BIOLOGIST

State of Louisiana

About This Job

LDWF supports a strong work ethic in its employees and incorporates the use of good science, accurate information and technology. The Office of Wildlife exists to provide wise stewardship of Louisiana's wildlife and associated habitats and increase wildlife conservation awareness.

BIOLOGIST 1-3 SOUTHCENTRAL LA/ COASTAL LAFAYETTE

This position is a Wildlife and Fisheries Biologist 1-3 Career Progression Group position based at the Lafayette office that receives direct supervision from a Biologist Supervisor. This position is responsible for the proper management of Marsh Island, State Wildlife and Isle Dernieres Barrier Islands Refuges and Atchafalaya Delta WMA. Duties involve assisting with the daily operations such as maintaining facilities, equipment and grounds.

These refuges and WMA are highly dynamic coastal environments that provide habitat for a large diversity and abundance of resident and migratory wildlife. These areas are located in Iberia, Vermilion, Terrebonne and St. Mary Parishes and consist of habitats ranging from developing deltas and brackish marshes to barrier islands.

Join a team committed to conserving and managing Louisiana’s wildlife and natural resources through hands-on fieldwork and research. This position conducts wildlife surveys, habitat development, research projects, harvest and user studies, and environmental investigations while providing technical assistance to private landowners and supporting refuge and Wildlife Management Area operations. The role includes indirect supervision of technicians and requires operating boats, ATV/UTVs, tractors, and water management systems in demanding field conditions. Candidates should be prepared for physically strenuous work, aerial surveys, overnight travel, after-hours wildlife response, and working outdoors in remote locations, inclement weather, and on weekends or holidays.

Minimum Qualifications

A bachelor’s degree in a biological science, marine science, environmental science, wildlife or fisheries, animal science, forestry, or natural resources.

Job Specification

The official job specifications for this role, as defined by the State Civil Service, can be found here.

JOB DUTIES

Job Duties and Other Information

Habitat Stewardship and Species Management

Develop, implement, review and evaluate management, research, restoration, and/or enhancement projects on various WMAs/refuges throughout coastal Louisiana
Assists and oversees land stewardship and habitat management practices as well as research and data collection activities on WMAs/refuges
Provides technical advice to supervisory staff regarding the formulation and implementation of programs, projects, permits, and policies for resources on coastal WMAs/refuges
Assists with overseeing and monitoring of Oil and Gas and dredging projects on the WMAs/refuges, and recommend restorative actions when needed
Designs and implements environmental monitoring/management/research and survey projects that complement the Department’s habitat, waterfowl, alligator, furbearer, non-game, r/t/e, and other wildlife species goals

Administrative Duties

Provides advice and recommendations to supervisory personnel regarding projects, programs, and job priorities to optimize enhancement, management, and public use on coastal WMAs/refuges
Recommends policies for the management and public utilization of fish and wildlife resources on coastal WMAs/refuges
As appropriate, monitor progress of infrastructure projects and contracts on WMAs/refuges

Infrastructure and Equipment Maintenance

Coordinate with supervisors and others on activities as they pertain to maintenance, repair and construction projects on coastal WMAs/refuges

Outreach/Miscellaneous

Provides information, logistical support and outreach activities to civic/school/public groups and government agencies as it relates to management activities and projects on coastal WMAs/refuges. Completes other duties as assigned by supervisory staff

POSITION- SPECIFIC DETAILS

Work Location: This position will be domiciled in Lafayette Parish.

Appointment Type: Job appointment, probational appointment, promotional, or detail to special duty.

If filled as a job appointment, there is a possibility that this position may be converted to a probational appointment should funding become available. Current permanent status classified state employees may be required to accept a probational appointment if selected.

Career Progression: This position may be filled as a Biologist 1, 2 or 3. The level at which the vacancy is filled will be determined by the qualifications of the candidate selected. Please click on the below links to learn more about this position.

BIOLOGIST 1

BIOLOGIST 2

BIOLOGIST 3

Louisiana is a State as a Model Employer (SAME) that supports the recruitment, hiring and retention of individuals with disabilities. For more information on employment resources for individuals with disabilities, see the Louisiana Employment Resources Guide at https://www.laworks.net/workforcedev/lrs/lrs_main.asp .

