Job Description

Work for Indiana

Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.

About the Department of Natural Resources (DNR):

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources protects, enhances, preserves, and wisely uses natural, cultural, and recreational resources for the benefit of Indiana's citizens through professional leadership, management, and education. DNR Fish & Wildlife enriches the quality of life for present and future generations by balancing the biological, ecological, recreational, and economic benefits of Indiana’s fish, wildlife, and their habitats.

Role Overview : 

The Big Rivers unit oversees management of the "Big Rivers" in the state of Indiana. "Big Rivers" are defined as the Ohio, Wabash, White, and Patoka Rivers. The main reasons for a work unit dedicated to the Big Rivers include the commercial fishing industry and, in the case of the Wabash and Ohio Rivers, interjurisdictional management. Commercially harvested species like catfish, paddlefish, and shovelnose sturgeon are the focus of the work unit however the overall fish community surveys occur. Work with the invasive carp unit arises as needed. Field work consists of hoop netting, electrofishing, trot lining, drift netting, gill netting, and other methods. Most field work is done in the spring and summer, however there are other projects that occur in different times of the year. Field work consists of approximately 30% of duties but varies with season and year. Office work consists of entering commercial fishing data, estimating fish ages, fixing equipment, managing databases, help in the writing of reports, and communicating and collaborating with the public and other professionals within and outside of the state. This position is stationed out of Sugar Ridge Fish and Wildlife Area office in Winslow, Indiana.

Salary Statement : 

The salary for this position traditionally starts at $42,900.00 but may be commensurate with education or work experience.

A Day in the Life:

The essential functions of this role are as follows: 

• 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.

The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

This position is exempt from overtime compensation for additional work hours which may be required to complete essential functions or other assigned work. Exempt employees may work more than 75 hours in a pay period without additional compensation and must report a minimum of 75 hours per pay period of work hours and/or paid leave taken to receive their base biweekly salary.

What You'll Need for Success:

You must meet the following requirement to be considered for employment: 

• 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. 
• Able to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

You must satisfy the following requirement to continue employment: 

• Ability to obtain and maintain professional licenses.
• Must be able to obtain an Indiana driver's license. 

Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:

This role may be utilized in a supervisory capacity based on agency needs.

Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:

The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes: 

• Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
• Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
• Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
• Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match
• Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
• A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:
  • 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 time off
• 12 paid holidays, 14 on election years
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Group life insurance
• Referral Bonus program
• Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
• Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
• Free Parking for most positions
• Free LinkedIn Learning access

   

Equal Employment Opportunity:

The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at jobs@spd.IN.gov .

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