BIOLOGIST

About This Job

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is responsible for managing and protecting the state’s renewable natural resources, including all wildlife and aquatic life.

LDWF supports a strong work ethic in its employees and incorporates the use of good science, accurate information and technology. The Office of Fisheries exists to ensure that aquatic resources are sustainable for present and future generations of Louisiana citizens by providing access and scientific management.

The Biologist position is in support of Marine Fisheries as a Coastal Study Area Biologist, is domiciled in Orleans Parish, and is responsible for collection of fishery independent and dependent data from sampling programs as assigned. Incumbent will conduct field sampling, collect and maintain biological and environmental data, and operate and maintain vessels and sampling equipment. Incumbent will also collect fishery dependent survey data and assist in developing aquatic habitat restoration projects.

This announcement may be used to fill multiple positions.

IDEAL CANDIDATE WILL POSSESS THE FOLLOWING COMPETENCIES

• Knowledge of aquatic organisms, specifically estuarine and marine finfish and shellfish
• Knowledge of, and experience with, common fishery independent sampling gear, including gill nets, trammel nets, seines, trawls, and oyster dredges
• Experience with operation and maintenance of outboard powered vessels
• Good observational and analytical skills
• Good interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently, as well as collaboratively, in a team environment
• Ability to communicate orally and in writing
• Knowledge of research and statistical methods.

Minimum Qualifications

A bachelor’s degree in a biological science, marine science, environmental science, wildlife or fisheries, animal science, forestry, or natural resources.

Job Specification

The official job specifications for this role, as defined by the State Civil Service, can be found here.

Job Duties

Job Duties and Other Information

Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Collects biological and environmental data
• Enters and reviews data collected from field projects
• Compiles and analyzes data, and prepares reports of results
• Assists in the development of aquatic habitat restoration projects
• Identifies, measures and records species at various life stages caught in sampling activities
• Operates departmental vehicles and vessels as necessary to accomplish required job duties
• Maintains and calibrates equipment
• Responds to public and news media inquiries
• Sends and receives email correspondence
• Represents the department to a variety of job-related contacts and agencies
• Presents resource management information to commercial, recreational, professional, and conservation groups, schools, and local officials
• Identifies equipment and supply needs, and may be required to purchase supplies, repairs, and/or equipment
• Inspects facilities and records of permit applicants, and recommend permit issuance or denial.

Position-Specific Details

Work Location : This position is located in New Orleans, LA.

Appointment Type : Probational Appointment, Job Appointment, Detail to Special Duty, Promotion (open to all statewide classified and agency wide permanent status employees). Current permanent status classified state employees may be required to accept a Probational appointment if selected. If filled as a Job Appointment, there is a possibility that this position may be converted to a Probational Appointment should funding become available.

Career Progression: This position may be filled as a Biologist 1, 2, or 3.

Compensation: The salary offered will be determined based on qualifications and experience

How To Apply

No Civil Service test score is required in order to be considered for this vacancy.

To apply for this vacancy, click on the “Apply” link above and complete an electronic application, which can be used for this vacancy as well as future job opportunities. Applicants are responsible for checking the status of their application to determine where they are in the recruitment process. Further status message information is located under the Information section of the Current Job Opportunities page.

• Information to support your eligibility for the position must be included in the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completed education and experience sections. Applications may be rejected if incomplete. Applicants qualifying based on college training or receipt of a bachelor's degree will be required to submit an official college transcript to verify credentials claimed prior to appointment. A criminal background check will be required of all selected applicants. If you are applying for a position which requires a bachelor's and/or master’s degree you may apply 90 days prior to receipt of your degree; however, the effective date of the appointment cannot be prior to your graduation date.

The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is a State As a Model Employer (SAME) agency that supports the recruitment, hiring and retention of individuals with disabilities. For more information on employment resources for individuals with disabilities, see the Louisiana Employment Resources Guide at PDF reader)

Wildlife & Fisheries is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Contact Information

Department of Wildlife & Fisheries

Human Resources

P.O. Box 98000

Baton Rouge, LA 70898

Pascha Turner

***email_hidden***

Louisiana State Government represents a wide variety of career options and offers an outstanding opportunity to make a difference through public service. With an array of career opportunities in every major metropolitan center and in many rural areas, state employment provides an outstanding option to begin or continue your career.

Insurance Coverage

More information can be found at

Parental Leave – Up to six weeks paid parental leave

More information can be found at

Holidays and Leave – State employees receive the following paid holidays each year:

• New Year's Day
• Martin Luther King, Jr. Day,
• Mardi Gras,
• Good Friday,
• Memorial Day,
• Independence Day,
• Labor Day,
• Veteran's Day,
• Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
• Additional holidays may be proclaimed by the Governor

State employees earn sick and annual leave which can be accumulated and saved for future use. Your accrual rate increases as your years of service increase.

Retirement – State Of Louisiana Employees Are Eligible To Participate In Various Retirement Systems (based On The Type Of Appointment And Agency For Which An Employee Works). These Retirement Systems Provide Retirement Allowances And Other Benefits For State Officers And Employees And Their Beneficiaries. State Retirement Systems May Include (but Are Not Limited To):

• Louisiana State Employees Retirement System ( LASERS has provided this video to give you more detailed information about their system
• Teacher's Retirement System of Louisiana (
• Louisiana School Employees Retirement System ( among others

Do you possess a bachelor's degree in a biological science, marine science, environmental science, wildlife or fisheries management, animal science, forestry, natural resources, or conservation?

• Yes
• No

If you answered "yes" to the previous question, please indicate the course titles, semester hours earned, and the institution. If you answered "no" to the previous question, please enter N/A. (Ex. BIOL 1201 – Biology for Science Majors – 3 hrs - LSU) NOTE: Failure to list all specific courses may result in your application being considered incomplete.

Are you within 90 days of graduating with a qualifying bachelor's degree (or higher) at the time of submitting your application?

• Yes
• No

If you answered 'yes' to the previous question, please enter your graduation date and major of study. If you answered no, indicate "N/A".

• Required Question