Assistant Fisheries Biologist - District 4 Cikana SFH

Agency: Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Location: Cikana State Fish Hatchery, Martinsville, Indiana (Fisheries District 4).

Salary: Starting at $42,900.00, commensurate with education or work experience.

Role Overview

The incumbent will be responsible for assisting in the development, implementation, and evaluation of fisheries management programs in Fisheries District 4, which spans 22 counties in central Indiana. The position is stationed at the Cikana State Fish Hatchery in Martinsville, with direct supervision provided by the District 4 Fisheries Management Biologist.

Position specific details include the ability to work collaboratively with State Parks, State Forest and local municipalities on public waters under their jurisdiction. The work schedule for field work and meetings can include workdays longer than 7.5 hours, fish surveys after dark and into the next workday. Flexibility for work hours, bad weather, and lake and stream conditions is essential for safe and successful field work.

A Day in the Life

• Plan and conduct scientific investigations to gather data on population status, resource utilization, or environmental conditions for management and research needs.
• Survey and collect data and samples for process and analysis using standard techniques.
• Conduct laboratory analyses utilizing a variety of technical equipment.
• Assist with environmental permitting and reviews.
• Assist in the evaluation and interpretation of data from analyses and investigations.
• Classify environmental conditions according to established standards and biological guidelines.
• Make recommendations for program objectives and policies dealing with routine problems.
• Write and edit technical reports on daily operations, program implementation, results, and goals obtained.
• Assist other biologists on large-scale research and management projects.
• Assist with special programs, projects, and investigations.
• Research, develop, and apply new methods of analyses and reviews current information.
• Responsible for the protection and improvement of habitat for all land and aquatic life.
• Assist with planning and conducting population investigations, compiling, and interpreting scientific data, and writing scientific reports.

What You'll Need for Success

• Minimum of a Bachelor's degree within a Natural Resource related field.
• Advanced knowledge of botany, ecology, biology, and zoology.
• Practical knowledge of legal guidelines as they apply to performance of duties.
• Ability to interpret technical material in books, manuals, and journals; write and/or edit scientific documents.
• Ability to plan and conduct investigations, surveys, and collection of data, including the ability to deal with unprecedented situations.
• Ability to analyze samples using various types of equipment and procedures.
• Ability to interpret data and apply interpretations.
• Ability to operate and maintain equipment.
• Excellent oral & written communication skills.
• Ability to learn to use statistical packages and other software (e.g., ArcGIS) for data analysis and data retrieval.
• Possess great organizational skills with the ability to prioritize variable workloads and multiple projects.
• Ability to maintain cooperative work relationships with other staff and external partners/cooperators.
• Ability to obtain and maintain professional licenses.
• Must be able to obtain an Indiana driver's license.
• Specialized knowledge of biological principles and life histories of aquatic communities including fish and plants, as well as limnology, ichthyology, fisheries management, and aquatic resource management.
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision and coordinate responsibilities and schedules with a supervisor outside of the office, including equipment maintenance, storage, and preparation pre- and post-fish surveys.
• Experience in boating, trailing boats and pulling them with a full-size pick-up truck.

Benefits

• Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage), vision and dental plans.
• Health savings account with bi-weekly state contribution.
• Deferred compensation 457(b) account with employer match.
• Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options.
• 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers.
• Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave.
• Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave.
• 12 paid holidays (14 on election years).
• Education Reimbursement Program.
• Group life insurance.
• Employee assistance program.
• Free LinkedIn Learning access.