BIOLOGIST

About This Job

LDWF supports a strong work ethic in its employees and incorporates the use of good science, accurate information and technology. The Office of Wildlife exists to provide wise stewardship of Louisiana's wildlife and associated habitats and increase wildlife conservation awareness.

Biologist position will fulfill dual roles as Wildlife Diversity Program (WDP) and Kisatchie National Forest field botanist. This position will conduct field inventories for rare plants and natural communities and will contribute to habitat stewardship implementation projects. It will work primarily in the Winn, Catahoula, and Caney Ranger Districts with additional WDP work focused in north Louisiana. Routine interaction will be with the United States Forest Service and other public and private landowners.

The incumbent serves as an experienced field botanist and will interact routinely with the USFS and other stakeholders.

• Highly experienced in field botany
• Experienced in survey methodology, plant identification, taxonomy, and specimen preparation
• Background in mapping software
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team setting
• Ability to communicate professionally, orally, and in writing
• Possesses a strong work ethic

A bachelor’s degree in biological science, marine science, environmental science, wildlife or fisheries, animal science, forestry, or natural resources.

• Surveys proposed project areas for USFS-designated threatened, endangered, sensitive, and conservation (TESC) plants; nonnative and invasive plant species; and high quality natural communities
• Collects biological, physical, and geospatial data; compiles and analyzes field data; and enters data into appropriate federal and state databases
• Collects, identifies, and curates biological specimens
• Assist in management of nonnative and invasive plants
• Designs, develops, and implements projects concerning resource management with emphasis on rare, threatened, and endangered plant species and rare or otherwise outstanding natural communities
• Determines habitat requirements, geographic range, life history, limiting factors, etc. for at‑risk species
• Develops recommendations for management or recovery strategies
• Trains personnel in proper techniques to gather scientific data
• Ensures results of surveys are entered into Wildlife Diversity Program database
• Fully participates in planning and implementation of the Louisiana Wildlife Action Plan

Location:

Rapides Parish.

Appointment Type:
Job appointment, probational appointment, promotional, or detail to special duty.

Current permanent state employees may be required to accept a probational appointment if selected.

Career Progression:
This position participates in a Career Progression Group (CPG) and is advertised as Biologist 1, 2, or 3. The level at which the vacancy is filled will be determined by the qualifications of the candidate selected.

Wildlife & Fisheries is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This agency participates in the E‑Verify system for verification of citizenship and employment authorization. Louisiana is a State as a Model Employer (SAME) that supports recruitment, hiring, and retention of individuals with disabilities. For more information on employment resources for individuals with disabilities, see the Louisiana Employment Resources Guide at

• Insurance coverage:
  More information can be found at (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./
• Parental leave:
  Up to six weeks paid.
• Paid holidays:
  New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Mardi Gras, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veteran's Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and additional holidays may be proclaimed by the Governor.
• State employees earn sick and annual leave, with accrual rates that increase with years of service.
• Retirement:
  Eligible to participate in various retirement systems including the Louisiana State Employees Retirement System, Teacher's Retirement System of Louisiana, Louisiana School Employees Retirement System, and others.