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.

Four years of experience in wildlife management, disease control operations, or related fields.   A master degree in fisheries or wildlife biology or a related field may be substituted for experience

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.

Strong written and oral communication, organization, and teamwork skills.  Strong computer skills including knowledge of Microsoft Office programs, data management systems, statistical programs, GPS and GIS programs including ArcMap.  Advanced knowledge of wildlife management and disease response and control strategies.  Knowledge of the principles of biosafety, biosecurity, and disease surveillance techniques.  Experience conducting diagnostic necropsies and disease sampling.  Ability to find, critically evaluate, and apply scientific literature.  Knowledge of the principles of biology, physiology, epidemiology, and related sciences.  Willingness to learn on the job and apply new skills quickly.  Ability to plan and organize assigned tasks independently.  Ability to conduct scientific game and fish surveys and research. 

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.

Coordinates implementation of the state’s Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) Surveillance and Management Plan.  Coordinates statewide CWD sample collection efforts by working with agency staff, hunters, deer processors, taxidermists, veterinarians, and other partners to provide high-quality customer service and technical support and ensure that proper sampling techniques are used for both white-tailed deer and elk.  Responds to questions from staff and the general public regarding CWD surveillance, management, and research efforts.  Conducts a training activities associated with CWD and other disease surveillance.  Gives presentations about CWD, and other topics as needed to the public, agency staff, and other professionals.  Responsible for purchasing and distributing supplies and equipment necessary to perform CWD and other disease-related surveillance.  Organizes and submits collected samples to appropriate diagnostic laboratories and monitors testing results while maintaining an open line of communication with agency staff, commissioners, and the hunting public regarding test results.  Coordinates with the Information and Technology Division to manage and operate the agency’s CWD database to ensure the proper data entry, storage, and retrieval of surveillance data.  Will assist the state wildlife veterinarian and fish pathologist with various aspects of the agency’s fish and wildlife health programs.  Works across division lines as needed to support research and science-based management activities.  Assists in developing the Wildlife Health Program budget and meeting obligations of Wildlife Restoration Programs grants and other funding sources.  Assists in the further development of the Research, Evaluation, and Compliance Division.  Will have statewide responsibilities for CWD program management, which may require frequent travel, overnight stays and work in adverse conditions.  Responsible for administrative duties related to purchasing, contracting, and budgeting.  Performs routine administrative duties required to comply with program, division, and agency standards.  Performs other duties as assigned. 

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.

AGFC BIOLOGIST SPECIALIST/DISEASE BIOLOGIST

All applicants are subject to a criminal background check.

Applications must include complete work history and references.