Temporary Conservation Biologist II

The Temporary Conservation Biologist II position at the State of Nebraska involves habitat development, big game research, and disease monitoring. Responsibilities include conducting surveys, assisting with project proposals, and maintaining records. Candidates should have experience in natural resources or biology, with a preference for a bachelor's degree. The role requires outdoor work, physical labor, and proficiency in office tasks. Benefits include paid time off and retirement options.
About the position

The Temporary Conservation Biologist II position at the State of Nebraska is a vital role within the Game & Parks Commission, specifically in the Partners Section of the Wildlife Division. This section is primarily responsible for habitat development and restoration efforts, as well as access programs on privately owned lands. The position involves a variety of tasks that contribute to the management and research of big game species, including bighorn sheep, elk, deer, pronghorn, and turkey. The successful candidate will assist in conducting captures, aerial and ground surveys, and monitoring big game and avian diseases. In addition to fieldwork, the role includes responsibilities such as assisting with project proposals, data input, project preparations, meetings, presentations, record keeping, and grant writing. The Conservation Biologist will also be involved in disease sample collections, harvest information, and ensuring compliance with regulations. The position may require assisting with the operation of big game check stations, where data recording and aging of deer, elk, and pronghorn will take place. Furthermore, the candidate may be called upon to assist other agency staff with depredation issues, wildlife management areas, and other duties as assigned. This role is essential for supporting the agency's mission of wildlife conservation and management in Nebraska.

Responsibilities
• Assist with big game research including bighorn sheep, elk, deer, pronghorn, and turkey.
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• Conduct captures and aerial and ground surveys.
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• Monitor big game and avian diseases.
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• Assist with project proposals and data input.
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• Prepare for projects, meetings, and presentations.
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• Maintain records and assist with grant writing.
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• Collect disease samples and gather harvest information.
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• Operate big game check stations, recording data and aging deer, elk, and pronghorn.
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• Assist with depredation issues and wildlife management areas as needed.

Requirements
• Minimum of 1 year experience or 1 year coursework/training in fisheries management, natural resources, biology, and/or agriculture.
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• Bachelor's degree in wildlife, fisheries, natural resources, or biology preferred.
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• Pesticide Applicators license and Class A CDL license with O endorsement preferred.
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• Driver's license required.
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• Considerable knowledge of big game and other wildlife species, including life history and habitat needs.
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• Ability to communicate effectively and set goals and objectives.
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• Ability to perform heavy physical labor and work outdoors for long periods of time.
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• Ability to hike through rough terrain and work in extreme weather conditions.
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• Proficient in office work and operation of hand and power tools, telemetry equipment, UTVs, and trucks.
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• Computer skills in MS Word, Excel, and ArcGIS highly desirable.

Nice-to-haves
• Pesticide Applicators license
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• Class A CDL license with O endorsement

Benefits
• Comprehensive pay package
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• Paid time off
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• Retirement benefits
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• Professional development opportunities