Fish and Wildlife Biologist

SUMMARY

The Fish and Wildlife Biologist position is located in the Natural Resources Department. The position works with Fish and Wildlife Program Director in developing and implementing strategies and methods that protect, manage, and preserve fish, wildlife, and the resources that support them. The position also provides technical assistance to other agencies responsible for the management of natural resources in the region. The position is also responsible for the administration of grants and contracts awarded from outside funding agencies.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor of Science Degree in biological or ecological field with emphasis on natural resource management.
• One to three years of related field experience with demonstrated abilities in fish and wildlife work.
• Must have a valid, unrestricted Driver's License and be insurable by the GTB insurance carrier.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Prepares and executes workplans and protocols for fish and wildlife surveys, inventories and assessments.
• Acquires, organizes and analyzes biological information to serve in developing management plans, assessment reports, and prescribing other measures to protect and preserve natural resources.
• Establish and maintain good public relations and communicates with Tribal members to assist in the interpretation and distribution of biological, ecological and social information.
• Meets regularly with natural resource professionals and committees to discuss and exchange technical information; develop and review management proposals; develop and review Tribal fishing and hunting regulations; and plan and coordinate assessment and research activities.
• Reviews reports and proposals, such as those relating to land use classifications and recreational development, for accuracy, adequacy, or adherence to policies, regulations, or scientific standards.
• Works with and prepares reports for the tribal legal department on impacts to environmental resources in the 1836 treaty ceded territory.
• Represents GTB in a technical capacity with individuals from State, Tribal, Federal and non-profit agencies and organizations.
• Writes grant proposals to obtain funding for projects that protect, restore and enhance environmental resources in the 1836 treaty ceded territory.
• Manages grants and directs supplemental programs to the fish and wildlife program in administrative activities, budgetary components, and reporting requirements.
• Build new and expand existing collaborations between the State, Tribal, Federal, Non-Profit and academic partners. Collaborations may include work such as native species re-introduction and monitoring, invasive species control and prevention, and resilient forest management.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Use Microsoft® Windows operating system, Microsoft® Office Suite, and other computer systems, such as ArcGIS and R statistical software.
• Advanced knowledge of environmental policy, applicable laws, regulations, procedures, and administration.
• Advanced proficiency with Geographical Information System (GIS) and statistical analyses of resource systems.
• General knowledge of business, budgeting, accounting, purchasing and planning.
• Provide educational presentations to youth and school groups as requested.
• Advanced ability to operate vessels and research equipment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills as demonstrated in the Seven Grandfather teachings.
• Exceptional detail and follow-up skills.
• Ability to effectively establish priorities and meet deadlines.
• General proficiency in leadership and management skills and techniques.
• Ability to quickly evaluate alternatives and decide on a plan of action.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor of Science Degree in biological or ecological field is required.
• One to three years of related experience with demonstrated abilities in fisheries and wildlife research and resource management.
• Experience developing peer-reviewed scientific publications preferred
• Successful completion of Program Director Training.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Performs field supervisory duties for seasonal staff when needed for projects defined by this position.

OTHER INFORMATION

Federal Tax Exemption: 26 U.S.C. 7873(a)(1) provides an exemption from federal income tax on income, including wages, derived by members of the Tribe in the exercise of a fishing rights-related activity of the Tribe. 26 U.S.C. 7873(a)(2) provides an exemption from federal employment taxes, including FICA taxes, on wages paid to members of the Tribe for services performed in a fishing rights-related activity of the Tribe.

In accordance with the fishing rights-related tax exemption listed above, GTB has evaluated and determined that this position (Fish and Wildlife Biologist) will be set at 32% tax exempt. This percentage will be re-evaluated and examined on an annual basis to determine validity in the percentage.

EQUIPMENT TO BE USED

General office equipment including computers, faxes, copiers, phone systems, and PowerPoint projectors. Specialized equipment include electrofishing equipment, boats and motors, generators, snowmobiles, off-road vehicles, water quality measuring devices, radio telemetry, remote camera systems, microscopes, side-scan sonar, GPS, chain saws, ice augers, trap nets, gillnets, seines, trawls, various animal traps, various types of hatchery equipment, vegetation sampling equipment, and construction tools.

TYPICAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Regularly involves sedentary work: exerting up to 50 pounds of force and/or a negligible amount of force to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body.

TYPICAL MENTAL DEMANDS

• Receives work assignments with defined objectives, priorities, and deadlines, and clear indications of any special considerations or unusual requirements.
• Uses judgment in interpreting guidelines, in adapting department procedures, or in recommending approaches or solutions for specific problems.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Regularly subject to inside environmental conditions, which provide protection from weather conditions, but not necessarily from temperature changes.
• Regularly subject to outside environmental conditions and to wet and/or humid conditions.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

COMMENTS

Native American Preference will apply. Must be willing and able to pass a background investigation and a drug and alcohol urinalysis as a condition of employment. Adherence to strict company policy regarding confidentiality is required.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Management retains the right to add or to change the duties of the position at any time. Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents in lieu of stated minimums require prior approval of the Director of Human Resources.

Current Openings for Fish and Wildlife Biologist Jobs at Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians