• Job Description

  Req#: 436600

  Work for Indiana

  Grow your career with the State of Indiana! With more than 50 executive branch agencies, the State of Indiana is a diverse workforce offering employees stimulating and challenging projects across a broad scope of career opportunities. As a State of Indiana employee, you impact the well-being of Indiana’s communities every day.

  At the State of Indiana, we don’t just talk about diversity and inclusion - Our goal is to create a welcoming, accessible, and equitable workplace, with a workforce that is representative of the State of Indiana population. As a proud equal opportunity employer, reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process, as well as perform the essential functions of a role.

  Next Level benefits at the State of Indiana are here! Be sure to review our expanded benefit package offerings below.

  About the DNR Fish and Wildlife Division:

  The Division of Fish & Wildlife enriches the quality of life for present and future generations by balancing the biological, ecological, recreational, and economic benefits of Indiana’s fish, wildlife, and their habitats.

  
  Salary Statement :

  The salary for this position traditionally starts at $53,222.00 but may be commensurate with education or work experience.

  
  Role Overview :

  The Biologist applies biological and technical knowledge to permit applications, notices, amendments, and early coordination requests for public freshwater lakes, Lake Michigan, regulated floodways, and National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) reviews to ensure the protection of fish, wildlife, and botanical resources. The Biologist coordinates and serves as the Division representative with numerous federal, state, and local agencies to provide technical assistance and interpret laws, rules, and regulations. Provides technical assistance to consultants, property owners, and interested parties in project design with regard to best management practices and impact avoidance and minimization. Develops public outreach tools for lake management techniques, including informational booklets, social media posts, and bulletin articles. Reviews technical materials and innovative techniques to address emerging threats to public waterways.

  A Day in the Life:

  The essential functions of this role are as follows:

  • Develop, execute, and direct research or management of programs on a large resource or large geographic region that covers multiple districts.
  • Coordinate with other states and participate on multistate management teams for interjurisdictional resources.
  • Identify resource and research priorities through input, strategic plans, work plans, statewide surveys, and public input.
  • Coordinate university and multistate research projects.
  • Program administration of environmental and habitat projects including applying for and managing federal grants and managing environmental permitting processes.
  • Design, develop, and implement surveys for the purpose of analyzing and tracking data to present scientific findings.
  • Coordinate scientific investigations and research findings through internal and external forums.
  • Review technical materials and attend professional meetings to keep abreast of new developments.
  • Prepare and present evidence exhibits in court and act as an expert witness in courts of law and/or hearings.
  • Recruit, select, onboard, and train employees to ensure role responsibilities and expectations are clearly understood while providing opportunities to continue professional development.
  • Set expectations, measure progress, provide ongoing feedback, and evaluate the performance of employees. Ensure work adheres to quality standards, deadlines, and proper procedures.

  The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

  What You'll Need for Success:

  You must meet the following requirement to be considered for employment:

  • Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree within a Natural Resource related field.
  • Demonstrated leadership and problem-solving abilities.
  • Thorough knowledge of biological principles, ecological variables, and interactions of species.
  • Knowledge of state and federal laws pertaining to the environment and habitat management.
  • Comprehensive knowledge of scientific methods, procedures and theories, and the ability to apply them.
  • Ability to operate and maintain a wide variety of work, shop, and office equipment.
  • Ability to prepare and present evidence and to act as an expert witness in a court of law and /or hearing.
  • Ability to improvise and adapt methods and equipment for specialized tasks.
  • Ability to read, use, and manipulate topographic maps, aerial photographs, wetland delineation maps, soils maps, and ArcGIS mapping systems.
  • Ability to use R as a statistical package for data analysis.
  • Ability to communicate and influence stakeholders concerning the management of species, habitats, and recreational values.
  • Ability to budget and allocate resources effectively.
  • Ability to delegate work, set clear direction, and manage workflow.
  • Ability to effectively give feedback, provide guidance or corrective action, coach, and develop employee skillsets.
  • You must satisfy the following requirement to continue employment:
  • Ability to obtain and hold an Indiana driver's license
  • Ability to obtain and maintain professional licenses or certifications as required by the specific job duties such as pesticide applicators license, burn card, chemical immobilization certificate or similar specific licenses.

  Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:

  This role may provide direct supervision for one or more staff members.

  Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:

  The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes:

  • Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
  • Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
  • Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
  • Flexible work scheduling options, including the potential for hybrid remote work for employees whose work may be performed outside state facilities
  • Deferred compensation 457B account (similar to 401k plan) with employer match
  • Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
  • A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:
    • 150 hours of paid new parent leave
    • Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
  • Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
  • 12 paid holidays, 14 on election years
  • Education Reimbursement Program
  • Group life insurance
  • Referral Bonus program
  • Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
  • Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
  • Free Parking for most positions
  • Free LinkedIn Learning access

  Equal Employment Opportunity:

  The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruit, select, develop, and promote employees based on individual ability and job performance. Our policy is to provide equal employment opportunity to all people in all aspects of employer-employee relations without discrimination because of race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental disability, or veteran status. We will comply with the spirit as well as the letter of all applicable state and federal laws.

  If you are a qualified individual with a disability and require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at [email protected].

  The State of Indiana has established a culture that welcomes equity, inclusion, and opportunity for all employees and applicants. We encourage you to apply if you feel you have the transferrable skills to be successful in this position and we look forward to reviewing your application.

• About the company

  A State that Works. IN.gov is the official website of the State of Indiana and your place to find information, services, news and events related to Indiana government.

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