BASIC FUNCTIONS OF WORK

The Wildlife Biologist I is responsible for protecting and enhancing wildlife and associated habitat in the Kalispel ceded lands. This position is responsible for the scheduling, assignment, oversight, and completion of habitat restoration and enhancement activities. Functions will also include assisting the development and implementation of monitoring and evaluation procedures to determine species and habitat status and other biological data using scientific principles and techniques. This position is a full time permanent position where the incumbent may be required to work long, unusual hours and travel. The incumbent may assist with work duties on projects with different funding sources and requirements including Bonneville Power Administration funded projects, BIA and other projects. The Biologist I will also provide support to other projects as needed.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

The Biologist I performs work under the general supervision of a Wildlife Biologist II+ with substantial latitude for exercise of independent judgment and decision making.  Work is reviewed by the Biologist II+ through reports, meetings and one-on-one discussions.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED 

This position supervises up to 4 geographically dispersed  technician staff members in a variety of field settings.

REPRESENTATIVE EXAMPLES OF WORK

• Assists in the design and implementation of biological studies. Assists in the summary of biological data using established data conversion and statistical procedures.
• Collects data on wetland, lake, riparian, and upland habitats for use in assessment of its suitability as wildlife habitat.
• Conducts field reviews to monitor and/or investigate environmental permit compliance. Prepares reports on investigations and studies conducted.
• Participates in sampling programs designed to provide catch, effort, mortality, species composition, life history, abundance, distribution, age, growth, and other basic biological data for wildlife management purposes.
• Reviews environmental documents, or portions of the documents, from Tribal governments, local governments, State and Federal agencies and private individuals.  Makes initial determination and/or recommends conditions or permits.
• Works as part of a crew to construct and/or maintain boundary fences including.
• Provides information on project inventory and supplies as they are used on the project
• Reports to the duty station on time and with the necessary clothing/equipment necessary for work.
• Assists in habitat enhancement projects such as planting grass, forbs, shrubs, and/or trees; operates heavy equipment to restore or enhance wetlands and wetland hydrology, and stabilizes eroding shorelines.
• Assists with weed control measures to include capture and release of bio-agents on target weed populations, mechanical and physical removal methods and chemical applications under supervision of a licensed USDA pesticide applicator.
• Assist with removal of trespass livestock and repair entry site to protect wildlife management units.
• Maintain and operate project equipment to complete assigned tasks in a safe and efficient manner such as mowing firebreaks around project units and keeping access roads free of obstructions. 
• Review and understand engineered plans detailing designs and layout for construction or restoration of wetland, riparian, upland, or stream habitats.
• May assist with or perform other work as required.

Recruiting Indicators (Knowledge, Skills and Abilities)

Knowledge of: principles and procedures of habitat assessments, wildlife species identification and scientific applications for wildlife management; environmental regulation principles and procedures as they apply to wildlife management; standard field methods to improve habitat condition through restoration and enhancement actions.

Ability to: write and speak clearly and effectively including the ability formulate wildlife and habitat management recommendations for a variety of audiences; organize, schedule and implement wildlife management studies, including the ability to coordinate, lead or supervise technical or nontechnical volunteer or staff in performing variety of outdoor work tasks in inclement weather; provide routine maintenance and scheduling of major maintenance for mission critical equipment; operate farm equipment and other machinery or equipment necessary to meet project objectives.

Minimum Qualifications (Education and Training)

• A bachelor’s degree in fisheries, wildlife, natural resources science, or related fields and 12 months experience in wildlife management or habitat restoration.
• Applicants having experience working in wetland and riparian habitats and/or experience in ecological restoration will be given preference.
• Applicants willing to obtain CDL training and maintain a commercial drivers license will be given preference 
• A master’s degree in the applicable science may be substituted for one additional year of required experience.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment for Natural Resources staff is multifaceted. Outdoor conditions make it necessary to be able to work and hike in inclement weather conditions and over variable and rugged terrain. Work could include in water wading or from a boat (e.g. netting, electrofishing) and other on-water work. Potential exists for interactions with wild animals, bees, and other natural hazards. Indoor work can require long periods of sedentary work interfacing with others in meetings or completing reporting or data entry at a computer station. Work may also require specific specialized equipment operation (i.e., snow machines, tractors, etc…), regional travel, and overnight stays.