Role Overview: 

As the One Health Biologist for the State of Indiana, you will serve as the state’s ecosystem health and habitat recovery expert in highly impacted areas of Indiana. This position will conduct field research, collect/analyze data, and collaborate with interdisciplinary and cross-agency teams to address ecosystem health challenges within the Grand Calumet River Area of Concern (AOC) and to contribute to the broader understanding of ecosystem health in Indiana.  They will study wildlife health, recovery, and conservation in the Grand Calumet River AOC and across the state as supported by Indiana’s Natural Resource Damages program, as well as contribute to the administration and on-the-ground field work related to EPA grants and Indiana DNR-led restoration projects. 

The successful candidate will serve as Indiana’s wildlife health and recovery expert, and they will play a crucial role in safeguarding the health of fish, wildlife, and plant populations, with a special interest in the Grand Calumet River AOC. Part of their work in will also include assisting in maintaining one health partnerships for the state. Your work will contribute to the conservation of Indiana's rich ecosystems statewide. 

Wildlife Health, Recovery, and Conservation: 

• Conduct a review of relevant wildlife health, recovery, and conservation needs of the Grand Calumet River Area of Concern and identify projects to directly impact these focus areas 
• Design and plan statewide field surveys and research with staff and other organizations to enhance protected dune and swale habitat on nature preserves, including treating invasive species 
• Coordinate with the Natural Resource Damages Mussel program, specifically relating to the propagation and reintroduction of these often-endangered species 
• Monitor and track disease outbreaks among wildlife species to identify trends and potential risk factors. 
• Collaborate with wildlife biologists and veterinarians to gather relevant data on wildlife health. 
• Investigate the environmental transmission pathways of wildlife diseases, including zoonotic diseases that can affect human populations. 
• Prepare documentation for federal grants, including field reports and biannual summaries 

Data Collection and Analysis: 

• Utilize various techniques, such as diverse methods of biological tissue sampling, molecular analyses, and diagnostic tests, to collect and analyze wildlife disease data. 
• Implement statistical and modeling approaches to understand wildlife health and recovery dynamics and assess the impact on wildlife populations. 
• GIS data analyses (ArcPro or qGIS), proficient with python and R, ecological modelling (e.g., Lotka–Volterra, island biogeography), technical writing skills 

Policy and Rule Development: 

• Identifies ways to integrate, summarize, and communicate the state of wildlife health to pinpoint emerging policy needs. 
• Preparation of reports delivered to public organizations or government agencies related to wildlife health and one health goals. 
• Draft correspondence on issues requiring the signature of the Governor, DNR Director, Division Director, Assistant Director of Science and Research, or Wildlife Science Supervisor. 

Education and Outreach: 

• Engage in public outreach and education to raise awareness of wildlife health and their potential impacts on human health and ecosystems. 
• Contribute to educational programs and materials related to wildlife health and disease prevention. 

Publication and Presentation: 

• Prepare scientific papers for publication in peer-reviewed journals and present research findings at conferences and workshops. 
• Review technical journals and attend professional meetings regarding current issues related to fish and wildlife health in conservation and management.