Biologist Dcl-A​/Waterfowl

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.

The incumbent (Waterfowl Biologist) will coordinate the North American Waterfowl Management Plan (NAWMP) in Louisiana, with primary responsibility for planning, funding, delivering, and evaluating wetland and associated upland habitat projects. The position works with Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) staff, landowners, government agencies, and conservation organizations. It also supports waterfowl population monitoring, banding, and research, and communicates project results to agency staff and the public.

• Experience in waterfowl biology, wetland habitat management, and development or oversight of habitat restoration projects
• Experience working with private landowners and partners on government or nonprofit wetland habitat enhancement projects
• Ability to work independently, coordinate several projects, and communicate effectively in writing and in person
• Experience with waterfowl capture and banding, field data collection, and aerial survey methods
• Self-motivated individual with strong interest in wetlands, waterfowl and other migratory game birds and ability to work independently on a variety of simultaneous tasks
• Ability to lift 50 pounds

A bachelor’s degree in a biological science, marine science, environmental science, wildlife or fisheries, animal science, forestry, or natural resources plus four years of experience in wildlife or fisheries, forestry, or environmental science; OR

A non-thesis master's degree in a biological science, marine science, environmental science, wildlife or fisheries, animal science, forestry, or natural resources plus three years of the required specialized experience; OR

A master's degree with a completed thesis or a doctorate in a biological science, marine science, environmental science, wildlife or fisheries, animal science, forestry, or natural resources plus two years of the required specialized experience.

Four years of experience in waterfowl biology, wetland habitat management and development, or oversight of habitat restoration projects.

The official job specifications for this role, as defined by the State Civil Service, can be found here.

• Under the direction of the Waterfowl Study Leader, the incumbent will develop and manage LDWF affiliated North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) projects and other waterfowl habitat initiatives such as the Louisiana Mottled Duck Project and Coastal Grasslands Restoration Incentive Program
• Work with operations staff to plan, implement, and monitor annual waterfowl habitat management on state owned lands
• Coordinate with LDWF Farm Bill staff to improve project delivery and management on Wetland Reserve Easement enhancement projects. Work with regional staff to plan and implement wetland habitat management on wildlife management areas (WMAs
• Prepare annual and cumulative program reports
• Participate in population waterfowl surveys via aerial surveys in fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters
• Develop and maintain waterfowl banding sites on WMA and private lands to capture and band wood ducks, black-bellied whistling ducks, and other species as necessary
• Participate in mottled duck research, banding, and management
• Train staff in rocket netting methods, other trapping techniques, and bird handling/banding procedures to maintain a cost-effective and humane program providing high-quality data

DOMICILE: This…