Job Description

Work for Indiana

Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.

About the Department of Natural Resources (DNR):

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources protects, enhances, preserves, and wisely uses natural, cultural, and recreational resources for the benefit of Indiana's citizens through professional leadership, management, and education. DNR Fish & Wildlife enriches the quality of life for present and future generations by balancing the biological, ecological, recreational, and economic benefits of Indiana’s fish, wildlife, and their habitats.

Role Overview:  

The Indiana DNR is currently recruiting a Furbearer and Gamebird Research Biologist to work with the Furbearer and Gamebird Program Leader. Position will coordinate and analyze surveys, indices, and internal research projects within the program to inform decision-making. Examples include wild turkey brood data, turkey autonomous recording unit research, gamebird call counts, drone flight surveys, hunter and trapper harvest data, hunter and trapper survey data, Archer's Index, and Paddlecraft Wildlife Index. Position will also be responsible for providing quality customer service in responding to questions about survey efforts, furbearers, wild turkey, pheasant, and northern bobwhite quail and other programmatic support to enhance communication (e.g., social media content, website updates, outreach events) and administrative work. Position may supervise one or more temporary technicians. Occasional weekend or evening work may be required.

Ideal candidate will be organized, with solid quantitative skills, especially in program R, but still having the ability to interact positively with volunteers assisting with surveys and work cooperatively with other programs and partners to accomplish survey and research goals. Driver's license required.

Salary:

The salary for this position traditionally starts at $53,222.00 but may be commensurate with education and work experience. Use our to view the total compensation package.

A Day in the Life:

The essential functions of this role are as follows: 

• Develop, execute, and direct research or management of programs on a large resource or large geographic region that covers multiple districts. 
• Coordinate with other states and participate on multistate management teams for interjurisdictional resources.  
• Identify resource and research priorities through input, strategic plans, work plans, statewide surveys, and public input. 
• Coordinate university and multistate research projects.  
• Program administration of environmental and habitat projects including applying for and managing federal grants and managing environmental permitting processes.  
• Design, develop, and implement surveys for the purpose of analyzing and tracking data to present scientific findings.  
• Coordinate scientific investigations and research findings through internal and external forums.  
• Review technical materials and attend professional meetings to keep abreast of new developments.
• Prepare and present evidence exhibits in court and act as an expert witness in courts of law and/or hearings. 
• Recruit, select, onboard, and train employees to ensure role responsibilities and expectations are clearly understood while providing opportunities to continue professional development. 
• Set expectations, measure progress, provide ongoing feedback, and evaluate the performance of employees.  Ensure work adheres to quality standards, deadlines, and proper procedures.

The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

This position is exempt from overtime compensation for additional work hours which may be required to complete essential functions or other assigned work. Exempt employees may work more than 75 hours in a pay period without additional compensation and must report a minimum of 75 hours per pay period of work hours and/or paid leave taken to receive their base biweekly salary.

What You'll Need for Success:

Individuals in this role should minimally be able to articulate or demonstrate the following:

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree within a Natural Resource related field. 
• Demonstrated leadership and problem-solving abilities.
• Thorough knowledge of biological principles, ecological variables, and interactions of species.
• Knowledge of state and federal laws pertaining to the environment and habitat management.
• Comprehensive knowledge of scientific methods, procedures and theories, and the ability to apply them. 
• Ability to operate and maintain a wide variety of work, shop, and office equipment.
• Ability to prepare and present evidence and to act as an expert witness in a court of law and /or hearing. 
• Ability to improvise and adapt methods and equipment for specialized tasks.
• Ability to read, use, and manipulate topographic maps, aerial photographs, wetland delineation maps, soils maps, and ArcGIS mapping systems.
• Ability to use R as a statistical package for data analysis. 
• Ability to communicate and influence stakeholders concerning the management of species, habitats, and recreational values. 
• Ability to budget and allocate resources effectively. 
• Ability to delegate work, set clear direction, and manage workflow. 
• Ability to effectively give feedback, provide guidance or corrective action, coach, and develop employee skillsets. 
• You must satisfy the following requirement to continue employment: 
• Ability to obtain and hold an Indiana driver's license 
• Ability to obtain and maintain professional licenses or certifications as required by the specific job duties such as pesticide applicators license, burn card, chemical immobilization certificate or similar specific licenses. 

Individuals should have the ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:

This role may provide direct supervision for one or more staff members.

Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:

The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes: 

• Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
• Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
• Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
• Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match
• Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
• A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:
  • 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
  • Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
• Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
• 12 paid holidays, 14 on election years
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Group life insurance
• Referral Bonus program
• Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
• Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
• Free Parking for most positions
• Free LinkedIn Learning access

   

Equal Employment Opportunity:

The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at jobs@spd.IN.gov .

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