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: aquatic ecology, fisheries management, natural resource management, or other related biological sciences, and two years of experience working with commercial fisheries

• 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

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public, stakeholders, and AGFC 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
• Experience with advanced statistical methods and analyzing data in Program R, SAS, or similar statistical software
• Ability to operate a boat and back a trailer
• Knowledge of basic boat and trailer maintenance requirements
• Experience publishing in scientific literature
• A working knowledge of Google and Microsoft-based programs
• Ability to perform basic functions in GIS platforms and collaborate with agency GIS staff on projects
• Ability to observe and classify wildlife species, fish species, and aquatic plants, and identify non-native aquatic species
• 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
• Ability to make independent decisions and act decisively on the determined course of action
• Ability to utilize and maintain issued equipment
• Ability to swim or learn to swim
• Ability to lift small boats, outboard motors, canoes, and kayaks
• Ability to walk in rough terrain
• Must be self-starters, problem solvers, critical thinkers, and independent operators

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

• Assists program coordinators, habitat biologists, other 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 the Regional Supervisor. Assists with the 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 the 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.

The successful candidate will join a progressive team of fisheries employees that values the conservation of our resources, integrity, teamwork, innovation, and professionalism.  Continued professional development opportunities are supported.

Job Duties Include:

• Coordinating routine monitoring and research on large river species with emphasis on: Catfish species, Paddlefish, Alligator Gar, Sturgeon species, Buffalo species, and large river Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN)
• Coordinating and implementing research used to inform Species Status Assessments for petitioned Endangered Species Act aquatic species that occur in large rivers
• Managing commercial harvest of fish, mussels, and aquatic turtles in the state, including assisting with population assessments, recommending regulation changes, and engaging stakeholders
• Coordinating and implementing research and data collection related to commercial harvest data including the management of an electronic database system and population assessments for commercial species
• Reviewing Convention on the International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES) applications for Paddlefish and Sturgeon products and any other species for which a permit is required
• Participating in the development and execution of the Paddlefish/Sturgeon, Catfish, or Alligator Gar Species Management Plans
• Serving as an AGFC liaison for USACE Districts' large river habitat projects
• Serving as the AGFC liaison to the Lower Mississippi River Conservation Committee (LMRCC) for habitat projects conducted in the Lower Mississippi River by the USACE or other entity
• Serving as the AGFC representative on one or more MICRA species committees
• Developing partnerships with NGOs such as TNC, Riverkeepers, etc. to conserve and enhance fish habitat in large rivers

• 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 the job duties assigned.

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

For more information, please contact Jeff Quinn, AGFC River and Streams Program Supervisor at: jeffrey.quinn@agfc.ar.gov