Area Fisheries Specialist - Intermediate

Area Fisheries Specialist – Intermediate Job Summary The Division of Fish and Wildlife is seeking to hire one (1) full-time permanent Natural Resources Specialist Intermediate Fisheries position located in Windom, Minnesota. This position functions as an assistant to the Area Fisheries Supervisor to design, implement, and evaluate fisheries management activities in the Windom Fisheries Management Area that result in optimum and sustained use of fisheries resources and that protect, sustain, and enhance fish communities and other aquatic resources. The Windom Fisheries Management Area encompasses all of Rock, Nobles, Jackson, Martin, Pipestone, Murray, Cottonwood, and Watonwan counties along with the southern half of Lincoln and Lyon counties in southwestern Minnesota. Responsibilities Assist the Area Supervisor in direction, administration and management functions. These functions include serving as day-to-day lead worker for professional staff; functioning as the lead worker when the Area Supervisor is absent; completing administrative tasks as needed or directed. Design, implement and evaluate fisheries management plans and activities for all managed waters within the work area. Implement a lake and stream investigation program to obtain and report biological, physical, and sociological information. Investigations include biological lake and stream surveys, fish population assessments, water quality analyses, fish contaminant sampling, creel surveys, electrofishing surveys and other special investigations. Further implement fisheries management plan operational objectives through scheduling and coordination of fish production and distribution operations for walleye, muskellunge, trout, and panfish species for area, regional, and statewide stocking needs. Participate in projects and work teams with regional and/or statewide significance as a representative of the Section of Fisheries to provide input and expertise that will help guide Section of Fisheries’ programs and decision making processes that support strategic conservation, recreational and economic opportunities. Monitor, protect and enhance fish communities and aquatic habitat within the work area through a variety of activities including acquisition, protection and restoration of aquatic habitats and their features. Conduct environmental reviews of public and private development and provide recommendations on permitted activities, best practices and mitigations. Direct commercial fish removal and private aquaculture activities and lake reclamation operations. Develop and conduct effective public relations, information and education programs to inform the public of fisheries operations and provide education about aquatic resources and habitat protection. Continually increase knowledge of fisheries science and management techniques through technical and professional training, and to serve on various regional and statewide committees. Exchange information with other fisheries professionals and/or resource managers so that applications of fisheries science and management are advanced. Minimum Qualifications A bachelor's degree in biology, fisheries, or a closely associated area is required. Transcripts are required. Applicants who meet minimum qualifications will be sent instructions for transcript review after the posting close date. Transcript requirements: Fisheries and aquatic sciences courses. A minimum of 4 courses, for a total of 12 semester or 18 quarter hours. Of the 4 courses, at least 2 must be directly related to fisheries science, and at least 1 must cover principles of fisheries science and management. Other biological sciences courses that, when added to the preceding courses, total 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours. Physical sciences courses. Fifteen semester or 23 quarter hours. Mathematics and statistics courses. Six semester or 9 quarter hours, including 1 college algebra and 1 statistics course or 2 statistics courses. Communications courses. Nine semester or 13 quarter hours (3 semester or 5 quarter hours may be taken in communications intensive courses if officially designated as such by the university or college). Preferred Qualifications Experience leading and organizing the completion of fisheries investigative studies including creel surveys, and fish tagging studies including database management. Experience organizing and leading fish management, fish propagation, and/or fish research programs. Experience safely operating a watercraft on large bodies of water or rivers. Public speaking experience and/or human dimensions coursework. Experience maintaining sampling gear. Public speaking experience where technical material is presented to a lay audience. Experience analyzing data using various software and other fisheries survey analysis and tracking tools. Experience designing and maintaining databases. Familiarity with stream habitat and fish passage project techniques. Some familiarity with electric fish barrier and supporting components. Additional Requirements This position requires an unrestricted Class D Driver’s license with a clear driving record. Applicants must have the ability to meet the physical requirements and work in the environmental conditions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States upon hire. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship for employment visa status. All candidates submit to a background check prior to employment, including conflict of interest review, criminal history check, education verification, employment reference and records check, and license or certification verification. Benefits Paid vacation and sick leave. 12 paid holidays each year. Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans, including fertility care, diabetes care, and dental and orthodontic care for adults and children. 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children. Employer paid life insurance and short-term and long-term disability insurance. Pension plan that provides income when you retire after working at least three years. Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care. Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being. Support to help you reach your career goals Training, classes, and professional development. Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (some positions may qualify). Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support, including confidential counseling and resources for mental health, relationships, finances, and legal issues.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. Applicants with disabilities should contact the ADA Coordinator for assistance in the application process. #J-18808-Ljbffr American Fisheries Society (UK)