Fisheries Biologist

Job Description

Under general supervision of the Regional/Program Supervisor, participate in the development of both short- and long-range fish and wildlife management and research projects. Is responsible for planning, organizing, and directing the successful completion of assigned projects within predetermined guidelines. Must be familiar with the principles and procedures of fish and wildlife management and research. Use scientific methods to gather data regarding fish/wildlife populations and/or habitat.

Collect fish/wildlife samples, specimens, and data. Record and analyze scientific data and prepare and submit detailed reports. Supervise both full time and temporary employees. Serve as advisor or Department representative in areas of special expertise. May have extensive contact with a variety of public and private individuals and groups. Biologists perform a variety of duties depending on the specific program or area they are assigned to and may be responsible for the supervision of a technician and seasonal interns.

Below is a short summary of the emphasis for each position.

Aquatic Nuisance Species Program and Fish Kill Program Coordinator – Implement various aspects of the Oklahoma ANS Management Plan, which may include conducting ANS species monitoring for early detection and occurrence data, reporting any new ANS findings to the USGS NAS national database, conducting education and outreach efforts regarding ANS in Oklahoma, oversee any ODWC funded projects on ANS, and serve as the agency representative on the Oklahoma Invasive Plant Council, Mississippi River Basin Panel, Western Regional Panel, and ANS Task Force.

Additional duties include serving as the ODWC representative for the Oklahoma Kill Response Management Team and implementing various aspects of the ODWC Fish Kill Program. These duties include serving as point of contact for ODWC for the fish kill and environmental spill events, coordinate with field staff for field investigations regarding fish kill events in public waters, maintain records of all fish kill, maintain the database for any field investigation data and prepare claims for potential legal action regarding fish kill events that include a responsible party, and oversee fish kill program grant.

Participate in the planning, development, coordination and implementation of fish and wildlife research and management projects. Assist in establishing project goals and participate in the development of the Division objectives. Submit grant proposals and partnerships to corporate foundations, public and tribal entities.

Interpret policies to subordinates and 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 the development of management or research plans which include definition of proposed projects, specifications, time schedules, expenses, equipment, supplies and personnel needed to complete the projects; i.e., creel and economic analysis surveys.

Prepare and submit annual project budgets and reports including salaries, equipment, supplies, maintenance, etc. for assigned projects. Submit claims for expenditures, and maintain expenditure ledger(s), equipment inventory and equipment maintenance logs.

Schedule work to be completed by contractors, cooperators or subordinates during appropriate time of year to meet project objectives.

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 of species, age and growth, condition, food habits, population enumeration and management recommendations.

Apply limnologic techniques to determine characteristics such as areas, depth, and temperature and water chemistry to various waters.

Apply standard creel census techniques to determine fishing pressure, harvest and…