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Wildlife Biologist 2/3 Flex (PCN 112136)

State of Alaska
Full-time
On-site
Soldotna, Alaska, United States
$2,229.75 - $2,568.75 USD yearly


Job Description


This position is open to all Applicants.


The Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Division of Wildlife Conservation is recruiting for a Wildlife Biologist 2/3 Flex located in Soldotna!

What you will be doing:
This position is a flexibly staffed Wildlife Biologist 2/3 stationed with the Kenai Moose Research Center (MRC) near Soldotna.  The incumbent will design and conduct research on both the captive animal herd at the MRC and wild populations on the Kenai Peninsula and/or statewide and will assist with animal husbandry and associated tasks at the MRC. The scale and scope of research responsibility assigned to the incumbent will depend on their qualifications, experience, and expertise.  

Our organization, mission, and culture: 
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game’s programs are built on the principles of conservative management, sound science, and habitat protection. This position fulfills the Division of Wildlife Conservation’s mission in Southcentral Alaska (DWC Region 2) to conserve and enhance Alaska's wildlife and habitats and provide for a wide range of public uses and benefits. The incumbent will work as part of a team at the Kenai Moose Research Center striving to understand the physiological and behavioral mechanisms moose use to cope with their environment and develop techniques that can be applied to the science-based management of wild moose populations and their habitats.

The Alaska Department of Fish & Game strives for a diverse and inclusive workforce where safety and well-being are paramount and employees at all levels promote a culture where everyone is valued, treated equitably, and treated respectfully.

Benefits of joining our team: 
This position offers the chance to join a small, dedicated, and hard-working team of professionals working to understand moose ecology at a one-of-a-kind facility. The employees at the Alaska Department of Fish & Game contribute to the management and continued sustainability of Alaska’s fish and wildlife resources; this work impacts lives daily, and the research conducted at the MRC is renowned and respected around the world.

The working conditions you can expect:
The incumbent will be based in and have an office in the city of Soldotna.  Research will be conducted at the Kenai Moose Research Center, located 45 road miles northeast of the city on Kenai National Wildlife Refuge lands.  Research is conducted in remote surroundings, outdoors year-round, within large enclosures where moose exhibit species-typical behaviors and forage on natural vegetation.  Additional research tasks may investigate wild populations of moose on the Kenai Peninsula and across Southcentral Alaska.

Who we are looking for:
We are looking for an individual with the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:
  • Experience working with and/or in close proximity to large mammals (> 100 kg) in a captive facility or free-range setting.
  • Comprehensive knowledge of wildlife biology, physiology and ecology, and a knowledge base that includes terrestrial wildlife species common to Alaska and their biology and life histories.
  • Experience designing, planning, budgeting for, and conducting wildlife research projects and/or programs in remote areas with inconsistent logistical support.  
  • Experience collecting, analyzing, and communicating data from large mammal populations.  Skills should also include a solid understanding of field data collection methods, wildlife-based statistical techniques, and experience with scientific writing and the peer review publication process. The ideal incumbent may have specialized experience in some or all of the following: Collecting spatial data, measuring animal health and body condition, population modeling, or developing sustainable harvest goals.
  • Working as part of a team for long periods of time in remote locations, ability to adapt standard data collection techniques to field use, and the ability to maintain or repair field equipment or facilities necessary to support research. 
To view the general description and example of duties for a Wildlife Biologist 2/3 Flex please go to the following link: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/Alaska/classspecs    

Special Note:
 
A valid driver's license is required.
This position may be in possession of, or have access to, firearms/ammunition.


Minimum Qualifications


Wildlife Biologist 2

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college in biology, a branch of biology, limnology, biometrics, oceanography, forestry, or natural resource management.
AND
One year of professional level biologist experience. The required professional biologist experience is met by service as a Wildlife Biologist 1, Fishery Biologist 1, or Habitat Biologist 1 with the State of Alaska or the equivalent with another employer.

Substitutions:
A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college that includes or is supplemented by the following credit hours will substitute for the degree in a specific field:
• at least 24 semester hours (36 quarter hours) in biology, a branch of biology, limnology, biometrics, oceanography, forestry, or natural resource management (excluding courses that focus on agricultural husbandry techniques, human population dynamics, or the design and manipulation of landscapes), of which 16 semester hours (24 quarter hours) are upper division courses; and
• at least 12 semester hours (16 quarter hours) in any combination of two or more of the following: chemistry, physics, mathematics, statistics, geology, hydrology, or GIS.

A master's degree from an accredited college in biology, a branch of biology, limnology, biometrics, oceanography, forestry or natural resource management, will substitute for the required year of professional level biologist experience.

Special Note:
“Upper division courses” means courses that are specialized, in-depth and advanced. Such courses emphasize problem-solving, analytical thinking skills, and theoretical applications, with depth and rigor in a discipline’s theories and methods; specialization in a particular field or profession; refinement of general education; and/or development of specific intellectual and professional skills. Upper division courses are commonly identified in college catalogs as 300 level and higher.

Some positions may require training in specialized areas such as hydroacoustics, microscopic analysis, underwater research, or fish habitat restoration or enhancement.


Wildlife Biologist 3

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college in biology, a branch of biology, limnology, biometrics, oceanography, forestry, or natural resource management;
AND
One year of full performance professional level biologist experience. The required professional biologist work experience is met by service as a Fishery Biologist 2, Wildlife Biologist 2, Habitat Biologist 2, or Fisheries Geneticist 1 with the State of Alaska or the equivalent with another employer.

