Biologist

Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.

About the Department of Natural Resources (DNR):

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources protects, enhances, preserves, and wisely uses natural, cultural, and recreational resources for the benefit of Indiana's citizens through professional leadership, management, and education. DNR Fish & Wildlife enriches the quality of life for present and future generations by balancing the biological, ecological, recreational, and economic benefits of Indiana’s fish, wildlife, and their habitats.

This position serves as an assistant to a field biologist in the Division of Fish & Wildlife within the Department of Natural Resources. Incumbent applies professional biological knowledge and techniques by assisting in the planning and conducting of evaluations of the public fisheries resources of the State of Indiana. Incumbent, upon completion of the evaluations, will assist in making decisions regarding implementation of any fisheries management practices deemed appropriate.

Major areas of assistance include: data collection and analysis, report writing, work planning, implementation of fish management projects, equipment maintenance, public relations, and field supervision of seasonal field sampling crews as needed. This position is stationed at the Fawn River State Fish Hatchery in Orland. Direct supervision is provided by the District 2 Fisheries Management Biologist.

The salary for this position traditionally starts at $42,900.00 but may be commensurate with education or work experience.

The essential functions of this role are as follows:

• Plan and conduct scientific investigations to gather data on population status, resource utilization, or environmental conditions for management and research needs.
• Survey and collect data and samples for process and analysis using standard techniques.
• Conduct laboratory analyses utilizing a variety of technical equipment.
• Assist with environmental permitting and reviews.
• Assist in the evaluation and interpretation of data from analyses and investigations.
• Classify environmental conditions according to established standards and biological guidelines.
• Make recommendations for program objectives and policies dealing with routine problems.
• Write and edit technical reports on daily operations, program implementation, results, and goals obtained.
• Assist other biologists on large-scale research and management projects.
• Assist with special programs, projects, and investigations.
• Research, develop, and apply new methods of analyses and reviews current information.
• Responsible for the protection and improvement of habitat for all land and aquatic life.
• Assist with planning and conducting population investigations, compiling, and interpreting scientific data, and writing scientific reports.

The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

This position is exempt from overtime compensation for additional work hours which may be required to complete essential functions or other assigned work. Exempt employees may work more than 75 hours in a pay period without additional compensation and must report a minimum of 75 hours per pay period of work hours and/or paid leave taken to receive their base biweekly salary.

You must meet the following requirement to be considered for employment:

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree within a Natural Resource related field.
• Advanced knowledge of botany, ecology, biology, and zoology.
• Practical knowledge of legal guidelines as they apply to performance of duties.
• Ability to interpret technical material in books, manuals, and journals; write and/or edit scientific documents.
• Ability to plan and conduct investigations, surveys, and collection of data, including the ability to deal with unprecedented situations.
• Ability to analyze samples using various types of equipment and procedures.
• Ability to interpret data and apply interpretations.
• Ability to operate and maintain equipment.
• Ability to learn to use statistical packages and other software (e.g., ArcGIS) for data analysis and data retrieval.
• Possess great organizational skills with the ability to prioritize variable workloads and multiple projects.
• Ability to maintain cooperative work relationships with other staff and external partners/cooperators.
• Able to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

You must satisfy the following…