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 of science degree in wildlife biology, conservation biology, natural resources, environmental science, or a related field, plus four years of natural resources experience and 2 years demonstrated leadership, OR a master's degree in wildlife biology, conservation biology, natural resources, environmental science, or a related field, plus two years of natural resources management experience and two years of demonstrated leadership.

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.

Knowledge and understanding of life history, disease issues, management, and historical and contemporary research related to wild turkeys.

Knowledge and experience in trapping and handling wild turkeys.

Ability to synthesize scientific literature through an objective lens and summarize findings clearly and concisely.

Ability to listen and digest information from a diverse range of stakeholders and provide information or insights on turkey ecology or program direction in a way that builds support and respect for the agency, even in instances of conflicting interests.

Ability to present, through verbal and written formats, technical information to diverse stakeholder groups, commission, agency, and partner staff in a meaningful way to promote understanding and relay program direction.

Ability to identify research or program deficiencies and implement measures to improve or to minimize them.

Understanding and knowledge of R-Statistical Software or alternative, GIS and mapping software, and Microsoft products.

Demonstrated professional experience in a wildlife management setting, overseeing project development, grant and contract administration, and budget management.

Ability to think critically and communicate clearly.

Demonstrated ability to manage multiple competing projects and prioritize workload to accomplish tasks in a timely and efficient manner. 

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

Serves as the statewide Turkey Program lead, agency expert, and coordinates regulations processes on wild turkey in Arkansas. Partners with agency quail program coordinator, National Wild Turkey Federation staff and Quail Forever in Arkansas staff to coordinate and administer  the Wild Turkey and Northern Bobwhite Quail Habitat Cost-share Program to positively direct agency and partner funds to habitat projects for wild turkey and quail. Operates as a technical advisor to regional management staff to provide insight on program direction and make management recommendations to favor wild turkeys wherever possible. Maintains and coordinates multiple biological and stakeholder data sets and surveys to monitor trends and inform management actions. Responsible for the creation of technical material to be used in developing educational materials for the public as well as agency staff and partners. Monitors and analyzes harvest information obtained via harvest reporting (GAMECHECK). Functions as the Arkansas representative on state (Turkey Team-Chair), regional (SEAFWA Wild Turkey Working Group) and national (National Wild Turkey Federation Technical Committee) technical committees and working groups specific to wild turkeys, as well as inter and interagency teams as expertise relates. Serves as one of the agency’s primary explosives experts responsible for training, ordering and maintenance of explosives used for capturing wildlife. 

Performs other duties as assigned.

• Serves as the statewide turkey program lead, agency expert, and coordinates regulations processes on wild turkey in Arkansas
• Partners with agency quail program coordinator, National Wild Turkey Federation staff, and Quail Forever in Arkansas to coordinate and administer the Wild Turkey and Northern Bobwhite Quail Habitat Cost-share Program to positively direct agency and partner funds to habitat projects for wild turkey and quail
• Operates as a technical advisor to regional management staff to provide insight on program direction and make management recommendations to favor wild turkeys wherever possible
• Maintains and coordinates multiple biological and stakeholder data sets and surveys to monitor trends and inform management actions
• Responsible for the creation of technical material to be used in developing educational materials for the public, as well as agency staff and partners
• Monitors and analyzes harvest information obtained via harvest reporting (GAMECHECK).
• Functions as the Arkansas representative on state (Turkey Team-Chair), regional (SEAFWA Wild Turkey Working Group), and national (National Wild Turkey Federation Technical Committee) technical committees and working groups specific to wild turkeys, as well as inter and intra-agency teams as expertise relates
• Serves as one of the agency’s primary explosives experts responsible for training, ordering, and maintenance of explosives used for capturing wildlife

Must possess a valid Arkansas driver’s license.

Frequent in-state and out of state travel and field work with exposure to inclement weather is required. Occasional exposure to hunters and dangerous animals may be required.

Position will have statewide responsibilities. Duty location will be determined upon selection of the candidate.

• Frequent in-state and out-of-state travel and field work (with exposure to inclement weather) is required
• Occasional exposure to hunters and dangerous animals is possible
• The position will have statewide responsibilities
• Duty location will be determined upon selection of the candidate.