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Biologist

Employer
State of Montana
Location
Thompson Falls, Montana, US
Salary
Competitive
Closing date
Jul 11, 2022

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Sector
Consultancy/Private Sector, Government
Field
Informatics / GIS
Discipline
Land Management
Salary Type
Salary
Employment Type
Fellowship
/THE OUTSIDE IS IN US ALL./ Please remember to attach the required documents Coverletter, Supplemental Questions and Resume listed in this announcement. Applications missing the requested documents will be considered incomplete and may not progress further in the process. Documents not requested will not be considered in the recruitment process. The State Application is not a substitute for a Resume. This position closes at 11:59 PM Mountain Time on July 5, 2022. You must apply through the State of Montana Career site. Supplemental Questions: 1. Thompson Falls is a small rural and fairly conservative community. Please describe the challenges of being a biologist charged with managing the publics wildlife in this type of community. Describe the skills you possess that will allow you to be successful in working with the local public and managing the areas wildlife resources. 2. What are your thoughts on predator impacts on ungulate populations? How would you handle requests from the public to increase predator harvest to increase elk and deer numbers? Special Information: Identity of applicants who become finalists may be released to the public if the Department deems it necessary. Employees who exceed 1,040 hours in a calendar year are also provided health, dental and life insurance. Other benefits include retirement, paid vacation, sick and holidays. This position may be covered by a VEBA (Voluntary EmployeeBeneficiaryAssociation). A successful applicant will be subject to a background investigation. Women and minorities are under-represented in this job category and are encouraged to apply. This position is stationed in Thompson Falls, MT, a mountainous area of Northwest Montana that includes the Bull, Clark Fork, Flathead, Thompson and Vermillion River basins. Thompson Falls is 150 miles northwest of Missoula and 120 southwest of Kalispell. The area of responsibility of the Wildlife Biologist is bound by the Flathead Reservation to the east and the Idaho border to the west and contains portions of the Cabinet Wilderness Area. A variety of wildlife species including elk, mule deer, white-tailed deer, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, grizzly bears, black bears, mountain lions, wolves, upland game and numerous non-game species occupy the area. This is a demanding position requiring advanced mental and physical stamina attention to detail and the ability to work independently and in a team. Travel via 4-wheel drive, ATV and snow machines and work in and around helicopters and aircraft are important aspects of this position.Wildlife surveys and inventories requiring the use of light aircraft and helicopters are conducted at low altitudes and in hazardous flying conditions while sitting in confined spaces with exposure to high noise levels. Work schedules are variable including weekend and nights when necessary, requiring the wildlife biologist to exhibit flexibility in daily, weekly and annual work schedules. Self-motivation is an important part of this position. Heavy lifting, up to 40lb, and the ability to work in remote and difficult terrain is necessary under varying and occasionally extreme weather conditions. This position is administered from a satellite office in Thompson Falls. The Thompson Falls area Wildlife Biologist is responsible for making management recommendations for wildlife species within the area of responsibility. This is achieved by conducting surveys both from the ground and air, analyzing data collected, utilizing scientific literature, obtaining public support for proposals and submitting proposals through a public process which are often highly visible and controversial, involving the entire spectrum of interests and stakeholders in wildlife conservation issues. The Thompson Falls biologist is responsible for managing the local Wildlife Management Areas. This position is responsible for working with landowners to reduce wildlife damage and address landowner complaints related to conflicts with wildlife. The Wildlife Biologist works with land management agencies on habitat actions to improve conditions for wildlife and comments on habitat management and development plans and actions. The ability to build good working relationships and establish credibility with fellow biologists, law enforcement, other agency staff and the public is an important aspect of this position. Job Duties: The Wildlife Biologist is responsible forthe implementation of the Department's wildlife management program, including the State Wildlife Action Plan, in the Thompson Falls area of administrative Region 1. This includes developing and implementing adaptive wildlife and habitat management strategies; working with various private landowners, various government agencies, other organizations and stakeholders to increase public enjoyment of natural resources; represent the Department on wildlife, habitat and access management matters; and maintain proficiency of a professional wildlife scientist. This is accomplished by: Designing and conducting ground and aerial field investigations and surveys; recording and analyzing survey data, species information statistical models and data from Department databases; formulating management strategies and plans that benefit wildlife populations and habitats; identify habitat conservation and access needs; utilize population models to predict adaptive harvest and changing environmental factors influencing wildlife conservation; establish hunter check stations and collect pertinent biological data to assist in evaluating population trends and status; respond to wildlife damage complaints following legal statutes and department policies; collaborate with Department staff to design, implement and interpret findings of wildlife and wildlife habitat related studies to further