What are the responsibilities and job description for the Wildlife Biologist 2/3 position at State of Alaska?
This position is open to all Applicants.
NOTE: The recruitment period for this vacancy has been broadened and extended to allow for a larger applicant pool.
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Division of Wildlife Conservation is recruiting for a Wildlife Biologist 2/3 Flex located in Palmer!
What you will be doing:
In this flexibly staffed Wildlife Biologist 2/3 position, the incumbent will work collaboratively as part of the research team in Region IV of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game to evaluate critical management and ecological questions in large game mammals, with a focus on ungulates, including caribou, moose, Dall sheep, mountain goats, and bison. The incumbent will be responsible for working with wildlife managers to identify research questions and associated hypotheses and will assist other researchers or lead other researchers in development and execution of rigorous studies to evaluate those hypotheses and development of new or evaluation of existing survey and inventory techniques. The incumbent will be responsible for contributing or leading all aspects of the study from beginning to end, including study design, logistics, data analysis, research presentations at professional meetings, writing of interim reports and final publications, and communicating the findings with wildlife managers, the Board of Game, the public, and other audiences.
Our organization, mission, and culture:
Under the Alaska Constitution and Alaska Statutes, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game is responsible for managing fish and wildlife species for the benefit of all people consistent with the sustained yield principle. Much of our work focuses on research to inform conservation and management of large game species in an effort to support subsistence and recreational harvest opportunities.
Benefits of joining our team:
The incumbent will have opportunities to support science-based management and address applied and novel ecological questions with a focus on ungulates. In collaboration with other research staff, the incumbent will have opportunities to contribute to research aimed at understanding topics such as apparent competition, nutritional ecology, movement ecology, population ecology, predator-prey interactions, and more. In addition to contributing to ongoing projects and developing new projects, the incumbent also will have opportunities to work on existing data spanning several decades. The incumbent will be joining a team with expertise in stable isotopes, physiology and nutrition, genetics, and biometrics. Publication is encouraged and expected of all members of the team.
The working conditions you can expect:
The incumbent will conduct field work in remote parts of southcentral and southwestern Alaska, in some of the most scenic areas in the world. Field work can occur in all weather conditions and may require flying in small fixed-wing aircraft for many hours at a time or capturing animals via darting from a helicopter. Work from small boats and via ATVs or snowmachines also may be required to meet needs of specific projects. Some work may include extended stays in remote field camps to conduct vegetation sampling or other fieldwork. Incumbents will be exposed to biting insects, snow, wind, rain, continuous sun, and other hazardous conditions during fieldwork. Incumbents will be required to be certified to carry firearms and bear spray during field work. The incumbent will have a private office in Palmer to conduct analyses, writing, and other office work.
- Requires frequent travel for fieldwork (at least 10 days at a time at least twice a year).
We are looking for a candidate who possesses some or all of the skills listed below. Candidates interested in applying at the Wildlife Biologist 2 level will have opportunities to work toward building skills in areas where they may need more experience during their first 1–2 years in the position.
- Experience developing and executing research projects from beginning to end, including development of research questions and hypotheses, study design, execution of data collection in remote field conditions or otherwise, data analysis, writing, and publishing in reputable, peer-reviewed journals.
- Experience analyzing animal location and movement data, such as for analyses of home ranges, habitat use and selection, migration analyses, range fidelity, etc.
- Experience collecting and analyzing population abundance and demographic data, including conducting aerial surveys and estimating abundance and population parameters and growth rates using techniques such as mark-resight, capture-mark-recapture, sightability, and integrated population models.
- Experience analyzing large, complex datasets in R or other statistical software.
- Experience managing logistics for complex fieldwork in remote settings.
To view the general description and example of duties for a Wildlife Biologist 2/3 Flex please go to the following link: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/Alaska/classspecs
Special Note:
A valid driver's license is required.
This position may be in possession of, or have access to, firearms/ammunition.
Minimum Qualifications
Wildlife Biologist 2
A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college in biology, a branch of biology, limnology, biometrics, oceanography, forestry, or natural resource management.
AND
One year of professional level biologist experience. The required professional biologist experience is met by service as a Wildlife Biologist 1, Fishery Biologist 1, or Habitat Biologist 1 with the State of Alaska or the equivalent with another employer.
Substitutions:
A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college that includes or is supplemented by the following credit hours will substitute for the degree in a specific field:
A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college that includes or is supplemented by the following credit hours will substitute for the degree in a specific field:
- at least 24 semester hours (36 quarter hours) in biology, a branch of biology, limnology, biometrics, oceanography, forestry, or natural resource management (excluding courses that focus on agricultural husbandry techniques, human population dynamics, or the design and manipulation of landscapes), of which 16 semester hours (24 quarter hours) are upper division courses; and
- at least 12 semester hours (16 quarter hours) in any combination of two or more of the following: chemistry, physics, mathematics, statistics, geology, hydrology, or GIS.
