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’s degree in wildlife biology, conservation biology, natural resources, environmental science, or a related field plus two years of experience and one year of forest habitat management experience

OR

A master’s degree in wildlife biology, conservation biology, natural resources, environmental science, or a related field plus one year of experience in a related field plus one year of forest habitat management experience.

The formal education equivalent to a bachelor's degree in Forestry or Natural Resources Management with a preferred minimum of 2 years of experience in forest management and forest operations is desired. Specific forest management and operations experience should include the expertise to conduct basic forest inventories, timber marking, administering timber sales and/or other silvicultural activities. Some experience analyzing and managing spatial and forest inventory data is preferred. .  Experience in bottomland hardwood management is desired. It is preferred for the applicant to be a licensed, Arkansas Registered Forester or meet the criteria to become licensed within two years of hire. The applicant should be familiar with forestry equipment, including hardware and software products, at use in today's forestry and wildlife management technologies.

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 of the principles of forestry and wildlife habitat management. 
• Experience in forest resource management should include; forest inventory, utilization of common forest inventory software, timber marking, implementation of timber harvest,  ArcGIS, forest inventory techniques and measurements, forest data interpretation, spatial analysis of forest data, principles of silviculture and Arkansas Best Management Practices for Water Quality Protection.
• Ability to assess forest health and interpret forest health data. 
• Knowledge of the principles of the Sustainable Forestry Initiative; and Forest Management Standard.
• Ability to plan, organize, and oversee detailed management plans and the work of subordinates and outside contractors. 
• Ability to make public presentations. 
• Ability to plan work independently of close supervision.
• Prescribed burning experience

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

Plans and conducts various biological surveys to investigate population, habitat, and ecology of game and fish species and conducts studies of game and fish propagation, cultivation, and harvest.

Analyzes and evaluates survey and sampling data and writes reports describing the results of the data and makes recommendations on game and fish populations.

Directs the development of various wildlife management areas or fish propagation and cultivation and treatment plans based on district management plans.  Assists supervisor with districts’ annual budgetary projections, prepares various reports and purchase orders, requisitions for equipment, supplies, and parts, and prepares monthly activity reports.

Makes presentations to civic groups, schools and clubs, and conducts public meetings to explain new and/or proposed rules and regulations and/or to hear complaints about wildlife management.

Writes articles for news releases on game and fish activities in district.

Assists supervisor in the development of game and fish management plans and proposals to expand or improve management areas.

Performs other duties as assigned.

• Develops, implements, directs, supervises, and monitors forested-habitat management plans and habitat-related activities on state-owned Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs). Provides professional and technical advice and direction to agency staff regarding the manipulation and management of forested habitats.
• Directs and conducts WMA silvicultural activities, including comprehensive resource inventories, timber marking, timber sale administration and audit, chemical injection, and other services carried out by contractors. Implements contract auditing procedures for such projects.
• Uses relevant forestry equipment and software to complete job duties. Develops detailed maps and maintains land information databases for resource planning, management, and agency accomplishment tracking.
• Coordinates and participates in conducting 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.
• Participates in developing wildlife management area recommendations and the development of short- and long-term plans for future agency conservation activities.
• 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.
• Projects project expenditures and assists supervisor in preparing program budget. 
• Submits written and oral reports regarding current activities. 

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.

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