The formal education equivalent of a bachelor's degree in biology, zoology, botany, 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 one year of experience in the field. The right candidates will possess a combination of training and/or experience that will enable them to meet the required knowledge, skills, and abilities as outlined.  

• 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 laboratory and field survey equipment, techniques, and procedures.
• Ability to plan, organize, and oversee the work of subordinates.
• Ability to make public presentations and conduct hunter safety classes.
• Ability to plan work unit objectives and operational activities and to assign and direct the work of subordinate supervisor
• Ability to conduct scientific game and fish surveys and studies.

• Knowledge of the principles of biology, ecology, related environmental sciences, wildlife management principles, and techniques.
• Knowledge of laboratory and field survey equipment, techniques, and procedures
• Ability to plan, organize, make public presentations, develop, and implement wildlife research, monitoring, or management projects
• Work with minimal supervision by demonstrating responsible behavior and attention to detail
• Able to work alone or as part of a team, with the public, in all conditions, on weekends, holidays, nights, and evenings, as required
• Exhibit honesty and integrity while following policy and cooperating with supervisors and co-workers
• Display a high level of initiative, effort, and commitment towards completing projects efficiently  

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

• Coordinates and participates in conducting biological surveys and studies of fish and wildlife to determine population growth, propagation rates, and the effect of environmental and human conditions on particular species.
• Participates in developing wildlife management area recommendations and the development of the five-year plan for future Game and Fish activities and acquisitions.
• Approves billings and projects expenditures and assists supervisor in preparing the district budget.  
• Conducts hunter safety classes or public meetings on new and proposed rules and regulations.
• Writes news releases on activities in the district. 
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Performs general wildlife management area duties, including assessing and maintaining habitat, plant and animal invasive species control, wildlife habitat plantings, tree/brush removal, spraying, disking, mowing, etc., and using large machinery, chainsaws, and other hand tools
• Participates in developing wildlife management area recommendations and the development of short- and long-term habitat management plans
• Implements habitat recommendations from program coordinators, habitat biologists, and other staff and agency partners
• Serves as a member of AGFC’s prescribed burn program within the wildlife management region and assists with the implementation of prescribed burns.
• Coordinates with burn bosses regarding prescribed fire plans and conducts fire-lane maintenance, which will periodically require working under physically stressful and adverse conditions
• Conducts wildlife surveys and monitoring, including surveys for quail, white-tail deer observation, chronic wasting disease, wild turkey surveys, feral hog detection and removal, biological data station operation, vegetation and pollinator surveys, etc.
• 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 partner organization personnel
• Submits written and oral reports describing wildlife management activities accomplished on WMAs
• Performs other duties as assigned.  

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 employee's duty station will be located at the U of A Pine Tree Experimental Station WDA.
• This position is required to complete a two-mile walk carrying 25 pounds in 30 minutes within the first year of employment (as per the Prescribed Fire Planning and Implementation Procedures and Policy).
• This position is also required to obtain a Non-Commercial Pesticide Applicator's license within 1 year of employment.
• This position may be required to obtain a Class A Commercial Driver's License at some point. All expenses related to obtaining this license will be covered by AGFC.
• Frequent in-state travel and routine field work are required.
• Employee will encounter frequent interaction with hunters and other outdoor recreationists, as well as exposure to live animals.
• Heavy physical demands in inclement weather are required
• Regular operation of heavy equipment and handling of chemicals that may be dangerous if handled improperly are required.
• Occasional overnight travel may be required.