HOW TO APPLY

No Civil Service test score is required in order to be considered for this vacancy.

To apply for this vacancy, click on the “Apply” link above and complete an electronic application, which can be used for this vacancy as well as future job opportunities. Applicants are responsible for checking the status of their application to determine where they are in the recruitment process. Further status message information is located under the Information section of the Current Job Opportunities page.

Information to support your eligibility for the position must be included in the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education). Resumes WILL NOT be accepted in lieu of completed education and experience sections on your application. Applications may be rejected if incomplete.

Any qualifying experience that is based on college credit/college hours should have an accompanying transcript for verification. A criminal background check will be required of all selected applicants. Any degree, certificate, special license, or DD-214 must be verified by official documentation prior to hire.

If you are applying for a position which requires a baccalaureate and/or master’s degree you may apply 90 days prior to receipt of your degree, however, the effective date of the appointment cannot be prior to your graduation date.

This agency participates in the E-Verify system for verification of citizenship and employment authorization.

Wildlife & Fisheries is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT THIS VACANCY CONTACT

Cassandra Louis

Department of Wildlife & Fisheries- Human Resources

P.O. Box 98000

Baton Rouge, LA 70898

***email_hidden***

Louisiana State Government represents a wide variety of career options and offers an outstanding opportunity to make a difference through public service. With an array of career opportunities in every major metropolitan center and in many rural areas, state employment provides an outstanding option to begin or continue your career.

Insurance Coverage

More information can be found at https://info.groupbenefits.org/

Parental Leave – Up to six weeks paid parental leave

More information can be found at https://www.civilservice.louisiana.gov/Parental-Leave/Default.aspx

Holidays and Leave – State employees receive the following paid holidays each year:

New Year's Day
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day,
Mardi Gras,
Good Friday,
Memorial Day,
Independence Day,
Labor Day,
Veteran's Day,
Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
Additional holidays may be proclaimed by the Governor

State employees earn sick and annual leave which can be accumulated and saved for future use. Your accrual rate increases as your years of service increase.

Retirement – State Of Louisiana Employees Are Eligible To Participate In Various Retirement Systems (based On The Type Of Appointment And Agency For Which An Employee Works). These Retirement Systems Provide Retirement Allowances And Other Benefits For State Officers And Employees And Their Beneficiaries. State Retirement Systems May Include (but Are Not Limited To):

Louisiana State Employees Retirement System (www.lasersonline.org). LASERS has provided this video to give you more detailed information about their system
Teacher's Retirement System of Louisiana (www.trsl.org),
Louisiana School Employees Retirement System (www.lsers.net), among others

DO YOU HAVE A VALID DRIVER'S LICENSE?

DO YOU HAVE THE REQUIRED BACHELOR'S DEGREE IN A BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE, MARINE SCIENCE, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE, WILDLIFE OR FISHERIES, ANIMAL SCIENCE, FORESTRY, OR NATURAL RESOURCES?

ARE YOU WITHIN 90 DAYS OF GRADUATING WITH REQUIRED DEGREE?

IF YOU ANSWERED YES TO PREVIOUS QUESTION, LIST NAME OF SCHOOL, EXPECTED DEGREE AND ANTICIPATED DATE OF GRADUATION. ENTER N/A IF THIS DOES NOT APPLY

ARE YOU ABLE TO WORK OVERTIME, NIGHTS WEEKENDS AS REQUIRED?

ARE YOU ABLE TO PERFORM THE FOLLOWING PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THE JOB: MODERATE TO STRENUOUS PHYSICAL EXERTION IS REQUIRED FOR SUCH ACTIVITIES AS CLIMBING, LIFTING OBJECTS OVER 50 POUNDS, CROUCHING OR CRAWLING IN RESTRICTED AREAS. REQUIRES THE PHYSICAL ABILITY TO OPERATE BOATS, ATV/UTVS, TRACTORS AND OTHER EQUIPMENT. MUST RESPOND TO NUISANCE OR INJURED WILDLIFE CALLS AS NEEDED?

ARE YOU ABLE TO TRAVEL WITH OVERNIGHT STAY, EARLY MORNING DEPARTURE AS REQUIRED?

Yes
No
Required Question