Fwwb10-2023-00942-Senior Wildlife Biologist-Cody

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is seeking a Senior Wildlife Biologist in Cody, Wyoming. This position is responsible for regional disease monitoring/management, wildlife data collection and analysis, as well as working collaboratively with internal and external working groups to conduct research and minimize the impact of development projects on wildlife.
Human Resource Contact: Laura Curtis / 307-777-4507
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The listed functions are illustrative only and are not intended to describe every function which may be performed at the job level.
Wildlife Disease Monitoring and Control:

• Coordinates and implements regional surveillance and management actions to understand and, if possible, reduce the prevalence of diseases in wildlife populations. Coordinates with the Department's Veterinary Services Branch and regional wildlife personnel on regional disease sampling, submission, and study needs. Conducts field checks and collects biological samples from harvested wildlife for disease surveillance. Uses chemical and mechanical capture and immobilization as needed. Assists with other identified disease surveillance and management needs, including the development of project proposals, solicitation of funding, and review and editing of periodic or final reports. Uses firearms to euthanize wildlife. Repairs and maintains assigned equipment. Writes detailed reports based on analysis and evaluation of data pertaining to specific projects. Provides wildlife disease-based recommendations for hunting season dates, quotas, and population objectives. Remains knowledgeable and current on disease sampling techniques and provides training to regional personnel as needed.

Plan, coordinate, conduct, and supervise large-scale data collection efforts (classifications) involving multiple field personnel.

• Assists in analyzing population data for game animals including but not limited to information on population size and trend, herd ratios, distribution, movement, and migration patterns, field checks of harvested animals, and mortality factors. Assists in developing hunting seasons designed to move animal populations toward established objectives. Season setting includes extensive internal coordination of recommendations, presentation of recommendations to the public, and modification of initial recommendations to reflect public comment.

Provides comments/recommendations for regional wildlife environmental reviews (WERs) regarding projects from county governments, state and federal agencies, and private landowners.

• Project recommendations are developed to minimize impacts to wildlife populations by recommending alternatives and mitigation. Projects include but are not limited to timber management, other habitat management activities, highway development or improvement, grazing systems, oil and gas and mineral exploration and development, pipelines and power lines, wind farms, and subdivisions.

Identify specific wildlife-related research needs for assigned region.

• Develop project proposals (methods and budgets), coordinate with University research faculty, write proposals to acquire funds needed to conduct research, provide field-level input and supervision of project personnel, and write or review/edit annual and final project reports.

Represent the WGFD at public informational meetings other than those for season settings.

• Develop and maintain effective working relations by communicating and coordinating with private landowners, federal, state, and local governmental agencies, and NGOs to effectively promote WGFD programs and policies. Present programs to civic and sportsperson organizations and schools. Assist in the development of various forms of news releases.
• Routinely communicates with hunters.
  Participate in WGFD-assigned species working groups/committee assignments and assist with the development of the WGFD strategic plan and other regional planning efforts designed to meet the future needs of wildlife and the public.
• Documents and reports daily activities, write annual and project reports, and ensures budget (6T12) and grant expenditures are within allocated amounts and in accordance with fiscal procedures. Maintains assigned vehicles, ATVs, snowmobiles, and other technical equipment.
• Respond to and appropriately handle injured and nuisance wildlife calls that may require euthanization or hazing of wildlife. Use chemical and mechanical immobilization equipment and techniques when necessary and appropriate. Use firearms to euthanize wildlife

PREFERENCES:
Preference will be given to individuals possessing a Bachelor's Degree (typically in Wildlife Management) and 2 years of professional work experience.
Preference will be given to candidates with wildlife euthanization training; 'Brown Card' holder.
*Valid driver's license required.
KNOWLEDGE:

• Excellent interpersonal communication skills, both oral and written.
• Knowledge of wildlife diseases, human safety procedures, and precautionary measures.
• Ability to coordinate and work with regional stakeholders on complex wildlife disease management issues.
• Ability to analyze, maintain, and interpret long-term data sets.
• Knowledge of research methods, techniques, and appropriate sources of information
• Knowledge of the NEPA process, impact analysis, environmental comment development, and available mitigation techniques.
• Ability to analyze information and make appropriate decisions.
• Ability to work without direct supervision and to work alone or as a team.
• Ability to safely operate motorized equipment including 4x4 pickup trucks, boats/personal watercraft, ATVs, and snowmobiles.
• Ability to collect data as an observer in a small aircraft (fixed wing and helicopter).
• Ability to utilize and handle firearms.
• Ability to safely and appropriately handle live wildlife in a variety of sensitive and hazardous conditions.
• Working knowledge of computer software and hardware and ability to learn new software packages, including Microsoft, ArcMap, Program R, and online database programs.
• Knowledge of basic concepts, principles, and practices of wildlife management, population ecology, standardized techniques and methodology, species identification, life history, animal biological processes and behavior, basic habitat, and range management practices and concepts.
• Knowledge of wildlife diseases, human safety procedures, and precautionary measures.
• Knowledge of general outdoor skills including utilizing horses in the backcountry.
• Ability to perform routine maintenance of assigned equipment, including being responsible for proper storage of department-owned and issued materials and equipment.

PHYSICAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Be able to work in remote mountainous terrain and environments in various weather conditions.
• Must be able to work all days of the week and varied work hours, including weekends and early mornings, evenings/late nights.
• The position requires lifting of heavy objects >50 pounds and capable of strenuous physical exertion at times.

NOTES:

• FLSA: Exempt
• Successful applicants for employment must pass a background check prior to the appointment.
• Must complete the Department's wildlife immobilization training and certification, following hire.
• Travel will be required.
  

040-Wyoming Game and Fish - Wildlife Division
Click here to view the State of Wyoming Classification and Pay Structure.
URL: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/wyoming/default.cfm
The State of Wyoming is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively supports the ADA and reasonably accommodates qualified applicants with disabilities.Employment Type: Full Time