Assistant Wildlife Disease Biologist

ASSISTANT WILDLIFE DISEASE BIOLOGIST

Location:        

DNREC- Division of Fish and Wildlife                          

McKay Field Office                                                              

6180 Hay Point Landing Road

Smyrna, DE 19977

Deadline:  Until Filled

Salary:        $46,412.56

This is not a State of Delaware merit position.  It is a one-year contractual position with the opportunity to work long term.

The Kent Conservation District (KCD), a governmental subdivision of the State of Delaware, is seeking applicants for the contractual services position of Assistant Wildlife Disease Biologist with the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC), Division of Fish and Wildlife – Wildlife section.

JOB SUMMARY

The selected candidate will provide critical scientific data and technical support to the Division of Fish and Wildlife and other agencies to promote the conservation, protection, and responsible development of the State’s land, water, and wildlife resources with a particular focus on Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in deer.  This position will report to an Environmental Scientist III.  Day-to-day, this position will work directly with the entire CWD response management team to undertake field work and conservation measures for surveillance and management of CWD in Delaware.  When applicable, this position may also work with other lead biologists in the surveillance and management of additional wildlife diseases in Delaware, such as rabies, EHD, HPAI, and other emerging issues.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions and are not intended

to be an exhaustive list of all job duties.

• Works directly with lead project staff responsible for surveillance and management of Chronic Wasting Disease.
• Investigates disease in deer populations and habitats and recommends conservation, protection, and restoration practices to inform and guide management.
• Coordinates and collaborates with meat processors, taxidermists, private landowners, land managers, and hunters to facilitate the collection and processing of tissue samples consistent with agency protocols for CWD monitoring.
• Conducts field surveys of wildlife to guide site-specific management actions.
• Provides technical assistance through site evaluations and assisting staff biologists to assess habitat or species population status.
• Provides guidance on game and non-game wildlife for habitat restoration and management projects on private and public lands.
• Provides guidance and assistance to the general public concerning nuisance and injured wildlife.
• Organizes, processes, and analyzes large amounts of data.
• Assists with the writing and development of reports and presentations and provides information to partners in a timely manner.
• Coordinates and collaborates with volunteers and seasonal support staff.

JOB REQUIREMENTS 

Applicants must have the following:

1. Possession of a Bachelor’s degree or higher in Wildlife Management, Biology, Environmental Science, Natural Science or related field.
2. Six months of experience implementing biological principles and management practices as applied to wildlife biology and management, particularly as they relate to wildlife diseases.
3. Knowledge of the theories, concepts, principles, practices, and procedures of disease management and wildlife ecology.
4. Knowledge of the means and methods of analyzing and evaluating data.
5. Knowledge of ensuring compliance with environmental laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies, and procedures.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

1. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.  The Conservation District participates in the Federal E-Verify system to confirm you are authorized to work in the U.S.  The Conservation District shall require verification of identity, validating you are lawfully permitted to work in the United States beyond a temporary period without employment-based sponsorship.
2. The Conservation District does not provide sponsorship for holders of H-1B Visas.
3. Direct Deposit of paychecks is required of all new employees.
4. Possession of a valid Driver’s License is required (not suspended, revoked, cancelled, or disqualified from driving.)
5. Criminal Background Check: A satisfactory criminal background check is required as a condition of hire. The applicant may be required to pay for the criminal background check as part of the conditional offer of hire.

BENEFITS

The Kent Conservation District offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:  37.5-hour work week with flexible scheduling options, 9.5 hours per month of accrued vacation leave and 9.5 hours per month of accrued sick leave (prorated the first month of employment), and 12 paid holidays per year (holidays and floating holidays follow the State of Delaware schedule.)  Health insurance and pension are also included in the benefits package.

The Kent Conservation District is an equal opportunity employer and 

values a diverse workforce.

TO APPLY

Please email 1) Cover Letter, 2) Resume, and 3) Kent Conservation District Employment Application to:

Jamie L. Willey, MBA

DNREC District HR Manager

Jamie.L.Willey@delaware.gov

(302) 608-5478

Employment Application may be downloaded from the Kent Conservation District Job Opportunities website: KCD Website