Fish and Wildlife Scientist III

The Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife Department (VDFW) seeks to hire a Fish and Wildlife Scientist III position for the role of Fish and Wildlife Regulatory Review/Habitat Protection Ecologist. This is an excellent opportunity to make a difference for fish and wildlife habitat conservation in a small but ecologically important state. The position involves representing VFWD's interests in maintaining an ecologically functional landscape by protecting forest blocks, ecological landscape connectivity, and natural communities in the state's land use regulatory and permitting processes, as well as supporting other fish and wildlife conservation work as needed. This is a permanent, full-time position and will work within the Wildlife Division focused on natural community ecology and ecological landscape connectivity statewide based out of the Barre, VT office.

Responsibilities:

The position will support the VFWD's interests in protecting fish and wildlife habitat via Act 250, with a special focus on updated jurisdictional framework created under Act 181. Primary responsibilities include reviewing residential and commercial development proposals and permit applications and making recommendations to address impacts to forest blocks, ecological landscape connectivity, natural communities as well as wildlife habitats, rare species, and other natural resource interests. Work includes conducting natural community inventory, habitat impact assessments and field reviews, coordinating and consulting with other VFWD and Agency of Natural Resources staff, as well as working with developers, consultants, and attorneys to avoid, minimize, or mitigate impacts to forest blocks, ecological connectivity, and wildlife habitat. The position will be required to develop biological opinions to represent VFWD's interests through official regulatory processes, and in-person testimony may be required. Other responsibilities may include delivering outreach and training, contributing to conservation planning and statewide mapping efforts, supporting interagency initiatives focused on biodiversity, landscape resilience, and smart growth, supporting state land management, species surveys, collecting biological and environmental data, data entry, GIS analysis, editing, and map production among others. This position requires occasional work under adverse field conditions and sometimes stressful circumstances negotiating settlements with developers, consultants, and attorneys.

The successful applicant will be an individual who has a background in natural community ecology and/or development review, has exceptional time and task management, is fluent in digital program use and application, able to negotiate tight seasonal and permitting schedules, and is committed to upholding the mission of the department while providing consistent and helpful service to the people of Vermont.

• Working knowledge of environment regulations and policy in Vermont or another state, and broad natural resource protection principles. (Previous knowledge specific to Vermont regulatory processes is extremely beneficial but not required.)
• Working knowledge of natural community ecology, habitat and landscape connectivity, riparian ecology, terrestrial ecology, and ecological processes
• Strong field assessment skills across forest, wetland, and upland natural communities
• Ability to synthesize complex ecological data for policy and regulatory audiences
• Exceptional organizational skills and time management
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Familiarity with basics of Geographic Information Systems, and data entry across Microsoft program applications (Access, Excel, Word)
• Ability to work collaboratively both with broad public stakeholders and agency staff
• Ability to successfully manage multiple projects with varying deadlines, requirements, and stakeholders

This position, Fish and Wildlife Scientist III (Job Requisition #53811), is open to all State employees and external applicants.
If you would like more information about this position, please contact noel.dodge@vermont.gov
Please note that multiple positions in the same work location may be filled from this job posting.
Resumes will not be accepted via e-mail. You must apply online to be considered.

Duties are performed in both an office and a field setting. Field work may require traversing rough terrain and bodies of water in all weather conditions. Duties may require work outside of normal office hours. Attendance is required at a variety of public meetings, hearings, and seminars, where strong adversarial opinions and some hostility may be encountered. Private means of transportation may be required for necessary travel.

Master's degree or higher in biology or a natural resources field.

OR

Bachelor's degree or higher in biology or a natural resources field AND two (2) years or more of experience in a natural resources field.

OR

One (1) year or more as a Fish & Wildlife Scientist II with the State of Vermont.

As a State employee you are offered a great career opportunity, but it's more than a paycheck. The State's total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits that are worth about 30% of your total compensation, including:

• 80% State paid medical premium and a dental plan at no cost for employees and their families
• Work/Life balance: 11 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan
• State Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FMLI)
• Two ways to save for your retirement: A State defined benefit pension plan and a deferred compensation 457(b) plan
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Flexible spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts
• Low cost group life insurance
• Incentive-based Wellness Program
• Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

Want the specifics? Explore the Benefits of State Employment on our website.