Position Description and Application Information
Wildlife Biologist Eastern South Dakota (Wildlife Diversity Program)
Location: Sioux Falls, SD
Agency: Game Fish & Parks
Employment Type: Permanent Employee
Salary: $26.72 - $33.39 per hour, depending on experience
Closing Date: 11/28/2023
This is a Full-Time position with the Department of Game, Fish and Parks. For more information on the Department of Game, Fish and Parks, please visit https://gfp.sd.gov/.
This position will serve as South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks’ wildlife diversity biologist in eastern South Dakota, which consists of the Missouri River, prairie pothole, and forest ecosystems.
The incumbent will:
- coordinate South Dakota’s Natural Heritage Program, manage Natural Heritage Database, and interact with NatureServe staff;
- collaborate with Environmental Review Coordinator and Natural Heritage and Wildlife Diversity Program team members to write comment letters, provide recommendations for rare species and habitat conservation, and provide oversight, maintenance, and training for an online Environmental Review Tool to streamline environmental review requests;
- oversee and assist with periodic rank reviews of animal species monitored in Natural Heritage Database;
- assist with environmental review of significant projects, including site visits for development projects to confirm presence/absence of species and provide recommendations for mitigation;
- provide technical assistance and collaborate with habitat biologists for habitat enhancement for nongame and rare species in eastern South Dakota;
- issue statewide Scientific Collector’s Permits, which involves evaluating and approving applications, receiving annual reports and monitoring results for compliance, and developing recommendations for restrictions to taking sensitive species to prevent overcollection;
- maintain knowledge of changes to falconry regulations, and provide technical input on falconry permitting to assist falconry program coordinator;
- assist with revision and implementation of South Dakota Wildlife Action Plan;
- develop and help implement State Wildlife Grants projects, focused on research, inventory, and monitoring of state species of greatest conservation need and explore additional funding opportunities to expand impact to rare wildlife species;
- provide guidance, assistance, and logistical support for wildlife inventories;
- conduct wildlife surveys and other field projects related to nongame and endangered species and unique native habitats;
- miscellaneous nongame, species of greatest conservation need, and threatened and endangered species issue coordination and answering department staff questions or requests for assistance in eastern South Dakota;
- make presentations to the public about wildlife and/or providing such information to designated education and outreach staff;
- assist with periodic status reviews of state threatened and endangered species;
- serve on interagency committees and task forces, and as Department representative and liaison to interagency and local, state and federal government and professional and private groups related to nongame and rare species.
The Ideal Candidate Will Have:
Experience conducting wildlife surveys, wildlife research, short and long-term monitoring programs, analyzing data and writing reports, knowledge of habitat requirements, strong people skills, and working independently and as a member of a team is beneficial. Qualified candidates must be self-motivated, acquire a strong work ethic, have a strong desire to make a difference and be passionate about serving the public and native species and habitats, while carrying out the Game, Fish and Parks’ mission.
A degree (B.S or M.S.) in wildlife biology, ecology, natural resources, or closely related discipline is preferred.
Knowledge of:
- life history and habitat requirements of wildlife species in South Dakota, especially in eastern South Dakota, prairie pothole, mixed-grass prairie, and riparian areas;
- wildlife research and biological literature analysis;
- established methods and procedures used in wildlife management and research;
- state and federal threatened and endangered species laws, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, Endangered Species Act, and additional regulations related to federal conservation partner collaborations.
Skill to:
- communicate effectively and foster team collaboration;
- manage time effectively;
- lead current and new projects and initiatives to ensure delivery of measurable outcomes;
- database management and experience with geographic information systems.
Ability to:
- accomplish work tasks both independently and as a member of a work team;
- work and communicate with a variety of people within and outside of state government;
- independently arrange work schedules to accomplish tasks in variety of areas of responsibility;
- follow detailed data sampling protocols without direct supervision;
- work within federal grant systems, including proposal preparation, timely preparation and submission of interim and final reports that are compliant with objectives, and making the most effective use of final products;
- provide a high level of attention to detail and be able to record that detail in field notes, reports and databases;
- operate a variety of on- and off-road vehicles;
- plan, outline, and make presentations;
- operate computers, tablets, and applicable software;
- analyze and interpret data and scientific documents.
Additional Requirements: To be considered, please attach your resume and transcripts.
This position is eligible for Veterans’ Preference per ARSD 55:10:02:08.
The State of South Dakota does not sponsor work visas for new or existing employees. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete an Employment Eligibility Verification, Form I-9. The State of South Dakota as an employer will be using E-Verify to complete employment eligibility verification upon hire.
The State of South Dakota offers employer paid health insurance plus eleven paid holidays, generous vacation and sick leave accrual, dental, vision, and other insurance options, and retirement benefits. You can view our benefits information at https://bhr.sd.gov/job-seekers/work-for-state-government/. This position is a member of Class A retirement under SDRS.
Must apply online: https://sodakprod-lm01.cloud.infor.com:1443/lmghr/xmlhttp/shorturl.do?key=O06
You must apply online, emailed resumes or submissions will not be accepted.
South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources
Telephone: 605.773.3148 Email: careers@state.sd.us
http://bhr.sd.gov/workforus
"An Equal Opportunity Employer"
