Wildlife Biologist

Job Duties

The duties described are for the full-performance level. At developmental grade levels, assignments will be of more limited scope, performed with less independence and limited complexity. The duties may include, but are not limited to:

• Performs a variety of technical procedures including capture, restraint, chemical immobilization, marking, transport, euthanasia, and/or necropsy of wild ungulates.
• Conducts research design and data collection in field and pen settings.
• Conducts statistical analysis of experimental data, field and observational data, animal movement data, disease data, and camera data.
• Recommends research areas to supervisor, represents the program on committees and at meetings, presents to cooperators, stakeholders, and the public, and prepares written reports and peer-reviewed publications.
• Operates field equipment such as off-road vehicles, 4x4 trucks, trucks and trailers, firearms, remote cameras, cellular traps, and handheld data collection devices.
• Required to take extensive and recurrent training on wildlife damage/disease recognition, control methods, and techniques; monitoring and surveillance procedures; emergency response; and other training related to technical aspects of the job.
• Supports Wildlife Services' (WS) safety program and procedures through participation in meetings, inspections, safety-related training, and implementation of safety requirements and protocols. Identifies safety-related opportunities and challenges.
• Assists other WS employees as requested and may assist in training new WS personnel. May be asked to provide technical direction and/or guidance to lower graded employees.
• May be responsible for procuring equipment and supplies necessary to conduct field activities and may be asked to complete other duties as assigned.
• May assist with research projects to increase knowledge of wildlife ecology and to develop or improve methods to reduce the risks of damage to resources or disease transmission to domestic animals and humans.
• Responsible for collecting, storing, and transporting biological data and samples; conducting telemetry; using Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and Global Positioning Systems (GPS) for surveys, surveillance, and data analysis.