Conservation Program Biologist I - Arkansas Game and Fish Commission - Fisheries Division

The Conservation Program Biologist I at the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is responsible for managing fisheries in Northeast Arkansas. Duties include conducting fish population surveys, stakeholder engagement, habitat improvement projects, and preparing management reports. The position requires knowledge of freshwater fish and management techniques, with skills in data analysis and project management. This is a full-time role located in Jonesboro, AR, with competitive pay.
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) Conservation Program Biologist I is responsible for supervising a wildlife or fisheries management area.

SPECIFIC JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

As a Fisheries Management Biologist for the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, you will join a highly-trained, progressive team of Fisheries Scientists working to improve the conservation and management of aquatic resources in Arkansas. You will receive outstanding training and competitive pay and benefits. Fisheries Management Biologists (Conservation Program Biologist I) are responsible for fisheries management activities in a district, with many opportunities to work on projects across the state. Job duties include: standardized fish population surveys, onsite and offsite angler surveys, stakeholder engagement, fish habitat improvement projects including nuisance aquatic vegetation control, analysis of survey data, preparation of annual fishery management reports, assisting with the development of management recommendations for district waters, development and execution of an independent research project, and working with other agencies and elected officials on improving fisheries resources.

This position is located in Northeast Arkansas. Fisheries resources are abundant, ranging from the Mississippi River, and the Black River system, to six AGFC lakes. This position works under the supervision of the District Fisheries Supervisor out of the AGFC Jonesboro Regional Office.

PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS:

· Knowledge of freshwater fish, fisheries, fish population dynamics, and fish management techniques

· Knowledge of freshwater aquatic plants and related management techniques

· Skill in writing (both technical and popular articles)

· Skill in the maintenance and operation of boats, outboard motors, fish sampling equipment, etc.

· Skill in the use of word processing, spreadsheet, database, data analysis, fish population analysis software programs, Program R, etc.

· Ability to exercise sound judgment and reasoning in decision-making and problem-solving

· Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public, stakeholders, and Arkansas Game and Fish Commission staff

· Ability to implement project management techniques and practices (scheduling/task management) to ensure completion of programs and projects in an effective and timely manner

· Ability to write and edit technical reports in a timely manner

· Ability to professionally explain Project, Division, and Agency programs, policies, and procedures to the public and other stakeholders

· Ability to design and conduct biological studies/surveys.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

For additional information on this position, please contact Matt Schroeder, Fisheries District Coordinator,

Matthew.Schroeder@agfc.ar.gov., 501-604-0484