A master's degree from an accredited college in biology, a branch of biology, limnology, biometrics, oceanography, forestry or natural resource management, will substitute for the required year of professional level biologist experience.
Special Note:
“Upper division courses” means courses that are specialized, in-depth and advanced. Such courses emphasize problem-solving, analytical thinking skills, and theoretical applications, with depth and rigor in a discipline’s theories and methods; specialization in a particular field or profession; refinement of general education; and/or development of specific intellectual and professional skills. Upper division courses are commonly identified in college catalogs as 300 level and higher.
Some positions may require training in specialized areas such as hydroacoustics, microscopic analysis, underwater research, or fish habitat restoration or enhancement.
Wildlife Biologist 3
A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college in biology, a branch of biology, limnology, biometrics, oceanography, forestry, or natural resource management;
AND
One year of full performance professional level biologist experience. The required professional biologist work experience is met by service as a Fishery Biologist 2, Wildlife Biologist 2, Habitat Biologist 2, or Fisheries Geneticist 1 with the State of Alaska or the equivalent with another employer.
Substitution:
A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college that includes or is supplemented by the following credit hours will substitute for the degree in a specific field:
A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college that includes or is supplemented by the following credit hours will substitute for the degree in a specific field:
- at least 24 semester hours (36 quarter hours) in biology, a branch of biology, limnology, biometrics, oceanography, forestry, or natural resource management (excluding courses that focus on agricultural husbandry techniques, human population dynamics, or the design and manipulation of landscapes), of which 16 semester hours (24 quarter hours) are upper division courses; and
- at least 12 semester hours (16 quarter hours) in any combination of two or more of the following: chemistry, physics, mathematics, statistics, geology, hydrology, or GIS.
Special Note:
“Upper division courses” means courses that are specialized, in-depth and advanced. Such courses emphasize problem-solving, analytical thinking skills, and theoretical applications, with depth and rigor in a discipline’s theories and methods; specialization in a particular field or profession; refinement of general education; and/or development of specific intellectual and professional skills. Upper division courses are commonly identified in college catalogs as 300 level and higher.
Some positions may require training in specialized areas such as hydroacoustics, microscopic analysis, underwater research, or fish habitat restoration or enhancement.
Additional Required Information
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Please provide at time of application submission:
- Cover Letter
- Transcripts (unofficial are acceptable),
- Curriculum Vitae
- Names and contact information for at least 3 professional references
- A writing sample in the form of a peer-reviewed publication where the applicant is the first author is required at the time of application. If a peer-reviewed publication is not available, graduate theses, manuscripts in preparation for publication, or a professional (prepared on the job) are suitable alternatives.
A cover letter is required to be considered for this position. The cover letter should address what excites you about the position, how it relates to your career goals, what you hope to gain from this position, and should describe how your background, experience, and interests make you a good fit for this position. Please attach the cover letter to your application before submitting it online or, if unable to attach to your application, fax or email it to the contact provided in the job posting. Your cover letter will be used to help determine which applicants will advance to the interview phase of the recruitment and selection process.
SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS
For your application to be evaluated you must answer the Supplemental Questions. Be specific in your answers and tell us how you acquired the relevant experience. Please use complete sentences and proof-read your submissions when answering the supplemental questions. Your responses will be considered a writing sample and will be used to determine which applicants will advance to the interview phase of the recruitment process.
Flexible Staffing
This position is flexibly staffed. The level of the job offer will be based on the selected candidate’s eligibility. If hired at the lower level, you will be promoted to the higher-level job class after completing the training plan and meeting the minimum qualifications.
FIREARMS
This position requires the use or possession of a firearm or ammunition. In accordance with the federal Omnibus Consolidated Appropriations Act of 1997 (PL 104-208), if you have been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, you may not hold this position.
A "misdemeanor crime of domestic violence" is an offense that is (1) a misdemeanor under Federal or state law; and (2) has, as an element, the use or attempted use of physical force, or the threatened use of a deadly weapon, committed by a current or former spouse, parent, or guardian of the victim, by a person with whom the victim shares a child in common, by a person who is cohabiting with or has cohabited with the victim as a spouse, parent, or guardian, or by a person similarly situated to a spouse, parent, or guardian of the victim.
If you have ever been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, do NOT apply for this position.
EDUCATION
To verify education is being used to meet and/or support the required minimum qualifications/competencies, you must fill in the Education section of the application. If you have not obtained a degree, please indicate the number of units completed. Copies of transcripts are required to verify educational credentials used to meet or support the minimum qualifications/competencies for a position and are required with each application. (Unofficial is okay; please ensure the institution/URL name is listed on the transcripts). Transcripts must be attached at time of application.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR FOREIGN EDUCATION
Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the above requirements, if applicable. If utilizing this education you must show that the education credentials have been submitted to a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign educational credentials and that such education has been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education programs; or an accredited U.S. state university reports the other institution as one whose transcript is given full value, or full value is given in subject areas applicable to the curricula at the state university. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. Omission of required documentation listed will result in an incomplete application and you will not receive further consideration.
