Fisheries Biologist

Job Description

The Fisheries Biologist works under the Regional/Program Supervisor, participates in the development of short‑and long‑range fish and wildlife management and research projects, and is responsible for planning, organizing, and directing the successful completion of assigned projects within predetermined guidelines. Duties include using scientific methods to gather data, collecting and analyzing samples, preparing detailed reports, and supervising all employees and technicians.

• Proactively manage aquatic resources within one of seven fisheries management regions by developing and updating 5‑year regional management plans.
• Monitor regional lakes and reservoirs and conduct fisheries surveys.
• Provide annual fish stocking requests and assist hatchery personnel with fish stockings.
• Coordinate development of regional boating and fishing access projects and maintain infrastructure such as equipment, buildings, roadways, campsites, restrooms, signs, fences, and other infrastructure.
• Promote public use and awareness of regional resources through news releases, interviews, presentations, and social media.

• Plan, develop, coordinate, and implement fish and wildlife research and management projects.
• Assist in establishing project goals and developing division objectives.
• Submit grant proposals and partnerships to corporate foundations, public and tribal entities.
• Interpret policies to subordinates and the interested public.
• Develop or implement existing procedures for accomplishing assigned projects.
• Coordinate work with hatcheries, other biologists, other divisions, and state, federal, and municipal agencies.
• Assist with development of management or research plans including project definition, specifications, time schedules, expenses, equipment, supplies, and personnel.
• Prepare and submit annual project budgets and reports including salaries, equipment, supplies, maintenance, etc.
• Submit claims for expenditures and maintain expenditure ledgers, equipment inventory, and maintenance logs.
• Schedule work to be completed by contractors, cooperators, or subordinates during the appropriate time of year.
• Assist in conducting public hearings on seasons, regulations, and other department actions.
• Present programs to local civic, educational, youth, professional, sportsmen, and environmental groups.
• Conduct fish population surveys to determine distribution, species, age, growth, condition, food habits, population enumeration, and management recommendations.
• Apply limnologic techniques to determine water characteristics and chemistry.
• Apply standard creel census techniques to determine fishing pressure, harvest, and fishery characteristics.
• Apply fish culture techniques in transporting fish, collecting eggs, transporting fry, and introduction of fish into varied habitats.
• Furnish technical advice and assistance to private pond owners and municipalities.
• Investigate pollution caused fish kills to identify cause and determine loss.
• Review professional and non‑professional fishery and wildlife literature to stay current.
• Perform other duties, management or non‑management, as assigned by the supervisor.

• Operate boats, motor vehicles, lawn mowers, tractors, and ATVs with various attachments.
• Operate and use firearms, cutting torch, and welding equipment.
• Lift and carry a minimum of 50 pounds for a distance of 100 yards.
• Push or pull a minimum of 50 pounds to hook up trailers, load boats, and other equipment.
• Walk and jog over rough terrain for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to swim.
• Work alone in remote areas; endure various extremes of outdoor weather conditions; work extended hours, weekends, and stay overnight out of town.
• Handle wild animals in live and dead condition, including field dressing wild game.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships; work independently; be professional and courteous with the public and other agencies.
• Communicate clearly and effectively in public speaking situations and in writing.
• Operate small handheld equipment and supplies, field traps, survey gear, and lab equipment.
• Use personal…