Wildlife Biologist 3 (PCN 11-2014) - State of Alaska

The Soldotna Area Wildlife Biologist has lead responsibility for hiring, training, and supervising a Wildlife Biologist 2 stationed in Homer, a permanent Wildlife Biologist 1 a permanent seasonal Fish and Wildlife Technician 3 and a Program Technician in Soldotna. The Program Technician position is shared with Sport Fish Division. This position independently plans and schedules programs to monitor wildlife populations, write annual status reports and conduct studies associated with management programs in GMUs 7 and 15. Participates in the Board of Game process and work with the public and media outlets by answering wildlife related questions.

The incumbent will be responsible for:

• monitoring and evaluating wildlife populations including moose, brown and black bear, caribou, sheep, Mtn. Goats, and furbearers. 
• making recommendations regarding hunting and trapping regulations. 
• coordinating with other state and government agencies. 
• working to resolve public safety concerns and nuisance issues related to wildlife, particularly brown and black bears and moose.
• writing technical reports and operational plans. 
• providing support and technical expertise on animal habitat, populations, and their management in the region; and
• collaborating with other wildlife biologists and managers across the state on wildlife management challenges.
• Requires frequent travel within the management area and infrequent travel in-state. 
• Requires the use of firearms and the ability to ride in small aircraft in mountainous terrain for aerial surveys.

Our organization, mission and culture:
Alaska’s programs are built on the principles of conservative management, sound science, and habitat protection. This position fulfills the Division of Wildlife Conservation’s mission in the Southcentral Region 2 to conserve and enhance Alaska's wildlife and habitats and provide for a wide range of public uses and benefits. The incumbent maintains and enhances opportunities to hunt, trap and view wildlife while providing opportunities for Alaskans to gain knowledge of and appreciation for Alaska's wildlife, its management, and ways to interact with wildlife safely and ethically.

The Alaska Department of Fish & Game strives for a diverse and inclusive workforce where safety and well-being are paramount and employees at all levels promote a culture where everyone is valued, treated equitably, and treated respectfully.
 
The benefits of joining our team:
The employees at Fish & Game contribute to the management and continued sustainability of Alaska’s fish and wildlife resources. ADF&G work impacts lives daily and the work we do is renowned and respected around the world.

The working environment you can expect:
This position is based in the Soldotna area office. Soldotna is located south of Anchorage (a 2 ½ hour drive or ½ hour commuter flight) in the west-central portion of the Kenai Peninsula.

Wildlife staff share an office building with staff from the sport and commercial fisheries divisions. Daily duties vary and are often unpredictable and include interacting with the public answering wildlife or hunting/trapping inquiries, responding to human/wildlife conflicts, writing reports and database management, and coordinating with other state and federal agencies, native organization, and other NGO’s.

In addition to daily duties, you will also be responsible for conducting aerial wildlife surveys and working on research project that mainly focus on big game species and furbearers.

Who we are looking for:
We are looking for an energetic and committed professional who has experience:

• Designing, planning, and implementing a sound and practical wildlife management program for large mammal populations — particularly moose, brown bear, black bear, caribou, sheep, and Mtn. Goats.
• Monitoring and evaluating large mammal populations, including field work, population modeling, and developing sustainable harvest goals.
• Collecting data via aerial and ground investigations (i.e., surveys, wildlife captures, etc.), working independently or cooperatively with research staff to develop databases, preparing data analyses and summaries, and writing technical reports and presentations.
• Responding to public reports of nuisance animals and answering complex public inquires on wildlife issues or regulatory requirements using good oral and written communication skills (i.e., explaining trapping/hunting regulations, processes for obtaining a hunting permit, regulatory process, public access, etc.); and
• Flying in small aircraft in mountainous terrain and handling firearms.

To view the general description and example of duties for a Wildlife Biologist 3 please go to the following link: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/Alaska/classspecs     

Special Note:

• Valid Driver’s License is required.