Position Information

NY HELPYes

AgencyEnvironmental Conservation, Department of

TitleBiologist 1 (Wildlife) / Trainee 1 / 2 - NY HELPS

Occupational CategoryI.T. Engineering, Sciences

Salary GradeNS

Bargaining UnitPS&T - Professional, Scientific, and Technical (PEF)

Salary RangeFrom $53764 to $85138 Annually

Employment Type Full-Time

Appointment Type Permanent

Jurisdictional Class Competitive Class

Travel Percentage 15%

Schedule

Workweek Mon-Fri

Hours Per Week 37.5

Workday

From 8 AM

To 4 PM

Flextime allowed? No

Mandatory overtime? No

Compressed workweek allowed? No

Telecommuting allowed? Yes

Location

County Schenectady

Street Address 1130 North Westcott Road

City Schenectady

StateNY

Zip Code12306

Job Specifics

Duties Description This Wildlife Biologist will coordinate the regional Wildlife Management Area program. Region 4 has 19 Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) totaling over 25,000 acres across nine counties that are managed to provide high-quality wildlife habitat as well as opportunities for public wildlife-dependent recreation. The biologist will identify habitat and access management needs on WMAs, develop public use plans and annual workplans that address these needs, and work with DEC’s Division of Operations, Bureau of Wildlife staff, other DEC staff, and/or partner organizations to implement WMA projects. The biologist will also coordinate the region’s invasive species plans including herbicide treatments, assist with fire management on WMAs across the region, develop completion reports for the federal grants that are used to fund WMA management, and represent the region on the Bureau’s statewide Land Management and Habitat Conservation Team.

The biologist will conduct wildlife surveys, some of which require early mornings or late evenings, in support of land management activities and assess the effectiveness of implemented management actions. Additionally, the biologist will work with the Regional Wildlife Manager, the Natural Resource Supervisor, the Bureau of Real Property and partner organizations to identify and pursue strategic land acquisition projects to enhance the regional WMA system.

This biologist will participate in all aspects of the regional wildlife program and oversee multiple counties. Duties include management of both game and non-game wildlife species, public outreach, response to nuisance wildlife complaints, administration of wildlife permits. This Biologist will also hire and supervise fish & wildlife technicians, wildlife interns and coordinate volunteers.

The biologist will also work closely with the regional wildlife manager, the regional big game biologist, DEC's Division of Law Enforcement, and other regional staff to assist with the Department's in-person response to wildlife incidents. These responses will include emergency situations such as urban and Class 1 bear incidents, wildlife trapped in confined spaces and assist with confiscation of illegally possessed wildlife. Wildlife responses may require the use of chemical immobilization drugs and delivery equipment and will involve the direct handling of large wildlife.

This position requires effective written and verbal communication skills, GIS experience and must work well collaboratively with other staff and outside partners alike. Occasional overnight travel for team meetings and trainings is required.
Biologist must be willing to receive (provided by NYS) rabies pre-exposure vaccination if not already vaccinated.

Minimum Qualifications This title is part of the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide Program (NY HELPS).

For the duration of the NY HELPS Program, this title may be filled via a non-competitive appointment, which means no examination is required but all candidates must meet the minimum qualifications of the title for which they apply.

To be eligible for appointment under NY HELPS, candidates must meet the minimum qualifications below:

Non-Competitive qualifications:

A bachelor's or higher degree including or supplemented by 18 semester credit hours in advanced big game management, advanced wildlife management, agriculture and wildlife, animal behavior, animal physiology, animal population modeling, behavioral and physiological ecology of wildlife, behavioral ecology, biology and management of waterfowl, biology of birds and mammals, biology of the vertebrates, bird biology and conservation, conservation biology (wildlife), concepts in habitat selection and foraging behavior, dynamics of animal populations, ecology of animal populations, ecology of freshwater mussels, ecology of freshwater wetlands, endangered species, entomology (insects), environmental and natural resources policies, environmental conflict and citizens participation, environmental law and policy, ethology, field biology, field natural history, field ornithology, forest entomology, forest ecology or silvics, forest wildlife ecology, forest wildlife management, freshwater mussels biology, freshwater mussel identification, freshwater wetland ecosystems, game birds and mammals, habitat analysis, habitat ecology, habitat inventory and evaluation, herpetology (amphibians, reptiles), introduction to quantitative and population genetics, introduction to wildlife biology, invertebrate zoology, management of wildlife habitats and populations, management of wildlife populations, mammalogy, mammalian ecology, natural resources management, natural resources policy, planning and administration, ornithology, plant and herbivore interactions, population dynamics and introductory modeling for biologists, population ecology, population genetics, population evolution, predator ecology and management, principles of conservation, principles of fish and wildlife management, principles of wildlife management, radio telemetry in fisheries and wildlife research, research in wildlife science, terrestrial community ecology, upland wildlife ecology, urban fish and wildlife management, urban wildlife, vertebrate ecology, vertebrate zoology, waterfowl and wetlands seminar, waterfowl biology and management, wetland ecology, wetland resources, wildlife, wildlife biology, wildlife conservation, wildlife ecology, wildlife ecology and management, wildlife habitat analysis, wildlife habitats and populations, wildlife habitat management, wildlife management, wildlife management internship, wildlife management laboratory, wildlife philosophy, policy and public relations, wildlife policy, wildlife population, wildlife health, wildlife population dynamics, wildlife problems, wildlife techniques, world wildlife, wilderness wildlife management.

