GENERAL DESCRIPTION:  

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is seeking a Regional Wildlife Biologist based in Star Valley, Lincoln County, Wyoming. This leadership role oversees the management of iconic wildlife populations, including Wyoming Range mule deer; Fall Creek, Afton, and Piney elk; Palisades mountain goats; and the Darby Mountain bighorn sheep herds. Although supervised through the Jackson Region, the position serves a unique district that spans both the Jackson and Pinedale Regions, requiring strong collaboration, coordination, and communication across regional boundaries.

Working for the State of Wyoming offers more than a paycheck. Our total compensation package includes:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid vacation, sick leave, FMLA and holidays
• Retirement - Pension and 457B plans that help you build a secure future
• Flexible schedules and work-life balance options
• Meaningful work that makes a difference for Wyoming communities and MUCH MORE!  

Click here for detailed information, or you can watch this short video to learn about our benefit package!

Want to see the full value of your compensation beyond salary?

Explore our Total Compensation Calculator: https://compensationcalculator.wyo.gov

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.

• Plan, coordinate, and conduct large-scale data collection efforts, including big game classifications, involving multiple field personnel. Lead analyses using population data for game animals, including but not limited to information on population size and trend, herd ratios, distribution, movement and migration patterns, field checks of harvested animals, and mortality factors. Lead the coordination and development of hunting seasons designed to move animal populations toward established objectives, including the understanding and incorporation of public feedback. Collect data for disease surveillance and population monitoring for non-game, protected, and SGCN species.
• Develop initial comments and recommendations for regional wildlife environmental reviews regarding projects from county governments, state and federal agencies, and private landowners. Project recommendations are developed to minimize impacts to wildlife populations by recommending alternatives and mitigation.
• Represent the WGFD at public meetings. Develop and maintain effective working relations by communicating and coordinating with private landowners, state and local governmental agencies, project proponents, and NGOs to effectively communicate WGFD programs and policies. Present programs to civic and sportsperson organizations and schools. Routinely communicate with hunters.
• Respond to and appropriately handle injured and nuisance wildlife calls, which may require euthanasia of wildlife. Use chemical and mechanical immobilization equipment and techniques when necessary and appropriate. Use firearms to euthanize wildlife.
• Identify specific wildlife-related research needs for the assigned region. Develop project proposals, including methods and budgets, coordinate with researchers, write proposals to acquire funds, provide input and guidance to project personnel, collect data, write, review, and edit annual and final project reports. 
• Assist in coordinating and conducting habitat management by evaluating wildlife habitat conditions, collecting data, and recommending improvements or projects to enhance wildlife habitat.
• Participate in WGFD-assigned species working groups and committee assignments, and assist with the development of regional planning efforts designed to meet the future needs of wildlife and the public. This includes participation in the regional implementation of the Wyoming Elk Feedgrounds Management Plan.
• Document and report daily activities, write annual and project reports, ensures budget and grant expenditures are within allocated amounts and in accordance with fiscal procedures. Maintains assigned vehicles, ATVs, snowmobiles, and other technical equipment. Carry out other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

PREFERENCES/**AGENCY REQUIREMENTS:

Preference may be given to applicants with a Master’s degree in wildlife management, wildlife habitat, ecology, or a related field, plus two years of professional work experience in wildlife management, wildlife habitat, ecology, or a related field.

Preference will be given to applicants who attach an original, applicant-written cover letter with their online state application.

**Agency requires that the successful applicant have a valid driver’s license.

KNOWLEDGE: 

• Demonstrated experience managing complex wildlife populations while effectively engaging stakeholders and addressing public interests.
• Exhibits professionalism, sound judgement, and a positive, collaborative attitude.
• Knowledge of terrestrial wildlife management, population monitoring, data collection techniques, and regional conservation issues.
• Ability to draft, edit, and communicate technical and non-technical information for diverse audiences.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, including in-person, email, phone, and public presentations.
• Proficiency in generating maps and spatial analyses using visualization tools such as GIS. 
• Ability to work effectively across two administrative regions with differing management issues, personnel, and communities.
• Experience traveling extensively on a routine basis within large, rural districts.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent fieldwork in adverse weather, including severe winter conditions, and in remote backcountry settings using varied transportation methods, including snowmobiles, ATVs, Four-wheel drive vehicles, and horses or mules.
• Experience engaging directly with hunters, anglers, and other recreationists.
• Ability to balance significant field presence with administrative, analytical, and reporting responsibilities.
• Strong understanding of wildlife habitat requirements, limiting factors, threats, and habitat management practices.
• Proficiency with relevant technologies used in wildlife management, including data collection hardware and software.
• Ability to analyze and interpret biological and spatial data to inform management decisions.

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:

• Extensive travel within the district is required, often involving long drive times and work in remote areas.
• Backcountry travel, wild and domestic animal handling, firearms use, long hours, and irregular schedules are all required by this position.

NOTES: 

• FLSA: Exempt

Supplemental Information

040-Wyoming Game and Fish Commission-Wildlife Division

Click here to view the State of Wyoming Total Compensation Calculator.

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.