Overview

The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department (VFWD) seeks to hire a Fish and Wildlife Scientist I for the role of Fish and Wildlife Habitat Protection Scientist. This is an excellent opportunity to make a difference for fish and wildlife habitat conservation in a small state. The position involves representing VFWD’s interests in protecting fish and wildlife habitats through land use regulatory and permitting processes, in addition to supporting other fish and wildlife conservation work as described below. This position will work in the Fish Division focusing on aquatic and riparian habitats.  

Responsibilities: 

This position will support the VFWD’s interests in protecting fish and wildlife habitat through land use regulatory processes.  Primary responsibilities include reviewing development proposals and permit applications and making recommendations to address impacts to fish and wildlife habitats, rare species, and other natural resource interests.  This includes conducting habitat impact assessments and field reviews, coordinating and consulting with other VFWD and Agency of Natural Resources staff, as well as working with developers, consultants, and attorneys to avoid, minimize, or mitigate impacts to fish and wildlife habitat.  The position will be required to develop biological opinions to represent VFWD’s interests through official regulatory processes and in-person testimony may be required.  Other responsibilities may include supporting state land management, species surveys, collecting biological and environmental data, data entry, GIS analysis and editing, among others.  This position requires occasional work under adverse field conditions and sometimes stressful circumstances negotiating settlements with developers, consultants, and attorneys. 

 
Desired Skills/Knowledge:

• Working knowledge of environment regulations and policy, and natural resource protection principles. Previous knowledge specific to Vermont regulatory processes is beneficial but not required.
• Working knowledge of fish and wildlife ecology, river science, riparian ecology, terrestrial ecology, natural communities, and ecological processes.
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Familiarity with basics of Geographic Information Systems, and data entry across Microsoft program applications (Access, Excel, Word)
• Ability to work collaboratively 
• Ability to successfully manage multiple projects with varying deadlines, requirements, and stakeholders

Who May Apply

This position, Fish and Wildlife Scientist I – Limited Service (Job Requisition #22121), is open to all State employees and external applicants. It is a Limited Service position, which is non-tenured and authorized for a specific period of time. Limited Service positions are established for specially funded projects or programs. 
 
If you would like more information about the duration of this position or other details, please contact Maureen Lynch at Maureen.Lynch@vermont.gov.
Please note that multiple positions in the same work location may be filled from this job posting.
Resumes will not be accepted via e-mail.  You must apply online to be considered.

Beginning September 15, 2021, State of Vermont Executive Branch employees must attest to being fully vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus or be subject to regular COVID-19 testing and masking requirements.

Environmental Factors

Duties are performed in both an office and a field setting. Field work may require traversing rough terrain and bodies of water in all weather conditions. Duties may require work outside of normal office hours. Attendance is required at a variety of public meetings, hearings, and seminars, where strong adversarial opinions and some hostility may be encountered. Private means of transportation must be available for necessary travel.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree or higher in a natural resources field.
OR
Bachelor’s degree or higher in biology AND two (2) years in a natural resources field.

Total Compensation

As a State employee you are offered a great career opportunity, but it’s more than a paycheck. The State’s total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits that are worth about 30% of your total compensation, including:

• 80% State paid medical premium
• Dental Plan at no cost for employees and their families
• Flexible Spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts
• Two ways to save for your retirement: A State defined benefit pension plan and a deferred compensation 457(b) plan
• Work/Life balance: 11 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan; many jobs also allow for a flexible schedule
• Low cost group life insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Incentive-based Wellness Program
• Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

Want the specifics? Explore the Benefits of State Employment on our website.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of Vermont celebrates diversity, and is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect and meaningful inclusion that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The State does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, membership in an employee organization, family medical history or genetic information, or family or parental status. The State’s employment decisions are merit-based. Retaliatory adverse employment actions by the State are forbidden.