BIOLOGIST I

Biologist I

Anticipated Starting Salary: $58,700

Location: Little Rock, AR, US, 72205

Category: Arkansas Agriculture Dept

Position Number: 22179622

County: Pulaski

Posting End Date: Open Until Filled

Hiring Manager: Matthew Heller View email address on click.appcast.io

Preferred Qualifications: Experience handling animal bodily fluids, tissues, and microbiological cultures. Experience performing both conventional and real-time PCR. At least one year of verifiable experience working within a formal quality management system, including authoring, revising controlled documents, and performing root cause and corrective action analysis. Ability and willingness to regularly wear personal protective equipment and to comply with respirator fit-testing requirements, which is a fundamental requirement of this position. Rabies vaccination is required, along with documented maintenance of an adequate antibody titer. Ability to perform precise, repetitive work in a high-throughput environment, including pipetting, cutting of animal tissues, and weighing specimens.

Job Series: Biologists – Career Path Classification: Biologist I Class Code: SBI01P Pay Grade: SPC01 Salary Range: $58,700 - $86,876

Job Summary: The Biologist I is an entry-level scientific position responsible for assisting in biological research, data collection, environmental monitoring, and supporting conservation or natural resource programs across the state.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Assist in conducting biological field surveys for wildlife, aquatic life, plant species, and/or habitats.
• Collect samples and observational data using standard scientific methods and tools (e.g., GPS, sampling nets, binoculars).
• Perform routine environmental measurements and inspections under the guidance of senior staff.
• Accurately record, enter, and maintain data collected in the field.
• Assist in preparing reports, charts, and documentation used for internal analysis, public reporting, or compliance purposes.
• Support conservation, habitat restoration, wildlife management, or environmental protection programs through logistical assistance and data processing.
• Maintain equipment, organize supplies, and ensure field tools are properly stored and calibrated.
• Participate in activities that help ensure agency compliance with environmental regulations and permits (e.g., wetland delineation support, threatened species monitoring).
• Conduct preliminary reviews or assessments under the supervision of a higher-level biologist.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Detail-oriented in data gathering, field observations, and documentation.
• Reliable in completing tasks on time and following protocols with minimal supervision.
• Able to clearly report findings both orally and in writing to colleagues and supervisors.
• Works well in field teams or interdisciplinary groups in both structured and remote settings.

Minimum Qualifications: At least six months of experience in biology, or a related field.

The State of Arkansas is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.