Habitat Protection Biologist - Limited Service

The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department (VFWD) seeks to hire a Fish and Wildlife Scientist III position for the role of Fish and Wildlife Regulatory Review/Habitat Protection Biologist. This is an excellent opportunity to make a difference for fish and wildlife habitat conservation in a small state by protecting wildlife species and their habitats. The positions involve representing VFWD's interests in protecting fish and wildlife habitat through land use regulatory and permitting processes, in addition to supporting other fish and wildlife conservation work as described below. The position will work within the Wildlife Division focused on terrestrial species and habitats based in Barre, VT. This position is limited service and currently funded through June 30, 2027, with potential for extension.

Responsibilities:
The position will support the VFWD's interests in protecting fish and wildlife habitat through land use regulatory processes. Primary responsibilities include reviewing residential and commercial development proposals and permit applications and making recommendations to address impacts to fish and wildlife habitats, rare species, and other natural resource interests. This includes conducting 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 fish 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 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 exceptional time 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 customer service to the people of Vermont.

Desired Skills/Knowledge:
- 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 fish and wildlife biology and ecology, river science, riparian ecology, terrestrial ecology, natural communities, and ecological processes.
- Exceptional organizational skills and time management.
- Strong written and oral communication skills, both to broad public stakeholders and with agency staff.
- 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, Habitat Protection Biologist - Limited Service (Job Requisition #51329), is open to all State employees and external applicants. It is a Limited Service position, which is non-tenured and authorized for a specific period of time. Limited Service positions are established for specially funded projects or programs.
If you would like more information about the duration of this position or other details, please contactnoel.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.