical and/or part-time employees, interns, contractors and/or volunteers and may assume all staff supervisory and operational responsibilities in the absence of the Regional Supervisor. This position is governed by state and federal laws and agency policy.

• Assists program coordinators, habitat biologists, 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.

• Functions as District 8 Fisheries Management Biologist under the supervision of the District 8 Fisheries Supervisor
• Responsible for the management of fisheries and aquatic resources in Fisheries District 8, which includes Polk, Montgomery, Garland, Saline, Hot Spring, Clark, and Grant counties in west-central Arkansas
• Routinely performs standardized fish population surveys including electrofishing and netting
• Conducts stream sampling surveys
• Conducts angler creel surveys
• Analyzes fish population survey data and prepares annual lake reports
• Makes management recommendations
• Assists other Fisheries Division personnel with aquatic resource and fisheries management projects
• Conducts specialized research and data analysis of various fish species and habitat types
• Conducts fish management activities such as fish habitat improvements, and investigates fish kills
• Conducts extension work on private farm ponds and fishing lakes
• Writes technical reports and presents audio/visual programs to civic clubs, angler clubs, school groups, and professional organizations
• Maintains professional decorum with other local, state, and federal agencies
• Establishes and maintains good communication with the public
• Scopes potential public access sites and develops access maintenance renovation needs
• Assists with the administration of the agency Land Use Policy on AGFC lakes
• Performs other duties as assigned

Must have a valid driver's license.

Ability to acquire a non-commercial pesticide applicator license within 1 year.

Class A CDL may be required based on job duties assigned.

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.

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If you have questions or need additional information on this position, please contact Andy Yung, District 8 Fisheries Supervisor, at: 

andrew.yung@agfc.ar.gov (email) or call (870) 675-1910.