Biologist - Seasonal

Job Summary

Nevada Department of Wildlife is recruiting for a seasonal status permanent position within the Game Division in Elko. This position will assist Area Biologists with big game and upland game surveys including helicopter surveys, ground surveys, and surveys from ATV's and perform other duties as assigned. The incumbent will be the primary regional flight crew member and will generally follow the helicopter for all regional flights.

The incumbent will coordinate with Game Division staff, private landowners, and contractors to effectively and efficiently conduct Private Land elk use monitoring, fencing projects, damage assessments/claims, and documenting of deer and antelope use of private land. The incumbent will also be responsible for coordinating with Game Division and field staff to effectively and efficiently conduct both field and data management work for the monitoring, collection, and management of big game radio and satellite collars.

The position will aid in any upland game and big game trap, transplant, and/or collaring efforts throughout the year.

Biologists conduct fisheries, wildlife, botanical and/or habitat management projects and research studies including data collection, analysis and interpretation; develop and implement project proposals and work plans; prepare recommendations; and participate in public relations activities.

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in biology, wildlife management or closely related field; OR graduation from high school and two years of technical wildlife management or fisheries experience; OR an equivalent combination of education and professional experience in conducting research studies; data collection, analysis and interpretation; and development and implementation of project proposals for fisheries, wildlife and/or habitat management projects.

Supervise and participate in wildlife, botanical and habitat studies to protect and preserve the State's wildlife and natural resources; conduct wildlife surveys and inventories to determine a population's composition, productivity, reproductive status and condition in order to develop recommendations regarding hunting seasons, stocking practices and bag limits or determine conservation status. Organize and implement fish, wildlife, botanical and habitat surveys; identify survey areas and schedule required personnel, equipment and supplies;

collect data using a variety of techniques and equipment such as field observation, helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft, electroshocking, population marking, tagging, angler/hunter questionnaires, bag checks and creel surveys. Analyze data by applying mathematical and statistical formulas to calculate population status; prepare species distribution and density maps; evaluate trend data and document the status and management needs of fish, wildlife, botanical and habitat resources;

prepare species and habitat management recommendations and technical reports. Provide survey data and analysis as input to land management planning processes; review and evaluate established and proposed land, water and resource use documents; prepare correspondence and technical reports concerning the issues and consequences of proposed actions; appear before regulatory, governing and advisory boards and commissions to explain and defend the agency's position and answer questions.

Manipulate fish and wildlife populations and habitats by introducing species into suitable habitats consistent with biological and social constraints; bait and trap, tranquilize, radio collar or band wildlife and transport to selected locations; modify habitats in order to meet resource needs and associated uses; monitor released animals to assess project results. Investigate and assess damage caused by wildlife upon private property and public lands;

recommend appropriate courses of action to mitigate or resolve the problem. Draft species management plans; develop season and harvest recommendations and implement related regulations; analyze and evaluate data, reports and proposals; make program recommendations in accordance with consumptive, non-consumptive and recreational needs of the public and the preservation of wildlife resources and habitats. Coordinate State and regional level activities with other federal and State agencies, special interest groups and the public;

represent the department and provide information to the public and governmental entities; make presentations; appear before governmental and regulatory bodies; prepare press releases and interact with the media; may serve on committees for the Board of Wildlife Commissioners. Perform related duties as assigned. Under direct supervision, incumbents either:
1) receive training in performing the duties outlined above, or
2) perform technical wildlife management duties. Positions may be permanently allocated at this level, and there is no progression to the next level.