Area Wildlife Biologist (Fisheries Wildlife Biologist III)

The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks is seeking a full-time Area Wildlife Biologist based in Manhattan, KS. Responsibilities include coordinating wildlife programs, implementing habitat projects, and working with private landowners across four counties. The position involves supervising a Wildlife Biologist I and collaborating with various agencies. This role requires fieldwork and is not remote, as it necessitates presence in the designated area.
Agency Information:

The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) is an executive branch agency in charge of operating and regulating the use of state parks, state lakes, recreational grounds, wildlife areas and sanctuaries, fish hatcheries, natural areas, historic sites and other lands, waters, and facilities for the promotion of public health, safety, and for the use and pleasure of visitors. The agency is also charged with the development and conservation of wildlife and the natural resources within the state. The agency oversees 29 state parks, 500 miles of trails, approximately 460,301 acres of leased or owned public lands, management of four hatcheries, and four nature centers.

To meet our mission, projects, and goals, KDWP employs approximately 466 full time employees and up to 350 temporary employees, throughout the state, with diverse and varying skillsets. The largest agency office is the Operational Headquarters in Pratt, Kansas. The Office of the Secretary is maintained in Topeka, Kansas. There are three Regional Offices located in Topeka, Wichita, and Hays; three District Offices in Kansas City, Chanute, and Dodge City; and a Research Office located in Emporia, Kansas. Various wildlife, public land, and parks offices are located across the state.

KDWP has an annual budget of $110 million for Fiscal Year 2024. The agency is primarily funded through license fees, grants and federal funds that are provided through the Pittman-Robertson and Dingell-Johnson Acts.

Position Summary & Responsibilities

Position Summary:

This unclassified, full-time position is located in the Wildlife Division in the Manhattan NRCS Area 4 Office. This position is directly supervised by Brad Rueschhoff, Wildlife Regional Supervisor. The incumbent will spend 60% of their time working with private landowners in a four-county district. The remaining 40% of the incumbent’s time will be spent working with the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) to implement wildlife programs at the NRCS Area level.

Job Responsibilities may include but are not limited to the following:

The incumbent will be based in Manhattan, Kansas and has district responsibilities in Geary, Riley, Pottawatomie, and Nemaha counties. This position supervises a Wildlife Biologist I who assists with daily district wildlife duties while having primary responsibilities for Pottawatomie and Nemaha Counties.

District duties involves :
• organizing, coordinating and directing wildlife programs and projects;
• planning and implementing wildlife habitat projects through the Habitat First program on private land; administering walk-in hunting access program (WIHA) in assigned district, which includes property review, landowner contacts, contract negotiations, and posting of signs;
• assisting Public Lands Section with wildlife management programs;
• coordinating with local, state and federal agriculture and natural resource agencies and constituency groups;
• responding to animal damage complaints;
• coordinating and participating in public information and education efforts with other divisions and local media;
• conducting environmental assessments;
• providing technical services to private landowners and local governing units; preparing documents, reports, and wildlife management plans;
• conducting wildlife surveys;
• assisting other divisions and various state and federal agencies with environmental issues; completing various administrative duties necessary to support the district wildlife management program;
• special projects as assigned.

NRCS Area Responsibilities:
• The incumbent is responsible for both internal program delivery and providing wildlife management coordination to NRCS Area 4 staff. Specifically, these duties include wetlands determinations, wetlands mitigations, wetland creation, enhancement and restoration.
• The incumbent also serves as the easement liaison for WRP, GRP, ACEP-ALE and ACEP-WRE assisting with monitoring and compatible use authorizations.
• The incumbent also provides wildlife technical assistance associated with Farm Bill programs such as CRP, RCPP, and EQIP programs.

Specific job assignments and supervision will be provided by the NRCS Area Conservationist. A general outline of duties includes:
• providing coordination between KDWP and NRCS;
• implementing wildlife management provisions into USDA’s farm bill programs at the NRCS area/county level;
• provide technical advice to NRCS staff to develop USDA statewide programs and policies.

Qualifications

Education:
• Bachelor’s Degree in fisheries science/management or wildlife science/management

Licensing & Certification:
• The successful candidate must pass a background check and possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.

Minimum Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s Degree in fisheries science/management or wildlife science/management AND two years of related work experience.
• Other degrees relating to this field may be considered. Education may be substituted by the agency.

Additional Qualifications/Skills/Abilities:
• The successful applicant must have a mix of expertise in ecology, agricultural or related fields.
• The applicant must have good communication skills and be able to work in an interdisciplinary agency environment and with landowners.
• Computer skills are highly desirable.

Recruiter Contact Information

Name: Laverne Taylor

Email: laverne.taylor@ks.gov

Phone: 620-672-0704