Biologist Director : Statewide

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is responsible for managing and protecting the state’s renewable natural resources, including all wildlife and aquatic life. LDWF supports a strong work ethic in its employees and incorporates the use of good science, accurate information and technology. The Office of Fisheries exists to ensure that aquatic resources are sustainable for present and future generations of Louisiana citizens by providing access to and science-based management of those resources.

The incumbent oversees the Inland Fisheries Section and supervises all daily activities within the section. The incumbent is ultimately responsible for data collection, data analysis and regulatory recommendations of recreational and commercial freshwater species. The incumbent is also responsible for the statewide freshwater hatchery system, and the management of freshwater aquatic nuisance vegetation. The position reports to the Fisheries Management Division Administrator.

• Knowledge and strong understanding of freshwater fisheries management techniques
• Knowledge and strong understanding of freshwater aquatic organisms and their habitats
• Knowledge of various laboratory and field sampling equipment for freshwater habitats
• Knowledge of freshwater fisheries data collecting techniques
• Knowledge and strong understanding of research techniques and appropriate statistical methods utilized for biological data analyses
• Ability to delegate tasks, effectively manage a large staff, and mentor staff
• Ability to work independently, as well as collaboratively, in a team environment
• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing
• Ability to think analytically, and problem‑solve at a high level
• Possesses strong work ethic and initiative
• Possesses good interpersonal skills

A bachelor’s degree in a biological science, marine science, environmental science, wildlife or fisheries, animal science, forestry, or natural resources plus nine 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 eight 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 seven years of the required specialized experience.

• Prepares and monitors the annual budget, program expenditures, and purchases to assure compliance with applicable requirements and constraints.
• Assists in administering all phases of research, management, development, enforcement, protection, and enhancement for the Inland Fisheries Section within the Department of Wildlife & Fisheries.
• Supervises the daily operations of the Inland Fisheries Section and performs administrative functions concerning numerous programs involving the state’s freshwater fishery resources.
• Coordinates management and development procedures, methods, and techniques for the conservation of freshwater fishery resources.
• Reviews reports, memos, articles, and other written material of a technical, popular, and administrative nature.
• Analyzes and evaluates pending legislation, rules, and regulations at the federal, state, and local level that affect freshwater fishery resources.
• Participates in formulating and establishing standards, guidelines, and formats for freshwater fishery research, management, and development activities.
• Participates in ensuring effective enforcement and compliance with rules, regulations, and laws pertaining to freshwater fisheries.
• Prepares technical material and reports, interprets scientific data; reports on recommendations on management procedures and regulatory processes.
• Coordinates management and research activities of projects with other agencies.
• Directly supervises and indirectly supervises staff within the section.
• Reviews and approves timesheets and leave requests.
• Prepares, administers, reviews and approves annual Comprehensive Performance…