About this Job

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is responsible for managing and protecting the state’s renewable natural resources, including all wildlife and aquatic life. LDWF supports a strong work ethic in its employees and incorporates the use of good science, accurate information and technology.

The Biologist Manager is responsible for leading and managing conservation education and outreach efforts that connect the public to Louisiana’s natural resources through fisheries education, hunter education, outreach and access. This position supervises staff, oversees programs and activities, and works with partners to increase participation, promote safe and responsible use of natural resources, and enhance outdoor experiences throughout the state.

AN IDEAL CANDIDATE WILL POSSESS THE FOLLOWING COMPETENCIES:

• Knowledge of Louisiana aquatic resources, wildlife and outdoor recreation
• Knowledge of fishing, hunting and related outdoor activities
• Knowledge of education, outreach and public engagement programs
• Strong supervisory, leadership and organizational skills
• Good analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Strong interpersonal and written and oral communication skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with staff, volunteers and partners
• Ability to coordinate statewide programs, events and volunteers

Minimum Qualifications

A bachelor’s degree in a biological science, marine science, environmental science, wildlife or fisheries, animal science, forestry, or natural resources plus six years of experience in wildlife or fisheries, forestry, or environmental science; OR A non-thesis master's degree in a biological science, marine science, environmental science, wildlife or fisheries, animal science, forestry, or natural resources plus five years of the required specialized experience; OR A master's degree with a completed thesis or a doctorate in a biological science, marine science, environmental science, wildlife or fisheries, animal science, forestry, or natural resources plus four years of the required specialized experience.

Job Duties and Other Information

Job Duties:

Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Supervises staff and establishes operational priorities for fisheries outreach, fisheries education and hunter education programs
• Collaborates with other Conservation Education and Outreach Managers to identify statewide needs, share resources and best practices, and maintain consistent standards while addressing regional needs and opportunities
• Oversees, evaluates and supports the development of education and outreach programs that increase participation, improve access and enhance outdoor experiences
• Coordinates and assists with fisheries education, hunter education, outreach programs, workshops and events
• Provides leadership, training and support to staff and volunteers involved in fisheries and hunter education programs
• Communicates Department programs, resource management information and safe and responsible use of natural resources to diverse audiences
• Develops and delivers presentations, demonstrations and interactive educational activities for youth, families, educators, hunters, anglers and other user groups
• Works with agency staff, volunteers, partners and communities to expand fishing and hunting opportunities and participation
• Participates in committees, workgroups and task forces supporting fisheries, wildlife, education, outreach and access
• Maintains program records, databases, reports, website and social media content
• Performs administrative duties including personnel management, budgets, purchasing, inventory and equipment management
• Performs other duties as assigned

Position-Specific Details:

Appointment Type: Probational Appointment, Detail to Special Duty, Promotion (open to all statewide classified and agency-wide permanent status employees). Current permanent status classified state employees may be required to accept a Probational appointment if selected.

Compensation: The salary offered will be determined based on qualifications and experience. Travels statewide for meetings, workshops, events and other outreach activities, including occasional weekends and overnight travel. Moderate to strenuous physical activity, including lifting 50+ pounds, setting up outreach equipment, working from shore or boats in variable weather conditions, and occasional overnight travel. A valid LA drivers license will be required.

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.

PLEASE NOTE: 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.

The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is a State as a Model Employer (SAME) agency 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 http://www.laworks.net/Downloads/LRS/EmploymentResourceGuide_2018.pdf (Download PDF reader)

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:

Allison Merritt
Email: amerritt@wlf.la.gov
Department of Wildlife & Fisheries- Human Resources