Natural Resources Job Board

Title: Wildlife Diversity/Natural Heritage Assistant Zoologist

Pay Rate: $15.00 to $17.00 per hour based on experience

Start Date: June 3, 2024

Duration: Not to exceed 2080 hours per calendar year.

Supervisor: Mack Frantz, Wildlife Diversity/Natural Heritage Zoologist, 304-825-6787

Housing: The applicant will be expected to secure their own housing. Temporary shared bunk housing may be available by request at the Elkins Operation Center (EOC). Ongoing projects are state-wide, but Elkins is central to the majority of the work.

Description: Under the direction of the Wildlife Diversity/Natural Heritage Zoologist, the Wildlife Diversity/Natural Heritage Assistant Zoologist will assist with biological monitoring and research projects related to non-game small mammals and invertebrates statewide, to include, but not limited to, Water Shrew surveys and telemetry, Allegheny Woodrat radio telemetry and camera trap surveys, firefly surveys, lagomorph surveys, and Motus wildlife tracking system installation projects. Under the guidance of the Zoologist, the Assistant Zoologist will be responsible for periodically compiling data from online repositories and management of a citizen/community science database. The Assistant Zoologist will assist in outreach and education resulting from any WVDNR citizen/community science projects. As part of the Natural Heritage Program, the Assistant Zoologist will concurrently assist in Biotics data management, data archiving, data review, data requests, and data entry of species of greatest conservation need (SGCNs) using NatureServe methodology and standards. Natural Heritage Program tasks will be prioritized in preparation for the 2025 State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP).

This is a great opportunity for a recent graduate to gain invaluable experience working for a state fish and wildlife agency and network with wildlife professionals. The Assistant Zoologist will have potential opportunities to assist the Zoologist with staff projects from all non-game taxa groups as they arise and learn Natural Heritage methodology. The position is allotted 2080 hours annually with good possibility of renewal.

Minimum Qualifications: A B.S. or B.A. in wildlife ecology, conservation biology, or similar field. M.S. preferred. A valid driver’s license and clean driving record is required. Experience with identifying regional flora and fauna, especially small mammals and invertebrates. Experience using Microsoft Office programs (e.g. Excel and Access), Google Workspace (e.g. Docs and Sheets), and creating professional documents, presentations, and spreadsheets. Experience using R/RStudio and ArcMap GIS preferred; preference will be given to applicants with experience in data management and R/RStudio competency as the Assistant Zoologist will have the opportunity to assist with analysis of long-term and large datasets. Experience using a variety of wildlife techniques, including a variety of trapping techniques such as use of museum special traps, Sherman traps, and camera traps. Rabies pre-exposure vaccination preferred and will be required for handling live mammals. Able to assess and prioritize multiple tasks, projects and demands. Must be detail-oriented and able to maintain a supplies inventory and make project purchases on a budget. Ability to learn and solve complex problems independently in the field and office with little supervision. Must be okay with carrying up to 50 pounds of equipment in the field.

Application Materials: Applications should include a current resume or CV detailing the applicant’s education and relevant experience, a cover letter explaining how the applicant meets all the minimum qualifications, and contact information for three professional references. Applications should be saved as a single PDF or Word document and emailed to Mack Frantz at mack.w.frantz@wv.gov by May 3rd, 2024 at 11:59PM to be considered.