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 a related field, OR a master’s degree in wildlife biology, conservation biology, natural resources, environmental science or a related field.

• 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 supervisors.
• Ability to conduct scientific game and fish surveys and studies.

• Advanced knowledge of wildlife management and habitat management practices used in the restoration and conservation of agricultural and forested landscapes
• Knowledge of forestry management
• Formal training in prescribed burning
• Knowledge of AGFC’s private lands management programs, and specifically federal farm bill conservation programs
• Knowledgeable in northern bobwhite, turkey, waterfowl, and deer ecology/management
• Ability to plan and organize assigned tasks independently
• Ability to conduct scientific game and fish surveys and studies
• Strong public speaking, presentation, and teamwork skills
• Strong computer skills including knowledge of Microsoft Office programs and GIS programs including ArcMap and Terrain Navigator

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 developing the five-year plan for future Game and Fish activities and acquisitions.

Approves billings and projects expenditures and assists the 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.

• Provide wildlife technical advice and assistance to landowners, deer management clubs, and other leased land managers through state and federal programs.
• Coordinate with state and federal agencies, and other conservation organizations to promote wildlife management on private lands via Farm Bill Programs along with other state and non-profit conservation organization programs such as (CSP, RCPP, EQIP, WLFW, CRP, and WRE)
• Operate as affiliate NRCS partners inside USDA offices and utilize NRCS programs, mapping software, Conservation Desktop, CART, and other NRCS planning tools
• Complete required NRCS training to obtain necessary planner and Job Approval Authority certifications
• Work closely with NRCS and Conservation District Field staff across each of their identified priority areas and counties
• Review and clear T&E Requests for all NRCS-funded cost-share programs
• Implement educational outreach events, including landowner and partner workshops, youth outreach events, and tabling events
• Work closely with other partners, including Arkansas Division of Forestry Foresters, University of Arkansas Extension Specialists, private consultants, vendors, and all other partners
• Responsible for staying current on wildlife and habitat management principles and practices, federal farm bill, and state habitat funding programs through appropriate use of current professional literature, continuing educational workshops, and cultivation and maintenance of professional contacts and partnerships to include The Wildlife Society
• Complete appropriate professional development and continuing education. This includes 6/12/18/24-month training benchmarks in the division training curriculum
• Conduct wildlife population management, research, and surveys
• Perform routine administrative duties required to comply with program, division, and agency standards
• Complete and maintain prescribed fire qualifications by passing a walk test (2 miles, 25-pound pack, under 30 minutes) and classroom refresher

Must possess a valid Arkansas driver’s license

Frequent in-state travel and field work, with exposure to inclement weather, are required. Occasional exposure to hunters and dangerous animals may also be required.

Work Counties in Arkansas: Hempstead, Little River, and Miller