Senior Zoologist

The Montana State Library (MSL) is seeking applications for a Senior Zoologist. This is a full-time permanent position with the Montana Natural Heritage Program (MTNHP).

The Senior Zoologist works with biologists and resource managers in partner agencies and organizations to assemble and distribute information on the distribution, population status, and ecological requirements of Montana's animal species. This position provides technical expertise, assists other agencies and organizations in developing effective management strategies, and disseminates information resulting from surveys and available scientific literature.

Primary Responsibilities:

Program Management:

* Provide technical and scientific leadership in developing, analyzing, disseminating, and applying zoological information for the MTNHP.
* Identify key knowledge gaps and design, secure funding for, and conduct inventory and applied research on priority species and habitats.
* Lead animal species status ranking for Montana.
* Develop, prepare, and coordinate professional field and management plans and programs for zoological research.
* Lead conservation and management planning and build collaboration among agencies, biologist, and data contributors.
* Develop and implement zoological program policies.
* Manage projects and/or project priorities as determined within the MSL work plan and goals.
* Supervise permanent and temporary staff in compliance with employment policy, law, and effective supervisory practices.

Consultation:

* Provide expert consultation to biologist and natural resource managers across Montana.
* Develop reports, posters, technical publications, and web pages.
* Answer zoological related data requests and summarize available information on species management.
* Provide individualized consultation to resource managers and decision-makers.
* Represent the accomplishments, interests, and needs of the MTNHP to various stakeholders of the MSL.

Physical Requirements:

* Frequent travel, adverse working conditions in remote locations, long hours, and possible weekend work.
* Ability to work in variable weather conditions and remote locations, often in physically demanding circumstances.
* Valid driver's license and safe driving record.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualification Requirements:

* Education and experience equivalent to a Master's degree in Zoology or Fish & Wildlife Biology,
* Five years of related experience with planning and coordinating field inventories for animals, managing, reviewing, summarizing data, and writing reports summarizing the information for land management agencies,
* Two years of related supervisory experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

* Advanced expertise in Geographic Information Systems and relational databases.
* Python, SQL, and R scripting experience.
* Preference will be given to candidates with extensive work experience with the Montana Natural Heritage Program.

Required Competencies:

* Knowledge of and experience with the animal and plant species and ecosystems of Montana.
* Familiarity with computers and ability to use various computer software, including ESRI's ArcGIS suite, MS Outlook, Access, Excel, Word.
* Advanced knowledge of bat acoustic analysis.
* Skill in speaking and presentation and customer service.
* Advances skills with conducting surveys for fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, small terrestrial mammals, bats, and other taxa.
* Ability to evaluate habitat conditions and process animal and plant specimens, navigate rough field terrain with a map and compass, and organize scientific data with attention to detail.
* Ability to analyze and summarize data using standard statistical software packages and in written report to land management agencies.
* Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing, to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Application and Selection Process:

Applications must be received by Wednesday, September 22, 2021.

Required Application Materials:

* Application submitted via the State of Montana Careers page.
* Current resume
* Cover letter detailing interest and relevant work experience

All required materials must be attached. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed or considered.

Selection procedures will include an evaluation of application materials and an oral interview (via Zoom or in person). Candidates selected for interviews will be contacted by phone and email. Applicants not chosen will be notified by email once the selection process has been completed.

Applicants claiming Veteran's or Person's with Disabilities Employment Preference (see State of Montana Employment Application, PD-25) must provide verification of eligibility with the application materials. The required documentation includes a DD-214 or PHHS Certifications of Disability form accompanied by the Employment Preference Form PD-25A.

Requirements:

* Employees of the State of Montana must be state residents or establish residence within an agreed upon timeframe.
* Eligibility to work in the United States on a permanent basis at the time of application.

Applicant Pool Statement: Not Applicable

Training Assignment: Not Applicable

Job: Science

Salary: $ 49,530.00 - 77,175.00 Yearly

Benefits Package Eligibility: Health Insurance, Paid Leave & Holidays, Retirement Plan

Number of Openings: 1

Employee Status: Regular

Schedule: Full-Time

Shift: Day Job

Travel: Yes, 15 % of the Time

Primary Location: Helena

Agency: Montana State Library

Union: 000 - None

Bargaining Unit: 000 - None

Posting Date: Sep 17, 2021, 10:16:30 AM

Closing Date (based on your computer's timezone): Sep 23, 2021, 12:59:00 AM

Required Application Materials: Cover Letter, Resume

Contact Name: Sharon Hardwick | Contact Email: shardwick@mt.gov | Contact Phone: 406-444-9816