Environmental Protection Wildlife Biologist 1 (35 Hour)

  

The State of Connecticut, Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is charged with conserving, improving and protecting the natural resources and the environment of the state of Connecticut as well as making cheaper, cleaner and more reliable energy available for the people and businesses of the state.  The agency is also committed to playing a positive role in rebuilding Connecticut’s economy and creating jobs – and to fostering a sustainable and prosperous economic future for the state.

DEEP's Bureau of Natural Resources is charged with managing the state’s natural resources (particularly fish, wildlife, and forests) through a program of regulation, management, research, and public education.

The Wildlife Division currently has an opening for an Environmental Protection Wildlife Biologist 1 located in Burlington, CT. This position will be assigned to the division’s Outreach Program. The Outreach Program implements outreach and communication activities that support implementation of the efforts of the division for the conservation, use, and appreciation of our wildlife resources.

This position is full-time, 35 hours per week, normally Monday - Friday, 8:30 am - 4:00 pm.

Applicants must include a resume within the "Resume Tab" of their application. 

Questions about this position should be directed to the hiring agency's human resources office: Jennifer Tokarczyk, Jennifer.tokarczyk@ct.gov, 860-424-3970. 

This position is competitive. Open to the public.

The selected candidate must possess a valid driver’s license at time of appointment and maintain during employment.

In the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, Division of Wildlife this class is accountable for independently performing a full range of tasks in wildlife management, research, and conservation.

Plans and estimates the amount and kind of labor needed on wildlife projects; determines the type and size of equipment to be used on wildlife projects; selects the amount and kind of material required for maintenance of wildlife projects; keeps progress reports and records; prepares reports at completion of wildlife projects; collects data on and makes estimates of wildlife populations to determine changes; investigates the desirability of areas for acquisition including the amounts and kinds of wildlife cover; determines the variation of undergrowth and ground cover in order to evaluate wildlife use; draws up boundary and contour maps; prepares base maps from aerial photographs and field work; locates areas suitable for development as particular wildlife habitat; performs laboratory analysis of various samples; attends and may speak to interested groups; surveys and charts land as to types of vegetation and wildlife; provides technical assistance to landowners; computerizes and analyzes data and generates information for programs to determine health and productivity of wildlife populations; develops informational brochures on wildlife species for public distribution; attends conferences and seminars on wildlife topics; makes suggestions regarding legislation and regulations which will benefit programs and operations of the department; performs related duties as required.

Specific responsibilities of this position will include but not be limited to:

•       Create and manage content for the Wildlife Division website and social media platforms.

•       Coordinate production (including content, editing, review and layout) of electronic newsletters and volunteer updates.

•       Develop informational brochures, fact sheets, and popular articles.

•       Develop technical assistance materials addressing human-wildlife interactions.

•       Create and staff outreach displays or exhibits for a variety of events.

•       Assist in organizing, publicizing, and staffing outreach events or citizen science efforts.

•       Assist in the development and distribution of press releases and response to media inquiries. 

•       Collaborate on programs to expand wildlife viewing, hunter recruitment and retention efforts, and public engagement.

•       Develop and maintain a wildlife image library (photographic and video) including associated preparation and editing.

•       Develop new strategies to engage new audiences and broaden public involvement in wildlife conservation.

•       Develop and present public presentations, both technical and general.

•       Assist staff with field work to better understand associated educational and outreach opportunities.

•       Assist staff in translating complex or controversial wildlife conservation or research results into relevant, readily accessible outreach materials.

•       Cleaning, maintaining, and making minor repairs to exhibits, project supplies or equipment; care and husbandry of educational animals.

Knowledge of habits and ecology of wildlife species; knowledge of principles and practices of wildlife management including habitat management, development and manipulation of land resources; some knowledge of soil requirements of wildlife food crops; some knowledge of methods and procedures for identifying and controlling nuisance wildlife; interpersonal skills; oral and written communication skills; considerable ability to conduct wildlife and vegetative surveys and to apply the statistical procedures necessary for sound conclusions; ability to identify plants and plant associations which serve as wildlife food or cover; ability to utilize computer software.

Six (6) years of experience in wildlife management.
Wildlife management is defined as work requiring a knowledge of scientific fields such as wildlife, biology, zoology, wildlife population dynamics, wildlife ecology, plant ecology, vertebrate zoology, ornithology, mammalogy, animal and plant taxonomy.

1. College training in wildlife management as defined may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling one-half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor's degree.
2. A Master's degree in wildlife management as defined may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the General Experience.

·        Excellent written and oral communication skills

·        Excellent interpersonal skills

·        Excellent editing skills

·        Good organizational skills, ability to prioritize and track multiple tasks

·        Good problem solving and critical analysis skills

·        Operational knowledge of website management, social media, and online content development

·        Design and layout skills and experience with desktop publishing

·        Experience taking professional-quality photos and video in the outdoors

·        Experience using phone and desktop video-editing software

·        Experience preparing media releases or conducting interviews

·        Experience creating a variety of outreach or educational materials 

1. Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.
2. Incumbents in this class may be required to possess and retain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator’s license.
3. Incumbents in this class must be willing to accept assignment or transfer to any area of the State.

1. Incumbents in this class must have adequate physical strength, stamina, physical agility and visual and auditory acuity, and must maintain such physical fitness as to be able to perform the duties.
2. A physical examination will be required.

Incumbents in this class may be subject to some danger of injury or personal harm from environmental and working conditions and to some discomfort from year round weather conditions.

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.