Examples of Non-Qualifying Courses: animal histology; comparative anatomy and physiology; principles of evolution; zoology; introductory or survey courses such as general biology; general zoology; courses that focus on farm, non-native captive or zoo animals; population demographics or dynamics of people; or horticultural/landscape architecture.

Competitive Qualifications:

Reassignment - Currently in the title and an employee of DEC
or

Reinstatement Eligible - Previously held the title on a permanent competitive basis or held a title as indicated under the transfer eligible section on a permanent competitive basis.
or

Transfer Eligible - One year of permanent competitive service at Salary Grade 11 or higher and either:

Eligible for transfer under Section 70.4: Must meet the open competitive minimum qualifications - listed below;
or

Eligible for transfer under Section 70.1: Permanent competitive service as a Fish and Wildlife Technician 2, Fish and Wildlife Technician 3. Biologist 1 Aquatic, Biologist 1 Ecology, Biologist 1 Marine or Biologist 1 Wildlife.

55-b/55-c Candidates must meet the open competitive minimum qualifications below and include with their resume or application, a copy of the letter from Civil Service which indicates approval for the 55-b/55-c program.

Open competitive minimum qualifications (provided for 55b/c candidates and 70.4 transfer eligibles):

A bachelor's or higher degree including or supplemented by 18 semester credit hours in advanced big game management, advanced wildlife management, agriculture and wildlife, animal behavior, animal physiology, animal population modeling, behavioral and physiological ecology of wildlife, behavioral ecology, biology and management of waterfowl, biology of birds and mammals, biology of the vertebrates, bird biology and conservation, conservation biology (wildlife), concepts in habitat selection and foraging behavior, dynamics of animal populations, ecology of animal populations, ecology of freshwater mussels, ecology of freshwater wetlands, endangered species, entomology (insects), environmental and natural resources policies, environmental conflict and citizens participation, environmental law and policy, ethology, field biology, field natural history, field ornithology, forest entomology, forest ecology or silvics, forest wildlife ecology, forest wildlife management, freshwater mussels biology, freshwater mussel identification, freshwater wetland ecosystems, game birds and mammals, habitat analysis, habitat ecology, habitat inventory and evaluation, herpetology (amphibians, reptiles), introduction to quantitative and population genetics, introduction to wildlife biology, invertebrate zoology, management of wildlife habitats and populations, management of wildlife populations, mammalogy, mammalian ecology, natural resources management, natural resources policy, planning and administration, ornithology, plant and herbivore interactions, population dynamics and introductory modeling for biologists, population ecology, population genetics, population evolution, predator ecology and management, principles of conservation, principles of fish and wildlife management, principles of wildlife management, radio telemetry in fisheries and wildlife research, research in wildlife science, terrestrial community ecology, upland wildlife ecology, urban fish and wildlife management, urban wildlife, vertebrate ecology, vertebrate zoology, waterfowl and wetlands seminar, waterfowl biology and management, wetland ecology, wetland resources, wildlife, wildlife biology, wildlife conservation, wildlife ecology, wildlife ecology and management, wildlife habitat analysis, wildlife habitats and populations, wildlife habitat management, wildlife management, wildlife management internship, wildlife management laboratory, wildlife philosophy, policy and public relations, wildlife policy, wildlife population, wildlife health, wildlife population dynamics, wildlife problems, wildlife techniques, world wildlife, wilderness wildlife management.

Examples of Non-Qualifying Courses: animal histology; comparative anatomy and physiology; principles of evolution; zoology; introductory or survey courses such as general biology; general zoology; courses that focus on farm, non-native captive or zoo animals; population demographics or dynamics of people; or horticultural/landscape architecture.

Additional Comments Must have a valid driver’s license or demonstrate the ability to meet the transportation needs of the position.
Must be able to negotiate difficult terrain.
Must be able to work in remote areas.
Must be able to work in adverse weather conditions.
Travel may be required.
Overtime may be required.
Overnight travel may be required.
Weekends and holidays may be required.
Must be able to lift and move objects up to 50 pounds.
Telecommuting may be available, will be discussed at interview.

We offer a work-life balance and a generous benefits package, worth 65% of salary, including:

• Holiday & Paid Time Off
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• Pension from New York State Employees’ Retirement System
• Shift & Geographic pay differentials
• Affordable Health Care options
• Family dental and vision benefits at no additional cost
• NYS Deferred Compensation plan
• Access to NY 529 and NY ABLE College Savings Programs, and U.S. Savings Bonds
• And many more...

For new State employees appointed to graded positions, the annual salary is the hiring rate (beginning of the Salary Range) of the position. Promotion salaries are calculated by the NYS Office of the State Comptroller in accordance with NYS Civil Service Law, OSC Payroll rules and regulations and negotiated union contracts.

The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is committed to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. Our work would not be possible without the diverse backgrounds, experiences, ideas, and abilities of our employees. DEC is committed to developing a workforce which represents the diverse population of New York State. DEC embraces a diverse and inclusive work environment by encouraging all individuals, including those with disabilities, to apply to open positions at the agency.

Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.

How to Apply

Name Karen Price

Telephone 518-402-9273

Fax 518-402-9038

Email Address PostingResponses@dec.ny.gov

Address

Street 625 Broadway

Personnel, 10th Floor

City Albany

State NY

Zip Code 12233

 

Notes on ApplyingPlease email/mail your resume to the above. Be sure to include Vacancy #25-185554 on your letter/resume and also in the subject line of the email or it may not be accepted. Provide a copy of your college transcript with your reply. Unofficial copy is acceptable.