BIOLOGIST

Date: Jun 20, 2022

Req ID: 20314

Location:

North Little Rock, AR, US, 72118

Category: DEPT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY

Anticipated Starting Salary: $40,340

Position Number: 22091075
County: Pulaski
Posting End Date: July 5, 2022
Anticipated Starting Salary: $40,340
Office of Water Quality

The mission of the Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment is to provide effective and efficient energy and environmental solutions informed by science. The Department promotes responsible management of resources and protects the environment for the benefit of all Arkansans.

Position Information

Class Code: B082C

Grade: GS07

FLSA Status: EXEMPT

Salary Range: $40,340.00 - $58,493.00

Summary

The Biologist is responsible for collecting and analyzing biological data for research purposes. This position is governed by state and federal laws and agency/institution policy.

Functions

Provides input and makes recommendations on management of natural systems, such as plant and animal populations, natural communities, habitats, wildlife management areas, and natural areas. Consults with stakeholders and the public at large to explore management options and implement management decisions. Utilizes scientific observation to identify plants and animals, inventories or estimates plant and animal populations. Conducts studies on habitat requirements, assessing effects of environment and industry, interpreting findings, and recommending alternative operating conditions for industry. Prepares specimen collections for species identification and study development. Coordinates preventive programs to control the outbreak of wildlife diseases or invasive species. Disseminates information by writing reports, scientific papers, and journal articles, and by making presentations to schools, clubs, and other interest groups. Directs the development of various wildlife management areas and/or natural areas based upon research. May testify as an expert witness in legal proceedings as needed. May supervise a staff by interviewing, recommending for hire, assigning and reviewing work, and evaluating employee performance. Performs other duties as assigned.

Dimensions

None

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of the principles of biology, ecology, and related environmental sciences. Knowledge of the methods and techniques of scientific testing and analysis. Knowledge of the effects of pollution on plants, animals, and human life. Knowledge of wildlife and natural area program management. Knowledge of biological laboratory and field survey equipment, techniques, and procedures. Ability to make public presentations. Ability to conduct scientific plant and animal surveys and studies, analyze and evaluate collected data, and prepare written narrative reports of findings. Ability to direct, coordinate, and maintain wildlife management programs.

Minimum Qualifications

The formal education equivalent of a bachelor's degree in biology, zoology, botany, or a related field; plus two years of experience in a biological science or related area. Additional requirements determined by the agency for recruiting purposes require review and approval by the Office of Personnel Management. OTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.

Licenses

None

Preferred Qualifications

Experience and working knowledge of developing and conducting all aspects of extensive lake and/or large river water quality investigations
Experience collecting, interpreting, and managing stream water quality, fish, and macroinvertebrate data
Experience and working knowledge of collection, preparation, and identification of phytoplankton and Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) samples
Experience managing lake water quality data
Ability to analyze, interpret, and display lake data in a comprehensive document
Ability to collect, interpret, and display GIS/GPS data
Ability to evaluate water quality, biological, and other pertinent data for water quality standards and designated use attainment determination
Review project plans, quality assurance project documents, use attainability analyses, and project reports and assessments developed by outside entities
Willingness to assist other sections and programs within the Office of Water Quality and the Division

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.