Area Wildlife Biologist (Fisheries Wildlife Biologist III)
Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks
Manhattan, Kansas
AREA WILDLIFE BIOLOGIST (FISHERIES WILDLIFE BIOLOGIST III) – Position #K0233912
This unclassified, full-time position is located in the Wildlife Division in the Manhattan NRCS Area 4 Office. This position is directly supervised by Brad Rueschhoff, Wildlife Regional Supervisor. The incumbent will spend 60% of their time working with private landowners in a four-county district. The remaining 40% of the incumbent’s time will be spent working with the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) to implement wildlife programs at the NRCS Area level.
The incumbent will be based in Manhattan, Kansas and has district responsibilities in Geary, Riley, Pottawatomie, and Nemaha counties. This position supervises a Wildlife Biologist I who assists with daily district wildlife duties while having primary responsibilities for Pottawatomie and Nemaha Counties. District duties involves organizing, coordinating and directing wildlife programs and projects; planning and implementing wildlife habitat projects through the Habitat First program on private land; administering walk-in hunting access program (WIHA) in assigned district, which includes property review, landowner contacts, contract negotiations, and posting of signs; assisting Public Lands Section with wildlife management programs; coordinating with local, state and federal agriculture and natural resource agencies and constituency groups; responding to animal damage complaints; coordinating and participating in public information and education efforts with other divisions and local media; conducting environmental assessments; providing technical services to private landowners and local governing units; preparing documents, reports, and wildlife management plans; conducting wildlife surveys; assisting other divisions and various state and federal agencies with environmental issues; completing various administrative duties necessary to support the district wildlife management program; and special projects as assigned.
NRCS Area Responsibilities: The incumbent is responsible for both internal program delivery and providing wildlife management coordination to NRCS Area 4 staff. Specifically, these duties include wetlands determinations, wetlands mitigations, wetland creation, enhancement and restoration. The incumbent also serves as the easement liaison for WRP, GRP, ACEP-ALE and ACEP-WRE assisting with monitoring and compatible use authorizations.
The incumbent also provides wildlife technical assistance associated with Farm Bill programs such as CRP, RCPP, and EQIP programs. Specific job assignments and supervision will be provided by the NRCS Area Conservationist. A general outline of duties includes providing coordination between KDWP and NRCS; implementing wildlife management provisions into USDA’s farm bill programs at the NRCS area/county level; and provide technical advice to NRCS staff to develop USDA statewide programs and policies.
BENEFITS: Beginning hourly wage, $30.44/hour; immediate group health and life insurance coverage; retirement; optional deferred compensation, dental and vision options; holidays; and sick, vacation, and parental leave.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: Bachelor’s Degree in fisheries science/management or wildlife science/management AND two years of related work experience. Other degrees relating to this field may be considered. Education may be substituted by the agency. The successful candidate must pass a background check and possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.
ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS/ABILITIES: The successful applicant must have a mix of expertise in ecology, agricultural or related fields. The applicant must have good communication skills and be able to work in an interdisciplinary agency environment and with landowners. Computer skills are highly desirable.
HOW TO APPLY: Go to the State Employment Center at https://admin.ks.gov/services/state-employment-center and follow the directions below:
- Click in the middle under the Sunflower. From there either Sign into your existing account or Register for a new account.
- Review and complete your contact information on the My Contact Information page. Please make sure to include your email address.
- Upload documents listed in the Required Documents section of this job posting to the appropriate location.
- Complete and Submit your application.
- Check your email and My Job Notifications for written communications from the Recruiter.
- Email - the email listed on the Careers>My Contact Information page.
- Notifications - view the Careers>My Job Notifications page
The following are the required items to apply:
1) a letter of interest
2) a detailed resume; including a valid e-mail address
3) transcript material, if applicable, (copies of official transcripts or unofficial student copies are acceptable as long as degree is conferred)
4) employment application – this is generated from the information which is input into the system
5) an Authorization to Release Information form** (this can be found at the following website):
https://www.ksoutdoors.com/news/KDWP-Info/Jobs/Employment-Application-Additional-Info
**Please note, this form must either be witnessed and signed by a Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks employee or signed in front of and notarized by a notary public. We reserve the right to conduct a background check on all qualified applicants.
Incomplete applications will not be considered. A complete application packet must be submitted for each position. We no longer make copies of previous applications. Submitted application materials will be reviewed in Pratt to assure that the position minimum requirements are met, and those meeting the minimum requirements will be forwarded to the respective division for interview selection.
Applicants are notified whether or not they are selected to interview. The interview is generally a one-time, panel interview consisting of position-specific questions for all applicants (same questions for each applicant), with the selection being made after all candidate interviews are completed.
Veterans’ Preference Eligible (VPE): Former military personnel or their spouse that have been verified as a “veteran” under K.S.A. 73-201 will receive an interview if they meet the minimum requirements of the position. The veterans’ preference laws do not guarantee the veteran a job. Positions are filled with the best qualified candidate as determined by the appointing authority. Additional VPE information can be found at https://admin.ks.gov/services/state-employment-center/veterans. Applicants claiming veterans’ preference for the first time must mail a copy of your DD-214 to the Office of Personnel Services, 900 SW Jackson, Room 401-N, Topeka KS 66612, or FAX to 785/291-3715.
Disability Hiring Preference: If you are claiming Disability Hiring Preference for the first time please mail a copy of your supplemental security income or social security disability insurance determination letter, letter from a managed care organization or qualified medical professional attesting to the disability, home and community-based services waiver approval letter, or vocational rehabilitation letter from a vocational rehabilitation counselor. These documents can be sent by fax to (785) 296-7712, scanned and emailed to Gustavo.Victoriano@ks.gov, or can be mailed or delivered in-person to ATTN: Disability Hiring Preference Coordinator, Office of Personnel Services, 900 SW Jackson Rm 401-N, Topeka, KS 66612. Visit https://admin.ks.gov/offices/personnel-services/jobs/disabilityhiring-preference for more information.
DEADLINE TO APPLY – February 24, 2025
The State of Kansas is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion as essential elements that create and foster a welcoming workplace. All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, political affiliation, disability or any other factor unrelated to the essential functions of the job.
If you wish to identify yourself as a qualified person with a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act and would like to request an accommodation, please address the request to the recruiter.
When you apply, please indicate that you are responding to the posting on Conservation Job Board.
| Category | Fisheries, Wildlife |
Email Subscription Activated