WORK EXPERIENCE
If using work experience not already documented in your application, also provide the employer name, your job title, dates of employment, and whether full-or part-time. Applications will be reviewed to determine if the responses are supported and minimum qualifications are clearly met. If they are not, the applicant may not advance to the interview and selection phase of the recruitment.
NOTE: Attaching a resume or curriculum vitae is not an alternative to filling out the application in its entirety. Noting "see resume or CV" or any similar response on any portion of your application may lead to a determination your application is incomplete and removal from consideration for this job posting.
MULTIPLE VACANCIES
This recruitment may be used for more than one (1) vacancy. The applicant pool acquired during this recruitment may be used for future vacancies for up to ninety (90) days after this recruitment closes. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply to each recruitment notice to ensure consideration for all vacancies.
EEO STATEMENT
The State of Alaska complies with Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Individuals with disabilities, who require accommodation, auxiliary aides or services, or alternative communication formats, please call 1-800-587-0430 or (907) 465-4095 in Juneau or TTY: Alaska Relay 711 or 1-800-770-8973 or correspond with the Division of Personnel & Labor Relations at: P.O. Box 110201, Juneau, AK 99811-0201. The State of Alaska is an equal opportunity employer.
NOTICE
If you choose to be contacted by email, please ensure your email address is correct on your application and that the spam filter will permit email from the ‘govermentjobs.com’ domains. For information on allowing emails from the ‘governmentjobs.com’ domains, visit the Lost Password Help page located at https://www.governmentjobs.com/OnlineApplication/User/ResetPassword.
WORKPLACE ALASKA APPLICATION QUESTIONS & ASSISTANCE
Questions regarding application submission or system operation errors should be directed to the Workplace Alaska hotline at 1-800-587-0430 (toll free) or (907) 465-4095 if you are located in the Juneau area. Requests for information may also be emailed to recruitment.services@alaska.gov.
For applicant password assistance please visit: https://www.governmentjobs.com/OnlineApplication/User/ResetPassword
Contact Information
For specific information in reference to the position please contact the hiring manager:
Kristin Denryter
Wildlife Biologist 4, Research Coordinator
307-343-6511
Kristin.Denryter@alaska.gov
Wildlife Biologist 4, Research Coordinator
307-343-6511
Kristin.Denryter@alaska.gov
Careers with the State of Alaska offer MANY benefits
The following information describes typical benefits available to employees of the State of Alaska. Actual benefits received may differ by bargaining unit or branch of government, position type, or be prorated for other than full time work.
For a quick breakdown of the insurance, health, and retirement benefits available for State Employees you can view an orientation video from Division of Retirement and Benefits. (Please note this video is specifically designed for new State Employees.)
Insurance Benefits
- Health insurance, which includes employer contributions toward medical/vision/dental
- The following employee groups are under AlaskaCare Benefits administered by the State: See https://drb.alaska.gov/help/plans.html for additional information.
- AVTEC
- Confidential
- Correctional Officers
- Marine Engineers
- Mt. Edgecumbe Teachers
- Supervisory
- Unlicensed Vessel Personnel/Inland Boatman's Union
- Exempt employees (not covered by collective bargaining)
- The following employee groups are covered by Union health trusts. Contact the appropriate Union for additional information.
- General Government
- Labor, Trades and Crafts
- Public Safety Employees Association
- Masters, Mates & Pilots
- The following employee groups are under AlaskaCare Benefits administered by the State: See https://drb.alaska.gov/help/plans.html for additional information.
- Employer paid Basic Life insurance with additional coverage available (amount depends on Bargaining Unit)
Optional Insurance Benefits
- Group-based insurance premiums for
- Term life (employee, spouse or qualified same sex partner, and dependents)
- Long-term and short-term disability
- Accidental Death and Dismemberment
- Long-term care (self and eligible family members)
- Supplemental Survivor Benefits
- Employee-funded flexible spending accounts for tax savings on eligible health care or dependent care expenses
Retirement Benefits
- Membership in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)/Teachers' Retirement System (TRS)
- Matching employer contribution into a defined contribution program (new employees)
- Employer contribution into a defined benefit or defined contribution program (current employees)
- Contributions to the Alaska Supplemental Annuity Plan in lieu of contributions to Social Security
- Option to enroll in the Alaska Deferred Compensation Program
- Note: The Defined Contribution Plan, Supplemental Annuity Plan and Deferred Compensation Program offer a variety of investment options
See https://drb.alaska.gov/retiree/ for additional information
Paid Leave & Other Benefits- Personal leave with an accrual rate increase based on time served
- Twelve (12) paid holidays a year
