WILDLIFE STAFF SPECIALIST

The Wildlife Staff Specialist position at the State of Nevada's Biodiversity Division in Reno involves providing guidance to regional supervisors and biologists, coordinating land-use planning, securing federal grants, and managing wildlife programs. Responsibilities include program research, drafting policies, budget management, and technical coordination with various agencies. Applicants need a bachelor's degree in wildlife management or a related field and four years of relevant experience.
THIS RECRUITMENT MAY CLOSE WITHOUT FURTHER NOTICE DEPENDING ON THE NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS RECEIVED. APPLICANTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE Job Summary Position is in the Biodiversity Division at Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) and is located in Reno. The position provides guidance and direction to regional supervisors and biologists across NDOW in the Statewide Technical Guidance Program. The program involves coordination in land-use planning at federal, state, county and local levels, including through the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), resource and forest management plans, conservation planning, as well as through federal and state rulemaking, lands bills, and other programs and initiatives. The position is responsible for securing funding through federal grants, grant management, review and approval of external program communications, and coordination across the department for technical accuracy on wildlife resources. This position provides primary contact and coordination with federal land management agencies, state resource agencies and local agencies as needed. The position also administers the NDOW Energy Review Program, the Subdivision Review Program, and management of fish and wildlife mitigation fund programs. This position may supervise up to three regional biologists. Under general direction, Wildlife Staff Specialists perform program research, planning, analysis and evaluation; draft proposed legislation, policies, procedures and regulations related to wildlife management programs and activities throughout the State. Essential Qualifications Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in wildlife management, biology or closely related field and four years of professional experience that included organizing, planning and completing management studies, writing technical reports and preparing species or land use management plans and recommendations related to wildlife management; OR one year of experience as a Biologist III in Nevada State service; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience as described above. Job Duties Develop drafts of policies, procedures, position statements, policy plans, regulations and agreements; review current information, procedures, policies and plans; evaluate needs and research alternatives; identify problems and assess potential solutions; write and revise proposals and submit for final approval in order to resolve problems and issues and implement new methods. Participate in developing program budgets; collect and analyze financial and statistical data; assess needs and available resources; develop and institute schedules and procedures for data collection; assess and document budgetary requirements; prioritize needs; review, modify and draft budget proposals; develop equipment specifications; and submit to the supervisor in order to plan for future operations. Develop program plans; outline goals and program requirements; develop and implement research proposals and projects; develop five-year, biennial and annual plans; establish timelines and objectives; and monitor and evaluate progress. Research, develop, prepare and coordinate grant application proposals to secure federal funding in accordance with federal guidelines; and amend federal aid grants based on program changes and direction. Coordinate and direct assigned programs; compile, analyze and interpret research and survey data; develop and maintain databases; document facts, draw conclusions and submit recommendations for action; prepare summary narrative and statistical reports; establish training requirements and document training needs; coordinate findings and plans with other governmental agencies; disseminate information to field personnel, federal and Stateagencies and the general public; present and defend final proposals before special interest groups, community organizations, commissions, committees and other groups. Provide the public and scientific community with information by developing pamphlets, wildlife plans,technical papers and other publications; research, compile and organize information; respond to inquiries or requests for information; communicate with governmental agencies and organizations and concerned special interest groups; coordinate and plan printing, publishing and distribution; prepare information for release to the media to educate the public regarding wildlife issues and enhance community relations. May train, supervise and evaluate the performance of subordinate staff as assigned. Perform related duties as assigned. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Working knowledge of: the general life histories, ecology, habitats and population dynamics of wildlife species; statistical analysis and techniques; research techniques/principles such as population modeling, etc.; federal aid manuals and guidelines. General knowledge of: current technological solutions related to wildlife management applications. Ability to: read, understand and interpret documents, technical papers, manuals and scientific journals; collect, tabulate and analyze data; communicate effectively both orally and in writing with various groups who have diverse interests to respond to inquiries regarding programs and policies; apply theoretical principles into practical applications for research and management programs; interpret field data and formulate appropriate management strategies; identify management problems and develop procedural solutions; identify research needs and develop programs to meet management needs; maintain effective working relationships with the public, staff and other agencies. Recruiter Contact Information: Kristin Bowling - klbowling@ndow.org The State of Nevada is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to building diverse, inclusive, and innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. All applicants are considered without regard to race, color, national origin, religion or belief, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, domestic partnership, genetic information (GINA), or compensation and/or wages. Please send direct Inquiries or correspondence to the recruiter listed on this announcement. Benefits include: Health Insurance: Medical, dental, life, and disability insurance programs for employees and their dependents/family are offered through the Public Employees’ Benefits Program (PEBP) . Vacation: Accrual of three weeks of annual leave each year. Sick Leave: Accrual of three weeks of sick leave each year. Holidays: 12 paid holidays per year. Retirement: Participation in the Nevada Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) . Employees do not contribute to Social Security but will contribute to PERS if their position is at 50% or more full-time equivalency. For more information on how PERS service may impact Social Security benefits, visit the SSA publication . Deferred Compensation: The State offers a voluntary Deferred Compensation Program . No Nevada state income tax. Public Service Loan Forgiveness: Eligible due to public sector employment. Longevity Payments Eligibility: Employees who have received a performance rating of “standard” or better and have completed eight (8) or more years of continuous service are eligible for longevity pay. Additional benefits may apply to employees covered under a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), depending on their designated bargaining unit. For more information, visit the Labor Relations Unit (LRU) . For more details about your rights and responsibilities as a State of Nevada employee, please review the State of Nevada Employee Handbook (PDF) . *** State Holidays The holiday schedule for State employees is established by the Legislature. The following are legal holidays: January 1.............................................. New Year's Day Third Monday in January.................. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Birthday Third Monday in February................ Washington’s Birthday Last Monday in May........................... Memorial Day June 19................................................ Juneteenth Day July 4.................................................... Independence Day First Monday in September.............. Labor Day Last Friday in October....................... Nevada Day November 11........................................ Veterans' Day Fourth Thursday in November........ Thanksgiving Day Friday following the Fourth Thursday in November...................... Family Day December 25........................................ Christmas Day When January 1, June 19, July 4, November 11, or December 25 falls on a Saturday, the preceding Friday is the observed legal holiday. If these days fall on Sunday, the following Monday is the observed holiday. Eligibility for holiday pay is covered by the provisions of NAC 284.255 Closing Date/Time: Continuous