Substitution:
A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college that includes or is supplemented by the following credit hours will substitute for the degree in a specific field:
• at least 24 semester hours (36 quarter hours) in biology, a branch of biology, limnology, biometrics, oceanography, forestry, or natural resource management (excluding courses that focus on agricultural husbandry techniques, human population dynamics, or the design and manipulation of landscapes), of which 16 semester hours (24 quarter hours) are upper division courses; and
• at least 12 semester hours (16 quarter hours) in any combination of two or more of the following: chemistry, physics, mathematics, statistics, geology, hydrology, or GIS.

Special Note:
“Upper division courses” means courses that are specialized, in-depth and advanced. Such courses emphasize problem-solving, analytical thinking skills, and theoretical applications, with depth and rigor in a discipline’s theories and methods; specialization in a particular field or profession; refinement of general education; and/or development of specific intellectual and professional skills. Upper division courses are commonly identified in college catalogs as 300 level and higher.

Some positions may require training in specialized areas such as hydroacoustics, microscopic analysis, underwater research, or fish habitat restoration or enhancement.


Additional Required Information


REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Please provide at time of application submission:

  • Cover Letter
  • Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)
If selected, please provide the following at the time of the interview:
  • A list of three (3) professional references with current contact information.
  • A copy of your two (2) most recent performance evaluations, (if unavailable, two (2) letters of reference).
  • Academic transcripts (unofficial copies are accepted).
COVER LETTER
A cover letter is required to be considered for this position. In your cover letter, you must highlight your knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience as they pertain to the desired strengths listed in the job description above and supplemental questions below.  Your cover letter will be used as a writing sample and will help determine if you advance to the interview stage of the hiring process.   In addition, your application package will be reviewed to determine if you possess the experience and strengths we are seeking in an employee.  

SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS
For your application to be evaluated you must answer the Supplemental Questions.  Be specific in your answers and tell us how you acquired the relevant experience. Please use complete sentences and proof-read your submissions when answering the supplemental questions. Your responses will be considered a writing sample and will be used to determine which applicants will advance to the interview phase of the recruitment process.

FIREARMS
This position requires the use or possession of a firearm or ammunition. In accordance with the federal Omnibus Consolidated Appropriations Act of 1997 (PL 104-208), if you have been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, you may not hold this position. 
 
A "misdemeanor crime of domestic violence" is an offense that is (1) a misdemeanor under Federal or state law; and (2) has, as an element, the use or attempted use of physical force, or the threatened use of a deadly weapon, committed by a current or former spouse, parent, or guardian of the victim, by a person with whom the victim shares a child in common, by a person who is cohabiting with or has cohabited with the victim as a spouse, parent, or guardian, or by a person similarly situated to a spouse, parent, or guardian of the victim. 
 
If you have ever been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, do NOT apply for this position.

Flexible Staffing
This position is flexibly staffed. The level of the job offer will be based on the selected candidate’s credibly possessed and proven competencies. If hired at the lower level, you will be promoted to the higher level after completing the training plan and demonstrating competency in the work.

EDUCATION 
To verify education is being used to meet and/or support the required minimum qualifications/competencies, you must fill in the Education section of the application. If you have not obtained a degree, please indicate the number of units completed. Copies of transcripts are required to verify educational credentials used to meet or support the minimum qualifications/competencies for a position and are required with each application. (Unofficial is okay; please ensure the institution/URL name is listed on the transcripts).

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR FOREIGN EDUCATION 
 Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the above requirements, if applicable. If utilizing this education you must show that the education credentials have been submitted to a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign educational credentials and that such education has been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education programs; or an accredited U.S. state university reports the other institution as one whose transcript is given full value, or full value is given in subject areas applicable to the curricula at the state university. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.  Omission of required documentation listed will result in an incomplete application and you will not receive further consideration.
 
WORK EXPERIENCE
If using work experience not already documented in your application, also provide the employer name, your job title, dates of employment, and whether full-or part-time. Applications will be reviewed to determine if the responses are supported and minimum qualifications are clearly met. If they are not, the applicant may not advance to the interview and selection phase of the recruitment.
 
NOTE: Attaching a resume or curriculum vitae is not an alternative to filling out the application in its entirety. Noting "see resume or CV" or any similar response on any portion of your application may lead to a determination your application is incomplete and removal from consideration for this job posting.
 
MULTIPLE VACANCIES 
This recruitment may be used for more than one (1) vacancy. The applicant pool acquired during this recruitment may be used for future vacancies for up to ninety (90) days after this recruitment closes. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply to each recruitment notice to ensure consideration for all vacancies.
 
EEO STATEMENT
The State of Alaska complies with Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Individuals with disabilities, who require accommodation, auxiliary aides or services, or alternative communication formats, please call 1-800-587-0430 or (907) 465-4095 in Juneau or TTY: Alaska Relay 711 or 1-800-770-8973 or correspond with the Division of Personnel & Labor Relations at: P.O. Box 110201, Juneau, AK 99811-0201. The State of Alaska is an equal opportunity employer.
 
NOTICE
If you choose to be contacted by email, please ensure your email address is correct on your application and that the spam filter will permit email from the ‘govermentjobs.com’ domains. For information on allowing emails from the ‘governmentjobs.com’ domains, visit the Lost Password Help page located at https://www.governmentjobs.com/OnlineApplication/User/ResetPassword.
 
WORKPLACE ALASKA APPLICATION QUESTIONS & ASSISTANCE
Questions regarding application submission or system operation errors should be directed to the Workplace Alaska hotline at 1-800-587-0430 (toll free) or (907) 465-4095 if you are located in the Juneau area. Requests for information may also be emailed to recruitment.services@alaska.gov.
 
 For applicant password assistance please visit:https://www.governmentjobs.com/OnlineApplication/User/ResetPassword 


Contact Information


For specific information in reference to the position please contact the hiring manager:
John Crouse
907-262-9368
john.crouse@alaska.gov