GENERAL DESCRIPTION:  

Part of a team that develops, manages, and maintains Wyoming Game and Fish Commission-owned and managed lands, including Wildlife Habitat Management Areas (WHMA) and Public Access Areas (PAA) within the Lander region.

Human Resource Contact: Dezzaree Schott / dezzaree.schott@wyo.gov 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:  The listed functions are illustrative only and are not intended to describe every function that may be performed in the job level.

• As the Dubois Habitat and Access Biologist, you will play a pivotal role in the development and enhancement of habitats for diverse species, as well as the creation of recreational facilities to benefit the outdoor enthusiast.  Primary responsibilities encompass comprehensive data collection, analysis, and interpretation, providing essential insights for the management and oversight of WHMAs, PAAs.
• Developments, repairs, and maintenance of wildlife habitat improvements, irrigation systems, meadows, irrigated farm fields, haying operations, wetland systems, transportation systems, public facilities, fences, private sector contract oversight, trespass livestock management, public facility maintenance, and signs, etc.
• Public Facility Management:  Develop, improve, and maintain public facilities on WHMAs and PAAs. This includes infrastructure such as roads, parking areas, outhouses, and signs.
• Habitat Development:  Oversee and contribute to the planning and execution of projects aimed at improving habitats for both aquatic and terrestrial wildlife.  This includes providing expertise towards effective wildlife habitat management, contributing to the overall conservation goals of the department.
• Performs habitat development for fish and wildlife (aerating, mowing, seeding, guzzlers, stream restoration, etc).
• Project Management: Manage project requests from various sections of the Department, overseeing services requiring heavy equipment and specialty tools.   Review and coordinate submitted projects, assess specifications and requirements, determine feasibility and optimal completion methods, schedule projects with teams, and compile detailed reports on project analysis, cost, benefits, and completion.
• Maximizing the potential of grant funding, the position will strategize, design, and execute collaborative habitat management projects on both public and private lands. This encompasses initiatives such as wetland development, habitat manipulation treatments, and grazing management strategies.
• Coordination and Communication:  Coordinate and communicate effectively with Department personnel, state and federal agencies, private landowners, and the public to ensure smooth project execution and collaborative efforts. Develop, maintain, and repair wildlife habitat improvement projects on WHMAs, PAAs, and for aquatic and terrestrial project requests.
• Heavy Equipment Operations: Operate heavy equipment, including tractors, backhoes, excavators, large trucks, and other machinery necessary to complete assigned tasks.
• Equipment Maintenance:  Maintain and care for heavy equipment, tractors, large trucks, vehicles, and other machinery to ensure their proper functionality and longevity
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure compliance with federal and state regulations such as OSHA, MSHA, DOT, ADA, DEQ, and others. This involves staying up to date on relevant regulations and implementing necessary measures to meet compliance standards
• Contractor Oversight:  Inspects private sector contractors for compliance with bids, ensuring that contracted work aligns with established regulations and standards.
• Resource Utilization: Responsible for the safe, efficient, and cost-effective utilization of manpower, equipment, materials, and other essential resources.  This involves optimizing resource allocations to maximize productivity.   Conducts cost analysis for wildlife habitat and recreation developments, contributing to budget planning and ensuring cost-effective project management
• Technical Assistance:  Provides technical assistance for other divisions within the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, state and federal agencies, and non-governmental organizations.  

Qualifications

PREFERENCES/**AGENCY REQUIREMENTS: 

Preference will be given to those with a bachelor's degree in wildlife management, range management, ecology, biology, zoology, or closely related field, PLUS two years of work experience in the development and maintenance of wildlife habitats, forests, rangelands, wetlands, irrigated lands, farm or ranch land, which includes the operation and maintenance of heavy equipment.

**Must have a valid driver's license and be able to obtain a CDL with a current medical certificate within one year.

KNOWLEDGE: 

• Understanding of wildlife habitat, range management, farming, and construction techniques. 
• Proficiency in operating various vehicles and equipment, including 4x4 pickups, trailers, heavy trucks/trailer combinations in excess of 80,000 lbs, heavy construction equipment, power tools, hand tools, transits, chainsaws, welders, cutting torches, laser levels, ATV's, and other equipment to complete projects and tasks in adverse conditions.
• Knowledge of aquatic & terrestrial wildlife management and natural resource management.
• Familiarity with engineering, construction, heavy equipment use, and construction procedures.
• Knowledge of NEPA (National Environmental Policy Act) processes.
• Understanding of Plumbing, Carpentry, Concrete, and mechanical systems.
• Knowledge of vegetative succession principles in riparian and upland plant communities.
• Knowledge of livestock grazing management strategies
• Identification skills of noxious weeds and native species.
• Knowledge of vegetative succession principles in riparian and upland plant communities.  
• Understanding of wildlife conservation/management, data collection, and habitat requirements and life histories of various wildlife.
• Knowledge of ecosystem function and the ability to identify plants to the species level in various habitat communities.
• Skill in written and oral communication and in interpersonal relations. Skill in organizing, planning, prioritizing, and time management.
• Skill & ability to evaluate and problem solve.
• Ability to listen, be a team player, and communicate with other employees and the public. Ability to follow safety procedures for construction work and heavy equipment operation. Requires strength and stamina to work in extreme outdoor conditions and pack heavy supplies to remote locations.
• Must be able to effectively and safely operate large trucks, heavy equipment, and power and hand tools.
• Ability to work alone and exercise independent judgment.
• Ability to utilize a computer to prepare plans, reports, budgets, and maps 
• Knowledge of farming and haying operations and equipment.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
 
Education:Bachelor's Degree (typically in Wildlife Management)

Experience:1-2 years progressive work experience (typically in Wildlife Management) with acquired knowledge at the level of a Wildlife Biologist II

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:None OR Education & Experience Substitution:4-6 years of progressive work experience (typically in Wildlife Management) with acquired knowledge at the level of a Wildlife Biologist II

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:None

PHYSICAL WORKING CONDITIONS

• Ability to operate Class 8 heavy trucks, heavy construction equipment, farm machinery, power tools, hand tools, and other equipment to complete projects and tasks in adverse conditions.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs.
• CDL - Commercial's Driver's License (must obtain within one year after being hired)
• Frequent overnight and weeklong travel required.

NOTES: (This section is used for recruitment purposes.

• FLSA: Exempt
• Please submit a cover letter to Brian Parker, Habitat and Access Branch Chief, 260 Buena Vista Dr., Lander, WY 82520 (Email: brian.parker@wyo.gov), in addition to submitting the state application. The cover letter should include career plans, suitability for the job.
• CONTACT: For more information regarding this position, contact Brian Parker, Habitat and Access Branch Chief, at 307-335-2612 

Supplemental Information

040-Game and Fish-Service Division

Click here to view the State of Wyoming Classification and Pay Structure.

URL: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/wyoming/default.cfm

The State of Wyoming is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively supports the ADA and reasonably accommodates qualified applicants with disabilities.

Class Specifications are subject to change, please refer to the A & I HRD Website to ensure that you have the most recent version.