Field Biologist - Fisheries Management Section

Salary: $44,800 Annually
Location: 5 positions across Maine (see below for specifics)
Job Type: Full-Time
Duration: 1 year
Opening Date: 9/15/25
Closing Date: 10/06/25

Introduction

We are looking to fill 5 contracted positions within the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife’s (MDIFW) Fisheries Management Section, in partnership with the Wildlife Management Institute. These positions will be full-time for a term of one year with the potential for additional term extensions.

The mission of MDIFW is to preserve, protect, and enhance the inland fisheries and wildlife resources of the state as well as enable and promote the safe enjoyment of Maine’s outdoors. As part of this mandate, the Department’s Fisheries Section is charged with managing Maine’s game and non-game species and conserving and protecting habitat for Maine’s fishes. This position will work closely with the Regional Fisheries Resource Biologists.

We are recruiting for 5 separate 12-month positions, with one located in each of the following regions:

Please feel free to reach out to the regional contacts for any regionally specific questions. *In your Supplemental Questions, please rank from 1-5 which region you prefer to be considered for, or note “all” if not a specific preference.

Job Description

This position is housed within the Fisheries Section and will work out of one of the Regional Headquarters listed above. This is professional services and scientific work at the technician level, involving field work to support management of the State’s fisheries by protecting, preserving, and enhancing Maine’s natural resources. Responsibilities include aiding senior level resource biologists by collecting field and laboratory data and using established survey and assessment methodologies. This position reports to the IFW Regional Fisheries Resource Supervisor. Work is performed under general supervision, includes occasional night and weekend work, and may be performed outside in all weather conditions.

Duties may include:

• Assists senior level resource biologists by gathering specific information used by others to formulate sound recommendations to support the Department’s goals for developing and implementing complex fish species development and management plans.
• Compiles, collects, summarizes, and provides technical data (i.e. survey, censuses, research, environmental input investigations) using professional training, job knowledge, field experience, scientific standards of research, standard operating procedures, and protocols to assist higher level biologists in developing and implementing annual and long-term strategies for species and habitat management programs.
• Leads and coordinates field and laboratory work of contract and temporary non-state employees and volunteers to carry out studies and management projects in accordance with Department policies.
• Selects the necessary equipment needed to perform field work, surveys, samplings, and biological investigations.
• Conduct inventories and collect fish population information to inform decision making by others.
• Identifies characteristics of fish to classify them.
• Conducts necessary sampling or tests and gathers information in accordance with Department policies through on-site field studies and surveys to record data.
• Follows clearly defined work procedures, formats, and priorities to adhere to instructions and established standards in the performance of work.
• Enters, transcribes, records, stores, and maintains collected data and summarizes the same in written or electronic format to document and record information to be used by others.
• Uses computer systems such as hardware, software applications, various databases, and emerging technology to record, process, and report data.
• Reviews the field and laboratory data collected to conduct quality assurance/quality control checks on own work to ensure the validity and accuracy of data collected.
• Operates various types of vehicles (Trucks, Boats, ATVs, snowmachines) to travel to location to perform field work and testing duties.
• Performs routine upkeep, repair, and maintenance of various vehicles, equipment, and gear to ensure good working order and operational readiness in accordance with Department policies.
• Conduct angler creel surveys on various assigned waters.
• Assist with fish stocking and marking as necessary.
• Assist regional staff and the Department’s Environmental Review Coordinator in data collection for ongoing reviews, and assessments, as requested by supervisor.
• Coordinate with Regional staff on any matter that generates controversy or public concern. Assist with public speaking events and other outreach efforts.
• Ensure that Regional management programs and biological collections are conducted per Regional guidelines and in a manner consistent with all applicable Divisional policies, goals, objectives, priorities, and laws.
• Exercise safety measures appropriate to the field and office activities. Summarize collected information in a timely matter.
• Assist with maintaining Regional databases including age & growth, stomachs, and creel survey (clerk & voluntary).
• Assist with all laboratory tasks, including scale aging, otolith extraction and aging, stomachs analysis, and general fish biopsies.
• Conduct annual smelt run evaluations on Regional waters and assist in the Regional goal of standardizing evaluations.
• Work closely with the Regional staff and other divisions to learn the Region and become an effective and fully functional Regional team.
• Make gate adjustments at Department-owned dams as directed by the Regional Fisheries Supervisor.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

The ideal candidate will possess:

• A strong work ethic and positive attitude, ability to follow instructions, and to work both independently and as a part of a team in the field and office setting.
• Experience/comfort working in harsh winter conditions and in remote settings.
• Experience operating snowmobiles, ATV, small watercraft, 4WD vehicles, and towing trailers.
• Experience capturing and handling fish.
• Data management experience, familiarity with Microsoft Access and GIS (e.g. ESRI) products and tools.

Minimum Qualifications

A bachelor’s degree in a natural sciences field and six months of biological related experience. Comparable work experience may be substituted for education requirements on a year-for-year basis.

Supplemental Questions

In addition to filling out the standard application form, you must address each of the following items and attach your document to aid in applicant screening and selection.

1. Briefly describe your education in ecology, biology, and fisheries management and how it relates to this position.
2. Briefly describe your experience in freshwater fishery management as it relates to:
   1. Inventorying, surveying, and monitoring inland fishery resources.
   2. Conducting angler sport fishery (creel) surveys.
   3. Interpreting fish ages from scales or other bony structures.
   4. Fisheries data entry and database management, including the relevant software that you are most familiar with.
3. Briefly describe your experience in communicating orally and in writing with both lay and technical audiences.<.li>
4. Briefly describe your experience operating and maintaining snowmobiles, outboard motorboats, non-motorized watercraft, trailers, and ATVs.
5. Please rank which Region you prefer to be considered for from 1-5, or note “all” if not a specific preference.

Benefits

Through WMI you will be eligible for WMI 401(k) retirement plan with match. WMI will provide health, dental and eye insurance, workers’ compensation, general liability protection, professional liability protection and unemployment insurance benefits. WMI will withhold taxes including social security.

Application Process

To apply, please send a cover letter outlining your interest and qualifications, response to the Supplemental questions, and a resume and 3 references by October 6th, 2025 to: kevin.schaberg@maine.gov

For questions related to these positions, please contact:

Kevin Schaberg, Fisheries Management Section Supervisor
Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife
353 Water Street, #41 SHS
Augusta, ME 04333
207-941-4804

For questions about WMI contact positions:

Scot Williamson, VP
Wildlife Management Institute 4426 VT Route 215 N
Cabot, VT 05647
802-563-2087
swilliamson@wildlifemgt.org