understanding and management of specific species; oversee and conduct habitat maintenance and improvement projects on department Wildlife Management areas; work with land management agency staff to identify and improve habitat management plans and actions on public lands; demonstrate the ability to safely capture, restrain and immobilize a variety of wildlife species; provide data and information to mitigate habitat development on private and public lands, maintain professional status through literature review and trainings, present findings and information to public and scientific audiences at various setting; and develop and maintain working relationships with Department staff, other agency staff, and the public to foster communication, cooperation and collaboration on projects. _Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (Behaviors):_ Knowledge of natural history and habitat needs of wildlife is necessary. Knowledge of appropriate plans or the ability to become knowledge is required. Thorough knowledge of species ecology and management, behavior, and a wide range of field capture, handling and monitoring techniques are required. Knowledge of department rules, regulations, policies and procedures or the ability to become knowledgable is required. Knowledge of appropriate federal and state regulations and management plans or the ability to become knowledgable is required. Knowledge of the principles of wildlife management, plant and animal community identification, plant community and wetland ecology, mammal and bird identification, population biology and habitat requirements of a broad spectrum of terrestrial wildlife is required. A working knowledge of range/habitat management, farm and ranch management and economics and basic soil science is preferred for some positions. Knowledge of work planning, prioritization, budgeting, and grant writing or the ability to become knowledgable is required. Experience in the organization and oversight of complex databases. Knowledge of FWP rules, regulations, policies and procedures, from both the administrative and professional levels or the ability to become knowledgable is mandatory. A demonstrated ability to organize large amounts of information and prioritize workloads. A demonstrated ability to oversee administration of a program. Requires the ability to work effectively and cooperatively internally within FWP and with representatives from other agencies, the private sector and the public, objectively listen to alternative points of view, and accurately communicate department positions without provoking hostility or damaging working relationships. Facilitation, negotiation and collaboration skills are necessary. Demonstrates respect, understanding, good listening skills, empathy, tact, and a non-aggressive approach in emotionally charged situations with interests having diverse opinions and varying knowledge about species in Montana. Demonstrates and maintains a positive cooperative attitude, contributing to an atmosphere that fosters inclusion and a team-oriented approach and which contributes to overall positive program direction, personnel morale, and interpersonal relations with the public and program cooperators. Requires the ability to collect, analyze, and manage data in written and electronic formats for program evaluation, written reports, and scientific publications. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite is required; familiarity with other data and statistical software is desirable. Proficiency with Arc View preferred, but not required. Computer, map, GIS, and GPS skills are necessary to facilitate many aspects of this position. Work is evaluated on information accuracy, sequential logic, completeness and content of the presentation, and the timeliness in which it is received. Maintains written records and electronic data files for detailed analysis using latest technology. Demonstrates appropriate problem-solving skills in difficult situations when limited or no supervision or assistance is available, considering the legal framework and requirements, various mandates, missions or protocols for agency cooperators or private entities, and the publics interests. Demonstrates ability to work independently and takes initiative with limited immediate supervision yet solicits input, shares information, and collaborates with other FWP regional staff and FWP Helena staff as well as program cooperators. _Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience):_ The knowledge, skills, and abilities of this position are normally attained through combination of education and experience equivalent to a Master's Degree in Fish and Wildlife Management, Wildlife Biology, Range Management, Zoology or Biology, including completion of a field research project presented in a successfully defended thesis. Other combinations of education and experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Equivalent experience is defined as five (5) years of progressively responsible experience as a wildlife biologist or senior wildlife technician in addition to successful completion of a single research effort that includes: 1. Literature review and development of a problem statement and or hypothesis for a particular issue. 2. Development of a detailed study plan or sampling protocol for a field-oriented project based on the above-noted hypothesis. 3. Data collection and the effective management of data with an appropriate application. 4. Interpretation and analysis of data, including a quantitative assessment of that information. 5. As Primary Author, completion of a final report in a peer-reviewed publication or a publication comparable to a refereed journal. 6. If appropriate to the project, formulation of any recommended changes in management prescriptions and or actions. 7. Oral presentation on results of investigation to agency staff or public audience. Other combinations of education and experience which could provide such knowledge, skills and abilities will be evaluated on an individual basis. Job: Science* *Title: *Biologist Location: Thompson Falls Requisition ID: 22141962

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