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 master’s degree in fisheries or wildlife science, natural resources, wildlife ecology, environmental law, environmental science, biology, or other closely related field. A bachelor’s degree plus two (2) years of relevant job experience may be substituted in place of a master's degree.

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.

• Working knowledge of local, state, and federal environmental laws, statutes, and regulations; environmental and technical evaluation and assessment techniques; fish and wildlife best management practices; life history and ecology of Arkansas species, and associated habitats
• Ability to: communicate effectively and deal with controversial issues objectively and professionally
• Ability to accurately determine the effects of actions on species and make appropriate decisions to the benefit of the wildlife resource
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with agency staff and other agency representatives with a high level of professionalism
• Ability to communicate data, reports, and recommendations to individuals and groups in a technical and non-technical manner both verbally and in writing
• Possess computer skills including the use of project management software such as ClickUp
• Experience with access database and GIS (ESRI or QGIS) programs
• Experience with environmental review and assessment

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.

• Provides agency position letters regarding environmental considerations to avoid or reduce impacts of complex proposed development actions on fish and wildlife habitats
• Works with federal, state, private entities, and NGOs, to develop mitigation strategies to offset impacts to natural resources, including Species of Greatest Conservation Need
• Provides guidance to project proponents and consults with state and federal agencies on project impacts to the resources under AGFC purview per Amendment 35 of the Arkansas Constitution
• Coordinates with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service under the Endangered Species Act (ESA)
• Reviews federal water development projects under the authority granted to state wildlife agencies by the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (FWCA)
• Represents the agency at state inter-agency meetings, scoping meetings, public meetings, and reviews, and prepares responses to agency or public comment requests
• Will develop and implement a web-based environmental review request tool
• May represent the agency on the Interagency Review Team for mitigation banks and will communicate regularly with staff regarding wetland development and mitigation bank site review

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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