Rhode Island Division of Fish and Wildlife
Location: West Kingston, RI
Salary: $71,487
Classification: Limited Term (35 hours per week)
Start Date: October 1, 2022
Duration: Five years
Recruitment: Internal/External
Application deadline: August 19, 2022
Overview
Work independently in a joint capacity with the Wildlife Management Institute (WMI) and the Bureau of Natural Resources, Rhode Island Department of Environmental (RIDEM) to provide Wildlife Biologist services to RIDEM. The incumbent will work out of the RIDEM Division of Fish and Wildlife headquarters in South Kingstown, Rhode Island and remotely as necessary to perform required responsibilities. The work area will be statewide; however, duties may require attendance at meetings in other Rhode Island counties and New England States.
Basic Job Requirements
Requires a minimum of a Bachelor of Science degree in wildlife biology or wildlife management, or closely related natural resource science degree and at least four years of professional work experience with a wildlife or natural resource management agency. A Master of Science degree may be substituted for two years of actual work experience, a Ph.D. may substitute for four years of experience.
The position requires extensive knowledge of wildlife and population management, wildlife habitat needs, life cycle ecology, wildlife diseases, of furbearing mammals. Applicants must be able to communicate effectively both orally and written with wildlife management professionals, supervisors, the media, and the public. Applicants need to possess strong organizational and project coordination skills and work independently on multiple tasks with overlapping deadlines. Applicant must be able to work collaboratively with others on cooperative projects and to resolve problems. The selected individual will represent Rhode Island and the Division on both local and regional committees related to furbearers and trapping around the Northeast.
Applicants should have a current, scientifically based, working knowledge of trapping and furbearer management in North America and have related field skills to implement wildlife management practices including; implementation of regulatory seasons and bag limits for trapping seasons, function and use of diverse trapping skills, harvest reporting strategies, habitat requirements, disease risks, survival, and anthropogenic impacts on distribution of furbearers.
Applicant will evaluate statewide wildlife abundance and population trends of multiple mammalian species for small mammals as well as targeted trapped and hunted species. Applicant must be able to evaluate data needs, design research, collect and compile, and analyze data derived from research projects, as both lead and in cooperation with partners. Must be able to synthesize and interpret information from research as the basis for resource management recommendations. This position will provide recommendations to both the state and the region for consumptively used species as well as those of greatest conservation need. This position will supervise seasonal, temporary and intern staff as necessary. Incumbent will regularly prepare recommendations for developing or modifying Rhode Island Code, other legal statutes, promulgation of regulations, or policies pertaining to wildlife resources.
This position will regularly assist the public dealing with wildlife conflicts. Communicating RI specific individual dispensations for private property management with compassion and authority will be critical. The ability to evaluate and balance species abundance with public safety and cultural carrying capacity is essential. Will be strongly encouraged to receive a rabies vaccination. This position will also coordinate and oversee the State direction of wildlife rehabilitation and regulation.
Must possess, or be able to obtain, a Class D Rhode Island driver’s license. Must be able to lift at least 50 pounds and be willing to travel within and outside the state. Total travel is not expected to exceed 15% of time requirements. The incumbent performs duties in a variety of different environments, including an office environment, field environment, rugged terrain, and various adverse weather conditions (extreme heat, cold, rain, snow, sleet, etc.).
This position will be classified as a limited term employee of the WMI. Direct supervision of day-to-day activities will be provided by RIDEM.
Benefits
Through WMI you will be eligible for WMI 401(k) retirement plan with match, paid time off, including state holidays. WMI will provide workers’ compensation, general liability protection, professional liability protection and unemployment insurance benefits. WMI will withhold taxes including social security. Health insurance is not an included benefit and is at the discretion of the employee to acquire.
This position is considered a DFW priority and perpetually renewable through WMI provided satisfactory job performance. You will be expected to work no more than an average of 35 hours per week in any 12-month period. Requires satisfactory completion of a criminal background check.
Preference will be given to candidates with:
- Experience in wildlife management, surveys design and analysis of survey data, particularly with mammal species.
- Experience designing and conducting wildlife research and publishing the results, particularly with mammalian species such as those gained through advanced education in an accredited wildlife management university program.
- Experience planning, creating or developing, and/or managing wildlife habitat for mammals.
- Supervisory experience.
- A current, working knowledge of database management and Statistical software such as SAS or R.
- Working knowledge and experience using GPS, GIS and ArcView or related GIS Software, especially for spatial modeling and mapping.
- A clear appreciation of, or participation in regulated furbearer trapping.
Application Procedures
To apply via email, send a cover letter outlining your interest and qualifications and a resume to: david.kalb@dem.ri.gov
Applications via mail are accepted and must be received before the application deadline to be considered. Mail applications should be sent to:
David M Kalb Ph.D.
Supervising Biologist
RIDEM Division of Fish and Wildlife
277 Great Neck Road
West Kingston, RI 02892
For questions about WMI Limited Term Employee terms, contact:
Scot Williamson, VP
Wildlife Management Institute
4426 VT Route 215 N
Cabot, VT 05647
802-563-2087
swilliamson@wildlifemgt.org