AGFC BIOLOGIST SPECIALIST

The formal education equivalent of a bachelor’s degree in biology, zoology, botany, or a related field plus two years of experience in wildlife management or a related field.  Other job related education and/or experience may be substituted for all or part of these basic requirements, except for certification or licensure requirements, upon approval of the Human Resources Chief.

A master’s degree in fisheries biology or related field is preferred and may substitute for two years of experience.   

        Knowledge of the principles of biology, ecology, and related environmental sciences. Knowledge of game and fish management programs including propagation, cultivation, and harvesting techniques. Knowledge of game and fish management laboratory and field survey equipment, techniques, and procedures. Knowledge of supervisory practices and procedures. Ability to plan, organize, and oversee the work of subordinates. Ability to make public presentations. Ability to plan work unit objectives and operational activities and to assign and direct the work of subordinate supervisors. Ability to conduct scientific game and fish surveys and studies, analyze and evaluate collected data, and prepare written narrative report of findings. Ability to direct, coordinate, and maintain wildlife management programs. 

Knowledge of freshwater fish, fisheries, fish population dynamics, and fish management techniques. Knowledge of freshwater aquatic plants and related management techniques. Skill in writing (both technical and popular articles) Skill in the maintenance and operation of boats, outboard motors, fish sampling equipment, etc. Skill in the use of word processing, spreadsheet, database, data analysis, fish population analysis software programs, etc. Ability to exercise sound judgment and reasoning in decision making and problem solving Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with public, stakeholders, and Arkansas Game and Fish Commission staff. Ability to implement project management techniques and practices (scheduling/task management) to ensure completion of programs and projects in an effective and timely manner. Ability to write and edit technical reports in a timely manner. Ability to professionally explain Project, Division, and Agency programs, policies, and procedures to the public and other stakeholders. Ability to design and conduct biological studies/surveys.

 

 

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) Biologist Specialist is responsible for supervising a wildlife management program. This position is governed by state and federal laws and agency policy.

Plans and conducts various biological surveys to investigate population, habitat, and ecology of game and fish species and conducts studies of game and fish propagation, cultivation, and harvest. Analyzes and evaluates survey and sampling data and writes reports describing the results of the data and makes recommendations on game and fish populations. Directs the development of various wildlife management areas or fish propagation and cultivation and treatment plans based on district management plans. Assists supervisor with districts’ annual budgetary projections, prepares various reports and purchase orders, requisitions for equipment, supplies, and parts, and prepares monthly activity reports. Makes presentations to civic groups, schools and clubs, and conducts public meetings to explain new and/or proposed rules and regulations and /or to hear complaints about wildlife management. Writes articles for news releases on game and fish activities in district. Assists supervisor in the development of game and fish management plans and proposals to expand or improve management areas. Performs other duties as assigned. 

Frequent in-state travel and field work with exposure to inclement weather is required. Occasional exposure to hunters and dangerous animals may be required.

As a Fisheries Management Biologist for the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, you will join a highly-trained, progressive team of Fisheries Scientists working to improve conservation and management of aquatic resources in Arkansas. You will receive outstanding training and competitive pay and benefits. Fisheries Management Biologists (AGFC Biologist Specialists) are responsible for fisheries management activities in a district, with many opportunities to work on projects across the state. Job duties include: standardized fish population surveys, onsite and offsite angler surveys, stakeholder engagement, fish habitat improvement projects including nuisance aquatic vegetation control, analysis of survey data, preparation of annual fishery management reports, assist with the development of management recommendations for district waters, development and execution of an independent research project, and working with other agencies and elected officials on improving fisheries resources. 

 

This position is located in West-Central Arkansas, in the Arkansas River Valley. Fisheries resources are abundant, ranging from the Arkansas River to Ozark streams to numerous federal, state, and locally owned reservoirs. This position works under the supervision of the District Fisheries Supervisor out of the AGFC Russellville Regional Office.